In memory of Jasmyn Victoria Martínez-Bará

The Yasmyn Victoria for Social Justice Scholarship was established in memory of Jasmyn Victoria Martínez-Bará who graduated from San Francisco State University with honors in 2016. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students who have a commitment to social justice, aspirations for a career in law, and a desire to support their community like Jasmyn Victoria.

Jasmyn Victoria, who was also known as Yasmyn, entered this world on December 18, 1992, determined to share her fighting spirit and passion. By kindergarten, even her teacher noted on her report card, “Jasmyn surprises me at times with her worldly views of societal and ethical problems.” Moreover, her first-grade teacher shared that Yasmyn would come in during recess so that they could discuss life experiences, relationships, and share in offering advice. For anyone who knew Yasmyn, this is no surprise. She often shared that she was an old soul. Yasmyn had a special gift that allowed her to connect with people without judgement. She would see hope in people and in situations where most would see none. Yasmyn was unique and like a magnet. All were drawn to her and she to all.

Yasmyn was private but never alone. Yasmyn, or as some called her affectionately “Pachis” or “Big J”, had a big personality embraced with an infectious laugh. Her petite stature was misleading because there was nothing small about her. She had cat eyes that immediately comforted your soul. When she loved, she loved heavily. She pushed through life’s challenges, barriers, and disappointments, so that she could make a difference in the lives of those who had little voice. She wanted to be a beacon of justice. She protected those who were being bullied, even though she confronted it in her own life.

She forgave easily because she knew that people needed chances in life and that many good people were just in bad situations. She wanted to make a difference in an unjust world; a world shaped by a system that kept failing her and others. Yasmyn was humble and grounded. She would claim that she grew from the strong roots of the women in her family. Perseverance was coded in her determination and reflected in her strength.

Yasmyn advocated for those who were systemically impacted by inequities. She vowed to pursue a career in law, so that she could make a difference. Yasmyn was a trailblazer of her generation, graduating from San Francisco State University with honors and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and Latina/Latino studies. She was selected to be a teacher’s assistant and mentor as an undergraduate student because her professor, in offering his highest recommendation, stated that “she has an unusually mature intellect and her work showed deep and thought-provoking analysis.” Yasmyn was praised by her students. “She is compassionate, hardworking and brings positive energy to all she undertakes.”

She worked in K-12 education and volunteered in the community working with marginalized youth. She always thrived.

When Yasmyn got really sick, she developed what she called her “expedited plan.” Her pain was secondary to protecting those she loved. She tapped into her spirit for the courage to survive. She was concerned for her loved ones and wanted to give them the gift of time. She was scared but she continued to fight for her loved ones and for those who still needed her. There will never be another Yasmyn, another Pachis, another Big J, nor another Tapatio Twin.

Yasmyn passed with a smile surrounded by love on June 27, 2019, at the age of 26. The memories of this small ball of big fire who fought for justice and expressed love until her last breath challenges all to see hope in people even in situations where most would see none. She showed all the meaning of never giving up. She is an inspiration to all.