• Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
• Languages: English & Spanish (hablo español)

Prior to joining VC, Adrienne worked with HSI programs at Santa Barbara City College, California Lutheran University, and UC Santa Barbara. Her work has focused on implementing student engagement and faculty development programs that ignite critical discussions and review of institutional and curricular practices to develop an equity-centered, transformational experience that is culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of Latine/BIPOC students. Adrienne is a first-generation college graduate, earning a B.A. in English with a minor in Women's Studies (LGBTQ+ concentration) and a M.A. in Education with an emphasis in Cultural Perspectives and Comparative Education from UC Santa Barbara. Adrienne is a proud Ventura College Foundation Board Member and former Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) Council Member and Vice President of Praxis.

• Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
• Languages: English & Spanish (hablo español)

Maria is a first generation college graduate and VC Alumni. She transferred to Cal State Northridge where she completed a B.S. in Business Management. Prior to VC, Maria gained experience across different areas of the private sector. Her journey in higher Ed began at VC East Campus where she formed part of the Santa Clara River Valley community. Her passion for helping students originates from her experiences with underrepresented student populations. In her free time, she enjoys exercising and spending time with family & friends.

• Pronouns: She/Her

Erica is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department. Before joining VC, she was a faculty member at CSU Bakersfield where she mentored students in undergraduate research in addition to teaching biology. Erica is a first-generation college graduate and was a community college student herself before going on to complete a B.S. in Business, an M.S. in Biology from California State University, then a second master's degree (environmental studies) at UC Santa Cruz. She is currently a Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech, majoring in Integrative STEM Education. In her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with family and enjoys being out in nature, gardening, hiking, and exploring.

My name is Daniel Gonzalez and I am an 805 native. I am a proud product of the community college system. I graduated from Cal State Channel islands with a bachelors in Sociology and earned my Masters degree from the University of La Verne. The journey of accomplishing all this was not easy, as a first-generation Latino male in higher education I faced a lot of roadblocks but the connections and resources I made along the way helped me navigate higher education. My biggest advice is ask questions! there are no questions too big or too small. In my spare time you can catch me at a Dodger game or with a camera in my hand.

• Pronouns: She/Her
• Languages: English & Spanish (hablo español)

Gema is an Academic Counselor who specializes in working with STEM majors. She is a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies, Master of Science in School Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Credential, and a Doctorate in Higher Educational Leadership. As an avid STEM advocate, Gema enjoys working with STEM students to reach their academic potential and connect them to the necessary resources to be successful while at VC. In her free time, Gema enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new places.

On leave through June 6, 2025

• Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
• Languages: English & Spanish (hablo español)

Paulina is a graduate from CSU Channel Islands with a double Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Spanish. She has worked in student services for more than 10 years and has been with VCCCD for 7 years. Her passion is serving students and  believes in advocating for equitable access to education for historically marginalized populations. She spends her free time with her daughter Anapaulina, her dog Banana and her family. Paulina also loves listening to podcasts, reading, creating new experiences with her family and a nice long trip to Target with an iced coffee in hand.