Leonel Alvarez Ceja

Tialli (Hello),

My name is Leonel Alvarez Ceja; I am a first-generation Indigenous Chicano Philosopher. I am a first-year Ph.D. student (starting in Fall 2023) at the University of California Irvine. Social Ontology, Latinx, Chicanx, Mexican, Moral, Political, and Indigenous Mesoamerican Philosophy. My research currently focuses on constructing a comprehensive philosophical framework explaining the totality of the Xicanx (Chicanx) identity. That is, my primary aim is to analyze and give an account of the philosophical dimensions surrounding the origins, nature, and fate of Xicanx (Chicanx) identity.

Presently, I serve as a researcher to Calvin Normore at UCLA, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. Prior to that, I held a similar position under Katrina Elliott. Additionally, I am a co-founder and signatory of the MAP Chapter at UCLA.

I am originally from Aztlan, and my family currently resides in the rural villages of Paredones and Potrerillos (near the Purepecha village of Tzitzio), located in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. My ancestors are the indigenous communities (Purépecha and Azteca) that inhabited the Mexican highlands, a legacy that I hold in the utmost regard and reverence, paying homage to both my ancestors and the present-day elders.

My overarching objective is to utilize my philosophical research toward the preservation, inquiry, and advancement of the knowledge and wisdom of my people while contributing to the present-day pursuit of social justice, equity, and inclusivity.

In Lak’ech Ala K’in (You are another me)