Adriana La Fuente

Lecturer of Communication Studies Loyola Marymount University

  • Los Angeles CA

Teaching with Heart: Building Community, Inspiring Confidence, and Centering Student Voices.

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Loyola Marymount University

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Biography

I didn’t always love public speaking; in fact, I used to be terrified of it. But once I pushed myself to compete in speech and debate, something clicked. I not only learned how to manage my anxiety, but I fell in love with the power of finding and using my voice. That’s what motivates me to teach: I want to help my students discover that they, too, can rise above fear and speak with confidence.

As a proud Latina, native Spanish speaker, and single mom, I bring my lived experiences into the classroom to create a space where all students feel seen, supported, and celebrated. My teaching philosophy is grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion, not just as abstract values, but as daily practices. I believe our differences make us stronger, and every student deserves the tools and encouragement to grow both personally and professionally.

The joy in my classroom? It’s my students. Watching them lean into discomfort, try their best, and realize their own potential as communicators is what keeps me inspired. I’m passionate about helping students find their voice and apply what they learn far beyond the classroom. Expect laughter, real talk, and a whole lot of cheering you on.

I hold a Master’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Long Beach, and three Associate degrees in Communication Studies, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Criminal Justice. I currently teach at Loyola Marymount University, Cerritos College, Long Beach College, Cypress College, and California State University, Long Beach, where I specialize in public speaking, debate, and interpersonal communication.

Education

California State University, Long Beach

M.A.

Communication Studies

2024

California State University, Long Beach

B.A.

Communication Studies

2022

California State University, Long Beach

Minor

Translation Studies

2022

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Social

Areas of Expertise

Communication Sciences
Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
Public Speaking & Presentation
Argumentation and Debate
Social Justice Performance

Industry Expertise

Writing and Editing
Performing Arts
Research
Translation/Localization

Accomplishments

Top Paper Award in Interpersonal and Family Communication

2024-08-24

Paper Award in Interpersonal and Family Communication. February 2024
La Fuente, L. A., Carrera, D., and Kahn, A. S. (2024, February). Are We Close? Social Network Additions and Removals on Instagram as Expectancy Violations. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Western States Communication Association (WSCA).

Affiliations

  • National Communication Association (NCA)
  • Western States Communication Association (WSCA)

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Testimonials

Student

https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2842002

CSULB

"Super nice and understanding! Easy lectures, a couple of quizzes, 2 major speeches and 6 minor. She's super helpful especially if you're terrified of public speaking." (May 21st, 2024)

Student

https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2842002

CSULB

"My absolute fav instructor. So funny and you can tell she genuinely loves her students and the content. The discussions are graded a little tough but just connect back to the book and lectures! One speech which she prepares you for with affirming exercises. Absolutely love her, nothing bad to say about this class." (Nov 16th, 2022)

Style

Availability

  • Keynote
  • Moderator
  • Panelist
  • Workshop Leader

Articles

Understanding College Students’ Engagement in Friends With Benefits Relationships: The Roles of Attachment, Self-Esteem, and Loneliness

ProQuest

L. Adriana La Fuente

2024-05-30

This thesis examines how attachment styles, loneliness, and self-esteem may explain college students’ engagement in friends with benefits relationships (FWBRs) and how this cognitive-behavioral process may differ for females and males. A cross-sectional survey of 405 undergraduate students was conducted to test a novel theoretical model wherein loneliness and self-esteem mediate the relationships attachment anxiety and avoidance share with having ever engaged in a FWBR. Results indicated sex differences in how insecure attachment, loneliness, and self-esteem levels relate to engagement in FWBRs. Although reports from both females and males exhibited no direct associations between anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, or loneliness and engagement in FWBRs, the mediating functions of loneliness and self-esteem varied by sex. For women, loneliness and self-esteem mediated the relationships between attachment anxiety and FWBR engagement, and self-esteem mediated the relationship between attachment avoidance and FWBR engagement. However, counter to predictions, women who reported higher levels of self-esteem were more, not less, likely to have engaged in a FWBR. Males, in contrast, evidenced no clear connections between insecure attachment, loneliness, self-esteem, and engagement in FWBRs. Results highlight the value of examining how attachment styles may play different roles in predicting men’s and women’s engagement in casual sexual relationships such as FWBRs. Further research is needed to better understand how variation in attachment styles, personality traits, and sex roles relate to initiating and maintaining FWBRs.

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