Mx. Menjivar-Vargas identifies as a queer individual of Puerto Rican and Salvadoran descent, with Indigenous Central American, Indigenous Caribbean, and African roots. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, they have strong ties to Contra Costa County. Growing up in predominantly working-class communities instilled in them a deep commitment to social justice and the necessity for meaningful change. They are passionate about providing mental health services that are culturally affirming, non-judgmental, and accessible to those in need.
After struggling with the public K-12 education system and ultimately dropping out of high school, Mx. Menjivar-Vargas earned their GED and began their journey in higher education. They obtained a Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), with a concentration in community mental health. Mx. Menjivar-Vargas also achieved a Dual Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Genders and Sexualities in Communities of Color and Comparative Ethnic Studies, graduating with honors (Summa Cum Laude) from CSUEB. Furthermore, they earned an Associate of Arts (AA) in La Raza Studies from Contra Costa Community College (CCC), an AA in Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences (CCC), and an Associate of Arts for Transfer in Social Justice: Latino and Chicano Studies (CCC) with honors.
Over the course of seven years and during a pandemic, their education has provided a strong foundation for their ability to work with and advocate for communities that have long been underserved by society. Through internships and prior experience as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), they have worked with diverse groups including first-year college students, the elderly, BIPOC communities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. In these roles, they provided advocacy and support to those in their care, always striving to achieve outcomes that serve the best interests of their clients.
In their free time, Mx. Menjivar-Vargas is an avid gamer, whether it be video games, board games, or Dungeons & Dragons. When they’re not gaming, they enjoy spending time with their husband and their dog, Benji, or reading science fiction and fantasy novels. Mx. Menjivar-Vargas also loves cooking and discovering new recipes on Instagram and TikTok to try out.
Aaron Menjivar-Vargas is a Registered Clinical Social Worker (#125187) working under the supervision of Erik Escareño, DSW, LCSW #108025.
