The only place-based lowrider studies conference in the world!

Skyline College - October 11, 2024

Welcome to the RIDE Conference

This year's conference, themed "Identify Our Goals," aims to help students connect their passions with potential fields of study or careers, leveraging Skyline College’s Guided Pathways and Interest Areas. It offers career panels, professional conversations, and workshops across various disciplines like STEM, Art, and Business, all viewed through the lens of Lowriding. The conference fosters a sense of belonging, sparks curiosity, and motivates students to envision broader life and career possibilities. Presenters are encouraged to contribute through traditional presentations, hands-on workshops, artistic showcases, or any other creative formats.

Registration is closed

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Registration is closed 〰️

Conference Agenda

  • Check-in & Light Refreshments: 9:00 am 

  • Welcome & Keynote Speech: 10:00 am

  • Workshop Sessions: 11:00 am

  • Lunch: 12:30 pm

  • Closing Remarks: 1:30 pm

  • Depart: 2:00 pm

Post-Conference Celebration

We would like to invite all participants and family to attend a night of Food, Music, Classic Cars, and giveaways

  • Classic Car Exhibit: 5:00pm-8:00pm

Meet Our Presenters

  • Bianca Elisa Guzman-Arellano

    PhD Student University of San Diego

    Decolonizing The Curriculum: The Intersection of Lowrider and S.T.E.A.M

  • Ricardo “Mr. Lowrider Fever” Cortez

    Director of Marketing at Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Chicano Research & Development, Author and Visioneer

    Mini-Murals con Estilo: Lowrider Collage

  • Brandi Mabutas

    Freelance Makeup Artist & Lowrider Photographer

    Lowrider Art Exhibit 

  • Jessica Marie “Ree” Obaña

    Social Justice Community Organizer and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMRG Collaborative Therapy and Vision Culture Foundation

    Lowrider Studies Reader: Culture, Resistance, Liberation, and Familia Panel

  • Daniel Osorio Item

    Film Instructor, Downtown College Prep - Alum Rock High School (DCP-ARHS) & Director/Producer, East Side Hero Films/Music

    Unmasking Identity: Exploring the
    Philosophical and Cultural Implications
    of Aztec Masks in Chicano Street Culture

  • Ashley Palomo

    Salon Owner & Hairstylist, Gypsy Rose Salon

    Empowering Women In Business and
    Lowriding

  • Mitzi Ulloa

    College Dance Instructor & High School Art Teacher, Sequoia Union High School District

    Lowrider Pedagogy In the Classroom


  • Juan Roman

    Lowriding Is More Than Just A Trend; It's A Rich and Enduring Culture

  • Angelina Loyola

    Professor, Chicana and Chicano Studies

    Culture Keepers: Mujeres Preserving Chican@ Art & Culture across Generations

  • John Ulloa

    Dean of Language Arts and Social Science

    Cruising at The Crossroads: Exploring
    Lowriding & Intersectionality

  • Minerva Banuelos Uribe

    Painter, Tesla

    Introduction to Pinstriping & Custom
    Paint

Ride Conference Team

  • Dionicio “Dino” Garcia

    Lead Coordinator

  • Joseph Jaballa

    Volunteer Coordination Lead

  • Manny Verdin

    Outreach Coordinator


  • Alexandra “Alex” Urbina

    Marketing / Social Media Co-Lead

  • Dionicio “Dino” Garcia is a lowrider, academic & career counselor, and educator at Skyline College with the Promise Scholars Program. His scope of practice is predominantly working with first-generation Latino youth in the Puente & Los Hermanos programs. In addition, Dionicio has co-developed and implemented a Men of Color program at College of San Mateo called Brothers Empowering Brothers focusing on reducing inequity for young men of color. He has also taught courses in Life and Career Planning and College Success through the lens of Lowriding. Dionicio was born and raised in South San Francisco, CA and grew up around Lowriding since birth where he grew his passion for his community and culture. Dionicio is member of Frisco’s Finest Car Club based out of the San Francisco Bay Area where he enjoys cruising his car and attending community events. Dionicio received a Bachelor’s in Hospitality & Tourism Management and a Master’s in Counseling, specializing in Career Counseling from San Francisco State University.

  • Joseph Jaballa was born and raised in the Bay Area and currently serves in higher education as the lead coordinator for Counseling @ Skyline College.  Aside from work, he is also a social media creative who rocks with everything fitness & fashion-related.

  • Manny Verdin is a South City native and a former Skyline student, whose connection to this campus and community runs deep. It was here where he learned who he was and what he wanted out of life, ultimately leading down the path of higher education and counseling. Now, as a recent graduate of San Francisco State’s M.S. in Counseling program, he is ready to learn, grow, and continue that good work that is so vital to our student population. He enjoys trying new foods, spending time with loved ones, and binging tv shows. He also loves cooking new recipes and also trying local food spots."


  • Alex is a first generation Latina from San Francisco. She is a Promise Scholars Program Counselor at College of San Mateo and is passionate about supporting students and creating beautiful experiences with her community. Besides being an educator, she likes curating expressive ideas through makeup and photoshoots.