Political Science Success Stories

Amer Araim, award recipient, Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County

Diablo Valley College professor Amer Araim was honored early November with an award from the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County (ICCCC). Dr. Araim has been active with ICCCC as far back as 2001, when he spoke at an ICCCC event after September 11, on behalf of the Muslim community, to condemn terrorism.

ICCCC, as the Council of Churches, became interfaith in 1997, widening its membership to include congregations and faith organizations that represent the growing, diverse population of Contra Costa County. On November 10, 2019, ICCCC presented Dr. Araim with an award for making a difference with his work for the faith community.

The award also recognizes his leadership on ICCCC’s council and executive committee, his teaching in the community about Islam and interfaith leadership as well as his many years at DVC leading the Model UN program. ICCCC and Dr. Araim, together, are committed to supporting the religious communities in Contra Costa County. Learn more about Dr. Araim.

Nicole Zapata, community organizer, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy

Nicole Zapata majored in Political Science at DVC and graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a B.A. in Political Science.  Nicole returns to her home in Contra Costa County as a community organizer with the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (EBASE), helping build a strong movement of immigrants, tenants and low-wage workers in the suburbs. Prior to EBASE, she interned at UNITE HERE Local 2850 as an organizer fighting to win respect, dignity and good jobs for food service workers in the East and North Bay. She also worked with UNITE HERE Local 19 organizing tech cafeteria workers in the Silicon Valley.  Outside of work, Nicole is a street drummer with Boomshake Music, a community program run by a collective of artists making music for creative expression, cultural survival and social change.

Jessica Cisneros - elected to the California Community College Trustees Board

Diablo Valley College is pleased to announce Jessica Cisneros, the 2017-2018 student member of the Contra Costa Community College District board of trustees, has been elected to the statewide California Community College Trustees Board. She will work to provide statewide policy direction on education, research initiatives, publications, workshops and conferences. 

Jessica is currently a political science major at DVC and is preparing to transfer to either UC Davis or UCLA. She is a member of the Latino Student Alliance, the Veterans Alliance, the Women’s Empowerment Club, the business fraternity Phi Beta Lambda, DVC Diversity Committee, and the Puente Project.

We congratulate Jessica on her achievements and thank her for representing not only DVC students, but all community college students across the state of California.