LIFE@OSU

“I can think of no one with greater capacity to promote diversity; no one better positioned to infuse diversity into teaching, research, and service; no one who will truly ‘walk the talk’ of diversity better than Doris Cancel Tirado,” says professor Rick Settersten. For her commitment to equality, her passion for social justice and her leadership for Latino causes, Doris was recently awarded an impressive scholarship from the Oregon Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber in Portland. “Many of those involved with OHMC are pioneers who opened doors for me and others through their dedication to advancing the Latino community,” says Doris. “I am honored by this award that motivates me to keep working for the well-being of Latino families.”

A native Puerto Rican and first-generation college graduate, Doris received a master’s in counseling psychology then worked as a mental health counselor and parent educator, helping create culturally sensitive programming in the field of human services. Her desire to have a broader impact on the well-being of Latino families led her to pursue her PhD in human development and family studies and a minor in public health. In her dissertation, she plans to add to the little-researched field of Mexican immigrant fathers to understand how families make decisions about immigrating, moving children, and settling in rural Oregon.

Doris is a passionate advocate for equality. She is a member of OSU’s Committed to Diversity Task Force and was a leader in the college’s Climate Survey on Diversity and Community. She co-founded the non-profit Casa Latinos Unidos of Benton County that seeks to help integrate Latinos into the broader community. She also co-facilitated diversity training for employees of Benton County, the City of Corvallis and OSU.