Outreach Staff

Student Outreach Specialist 

Marisol Luna- López was raised in Santa Paula. She is a proud first-generation college graduate. She attended California State University, Channel Islands where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, along with two minors: Psychology and Chicana/o Studies. Soon after, she attended California State University, Northridge and obtained a Master of Arts in Educational Administration in Higher Education.

Marisol is the oldest of four and helped pave the way for her younger siblings and now she is supporting families to do the same. She loves to encourage students to reach their full potential/education and career goals; by educating the students and their families about the opportunities and resources they have available.

Marisol loves the work that she does because she sees herself in so many of the students that she serves, of similar backgrounds and aspirations. She wishes to create ripple effects, continuing to strive to create equity, a college-going culture and dismantle the barriers facing underserved students. Knowledge is power!

Aside from work, she enjoys spending quality time with her loving family and friends. Marisol loves to watch action, horror and comedy films, going to amusement parks (loves roller coasters) and discovering new books to read.

Student Outreach Specialist (Bilingual)

Susana is a first-generation Latina, born and raised in Ventura. She attended Ventura College as a student-athlete and became a transfer student to California State University, Channel Islands, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business. Upon graduation, she started her higher education experience at Moorpark College in 2015 and soon after transferred to Ventura College. Working with students enlightened a passion and decided to return to college to pursue a Master of Science in College Student Personnel, graduating from California Lutheran University in 2020.

Susana has worked for the Ventura County Community College District for over 8 years in different capacities. Her wealth of experience includes working with diverse student populations and serving the community. In her latest role, she served as an Admissions & Records Technician Bilingual, Athletic Eligibility Specialist and A&R Undocumented Student Liaison. She is passionate about supporting first generation and marginalized students achieve academic, personal and professional goals.

In her free time, she loves spending time with family, including her son and daughter, going on outdoor hikes and enjoying beautiful sunsets with a coffee in hand.

Student Success and Support Specialist II 

Pedro is a first generation Latino who was born and raised in Ventura. He attended Ventura College before transferring to California State University Channel Islands, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Performing Arts.

He began working in higher education in 2018 at California State University Channel Islands as a Financial Aid Specialist, where he helped students navigate the financial aid and college process. Before joining Ventura College, he also worked at University of California, Santa Barbara as an Undergraduate Advisor in the Biology Department, supporting students with academic planning, course selection, and reaching their educational goals.

With more than eight years of experience in higher education, Pedro enjoys helping students feel welcomed, supported, and connected throughout their college journey. As a Ventura College alumnus, he understands how important it is for students to feel comfortable asking questions and finding the right support as they transition into college life.

Outside of work, Pedro enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing soccer and chess, and expressing himself through breakdancing.

Student Success and Support Specialist II 

Kai Rice is a proud alumnus of the Ventura County Community College District. His journey in higher education began as a tutor, where he discovered a passion for helping students navigate resources, explore opportunities, and feel a genuine sense of connection on campus. That experience inspired him to earn a B.A. in Psychology from CSU Channel Islands, where he also contributed to higher-education research focused on student persistence in STEM fields.

Before joining Ventura College, Kai worked across several student services areas, helping departments use text messaging and outreach strategies to better connect with students. During this time, he assisted in launching the Tutoring Center’s two-way texting program, which contributed to improved student persistence in Math and English. He also helped support the launch of Moorpark College’s Academic Counseling Textline.

Outside of work, Kai enjoys playing piano, watching documentaries, and spending time with his family and two cats.

Student Success and Support Specialist II 

Vincent Jimenez is a proud Oxnard native and Ventura College alumnus, bringing over five years of experience supporting students within Ventura College’s Outreach team. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in History, with a minor in Chicano Studies, from California State University, Northridge.

Vincent currently serves as a Student Success and Support Specialist II in the Outreach Department, with a focus on Career Education. In this role, he is dedicated to connecting students with opportunities and promoting career education pathways that empower them to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Beyond his work in student services, Vincent is deeply engaged in the arts and education. He has taught poetry to K–12 students through the statewide organization California Poets in the Schools, helping young writers discover and develop their voices. He has also contributed to a statewide poetry anthology and brought that experience back to Ventura College, assisting in the creation of the college’s last three campus anthologies.

Vincent is a founding member of Poetas del Condado de Ventura, a collective dedicated to uplifting Latina/o and multilingual voices throughout the county.

Outside of his professional role, Vincent is an accomplished poet and performer, earning the title 

“The Latino Heat Poet.” He is a passionate advocate for education and remains committed to empowering students and strengthening his community through creativity, storytelling, and mentorship.

“In education, as in life, you have to know when to be technical and when to be a spectacle.” – Vincent Jimenez