SJSU commencement speaker

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman to ever serve in Congress, will deliver the commencement speech to San Jose State graduates at Spartan Stadium on May 25, 2020.

Known popularly as AOC, Ocasio-Cortez's stunning rise heralded a major progressive shift for the Democratic Party.

After her first speech from the House floor broke broadcast and social media records, her visit to San Jose is expected to garner similar attention with roughly 10,000 students and faculty scheduled to attend.

"I couldn't more excited — and nervous, honestly — to speak to the best and brightest minds of Silicon Valley, the home of progressive movements and activists, like Cesar Chavez," Ocasio-Cortez said over shrimp tacos at San Jose taqueria La Costa, kitty-corner from the city's Mexican Heritage Plaza.

The first-time Congresswoman has made waves barely a year into her term but shows no signs of backing down.

"I love speaking with students and I'm eager to remind them that anything is possible, especially for young Latinx women who see nothing but hostility directed at them by the current administration. What we're seeing now is so far removed from the American dream, and I'm here to remind them of that," she said, pausing to take a selfie with an adoring patron.

SJSU President Mary Papazian said, "it's not just students who will be inspired by AOC's humble beginnings, determination and poise, but all of us — myself included."