Three staff members at the Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus saw a need for current students to better connect with individuals in the community to develop professional networks and create mentorship programs.
Avi Rodriguez, Oscar Fonseca and Jazmin Vera created the University Alumni of the Coachella Valley to connect Palm Desert Campus students with those who have graduated from both a high school in the Coachella Valley and an accredited university, are working in the Coachella Valley and are willing to talk to current students about their experiences.
Each month, various alumni from throughout the Coachella Valley will be profiled on the program’s webpage and Instagram page. These profiles will allow PDC students to connect with participating alumni and view their LinkedIn profiles. It will also be an opportunity for alumni to showcase their personal and educational journeys from the beginning to their current employment.
The goal is for our university students to identify with alumni in the Coachella Valley, while making a long-lasting change in our community, and for our current students and university alumni to share experiences and make professional connections and mentorship opportunities outside the classroom.
The program is currently virtual due to COVID-19, but in the future, the hope is to have a leadership conference, networking dinners and other events to bring people together.
University alumni working in the Coachella Valley who are interested in participating as a mentor should submit an interest form.
For more information or questions about the program, please contact us.
February 18, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via Instagram Live on the UACV Instagram page.
Special Guest: Luis Rojas
Alumnus of Coachella Valley High School
Visit Luis' LinkedIn page
March 25, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via Instagram Live on the UACV Instagram page.
Special Guest: Carol Barry
Alumna of La Quinta High School
Visit Carol's LinkedIn page
April 15, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via Instagram Live on the UACV Instagram page.
Special Guest: Melissa Ceballos
Alumna of Coachella Valley High School
Visit Melissa's LinkedIn page
May 20, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via Instagram Live on the UACV Instagram page.
Special Guest: Agustin Arreola
Alumnus of Desert Mirage High School
Visit Agustin's LinkedIn page
June 24, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via Instagram Live on the UACV Instagram page.
Special Guest: Veronica Velez
Alumna of Desert Hot Springs High School
Visit Veronica's LinkedIn page
July 29, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via Instagram Live on the UACV Instagram page.
Special Guest: Carlos Blanco
Alumnus of Shadow Hills High School
Visit Carlos' LinkedIn page
September 30, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via Instagram Live on the UACV Instagram page.
Special Guest: Jonathan Engler
Alumnus of Palm Desert High School
Visit Jonathan's LinkedIn page
October 11, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via Instagram Live on the UACV Instagram page.
Special Guest: Kaylin Murphy
Alumna of Cathedral City High School
Visit Kaylin's LinkedIn page
October 12, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via Instagram Live on the UACV Instagram page.
Special Guest: Daniel Torres
Alumnus of Coachella Valley High School
Visit Daniel's LinkedIn page