VCCCD Alumni Stories | Where are they Now?

Dr. Oscar Cobian

What was your major?
Spanish

Where are you now? Tell us about what you do and how did you get there?
I am the vice president of student services at Oxnard College. I credit the faculty and staff at Ventura College for seeing the potential in me as a first-generation college student. As a result, I transferred to CSU Northridge. Subsequently, I received a master’s degree in counseling from California Lutheran University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California. It is a pleasure and honor to work in my community as an administrator at Oxnard College.

Robert C. Felix

What was your major?
General Studies: Natural Science

Where are you now? Tell us about what you do and how did you get there?
I am now staff at CSU Channel Islands as the transfer credit systems analyst. I recommend and implement solutions to manage processes in an efficient manner to improve customer service and productivity as it relates to transfer credit from all community colleges, mainly in California, to CSU Channel Islands.

I was previously an active duty Air Force medic, then an Air National Guard medic at Channel Islands Air National Guard at Point Mugu, retiring in October 2015 as a staff sargent. While I was in the Guard I took classes at Moorpark College and worked on campus in Admissions and Records assisting the VA Certifying Official. I was instrumental in creating and establishing the Veterans Resource Center there. After graduating from Moorpark, I started my bachelor’s program at CSU Channel Islands and worked in the Records and Registration department assisting the VA Certifying Official. After graduating at CSUCI in 2017 with a bachelor’s in psychology, I was hired on as an emergency hire with Enrollment Management’s Student Systems department. As of November 2018, I was officially hired on as the Transfer Credit Systems Analyst. I am also the Veteran’s Club staff advisor and I sit on the Veterans Success Committee at CSUCI.

Jessica Lau

What was your major?
Business

Where are you now? Tell us about what you do and how did you get there?
After graduating from Ventura College, I transferred to the University of Hawaii where I earned a BBA in Finance. When I moved back to California, I worked at a bank for a while until I discovered an accounting position at the Ventura County Community College District. Working for an educational institution inspired me to take my education even further by enrolling in a graduate program. I now have a Master of Science in Accountancy which I recently completed online through CSU Sacramento.

Diana Martin

What was your major?
Art

Where are you now? Tell us about what you do and how did you get there?
I am a graphic designer for the Ventura County Community College District Marketing and Communications department. Before this I was a graphic designer for Ventura College’s Marketing department. Combined I’ve been with VCCCD for just over 2 years. I got to where I am today in no small part due to my experience at Oxnard College. After receiving a liberal arts degree, I took a break from school as I was undecided on my career path. In 2013 I decided to reach out to my OC art professor Christine Morla for advice. With renewed confidence, thanks to Professor Morla’s kind and helpful words, I applied to CSU Channel Islands to transfer in Fall 2014. I received my Bachelor of Art degree with an emphasis in graphic design in December of 2016 and shortly after I was lucky enough to land a position with the community college district that helped shape my future. I am happy to be in a position to help other students achieve their dreams and make it happen for themselves.

Dr. Marian Carrasco Nungaray

What was your major?
General Liberal Arts & Sciences

Where are you now? Tell us about what you do and how did you get there?
After graduation from Oxnard College in 1985, I transferred to UC Berkeley where I obtained a degree in sociology.  Thereafter I started my career at VCCCD as a student loan specialist, then worked as a counselor assistant at Ventura College. After earning my Master’s in Counseling from California Lutheran University, I became a Transfer Center counselor.  

I am a life long learner and continued my studies in studying for a Master’s in Chicano Studies from CSU Northridge. I taught Chicano Studies at Oxnard College for eight years and stopped to pursue a doctoral degree. I earned my doctoral degree in higher education leadership from CLU in 2011 and then taught  leadership and counseling classes in both undergraduate and the Counseling Master’s program.

I am now the University Transfer Center coordinator at Ventura College. Teaching is a passion and I continue to teach part-time classes in career exploration and life planning. I am so fortunate to love my work with students. I enjoy motivating and inspiring students to pursue their educational dreams. 

Giselle Ramirez

What was your major?
Sociology

Where are you now? Tell us about what you do and how did you get there?
During my time at Moorpark College, I worked as a student assistant in the Counseling Office. It was there that I grew a passion for the field. I transferred to CSU Northridge while still working at Moorpark College and received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. I began a graduate program right after and graduated with my Master of Science in Counseling while still working at Moorpark College. I began my career at Moorpark College as a counselor shortly after graduation. I have been an employee at Moorpark College for 22 years. I love it here!!!

Victoria Spencer

What was your major?
Social Sciences

Where are you now? Tell us about what you do and how did you get there?
I am currently a senior director of sales and marketing for a senior living community in Thousand Oaks. My position is focused on maintaining and improving occupancy level and revenue production of the community. I represent the community and increase awareness through participation in outside events, professional groups, and community involvement in the local market. I manage, coach and train our sales team to maximize our sales effectiveness. After graduating from Ventura College, I started my career in Senior Living back in 2013 as a Community Relations Coordinator. Looking back I am grateful for my education and experience which led me to where I am at currently.