The DVC Student Ambassador program was created to help connect potential and current students to DVC campus resources. The Student Ambassador team works together under the direction of the Outreach/Relations with Schools Office to represent Diablo Valley College to prospective, new and returning students and their parents at events on campus and in the community. These student leaders help promote the many opportunities available at DVC by attending college nights at local high schools, leading campus tours, assisting with events, and making valuable connections with future and current students at Welcome Services. Maybe you have already seen Student Ambassadors on campus wearing their dark green polo shirts and friendly smiles!
For more information about the Student Ambassador program, contact Mercy Pono, at mpono@dvc.edu or 925-969-2115.
Schedule a tour with the Student Ambassadors!
Aldi C. was born and raised in Hong Kong before moving to California in May of 2018. Entering her second term here at DVC, Aldi has confidence in the decisions she has made for her educational and transfer goals. Aldi is thrilled to be a Student Ambassador, and hopes to use this opportunity to contribute to the community and share her enthusiasm and compassion. Aldi has had to learn to adapt to a new culture and environment, and wants students who are going through a similar adjustment to know she is there for them – come find her if you have questions, or need a friendly face to talk to!
Cody T. is a former member of the US Army serving in Germany, Lithuania and Israel. He graduated from Dougherty Valley High School in 2011 and is now attending Diablo Valley College. He is planning to attend The University of Chicago. Cody is also a part of DVC's Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) business club and has competed at the state level in business competitions, placing 2nd in the Future Business Executive competition. Cody loves helping students and other members of the community through his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and The Berkeley Project. Attending DVC has given him the opportunity to meet like-minded students and faculty members who are incredibly supportive in helping him reach his goals. Cody plans to leverage his unique experiences to help future students reach their potential and meet their goals through the Student Ambassador program.
Cristobal C. moved to California from Mexico back in 2002, and graduated from Briones Independent Study in 2012. After taking some time off from education and working full-time to support his family, Cristobal enrolled in DVC thanks to its variety of educational programs and supportive staff, who have helped guide him throughout his college career. While working side jobs with agencies such as the National Park Service, Cristobal has been able to attend classes towards earning the necessary credits to transfer to a UC, and is now studying at DVC to earn a degree in Environmental Sciences. Cristobal has enjoyed making new connections during his time at DVC, and is eager to use his role as a Student Ambassador to provide support for his fellow students. When he is not studying or working at his side jobs, Cristobal enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing or kayaking with his friends. His other hobbies include trying out new restaurants, volunteering, and taking naps in a hammock.
Fernanda O. graduated from Salesian College Preparatory in 2018. She is majoring in Architecture and plans to transfer into the CSU system to continue her education. Fernanda loves lending a helping hand and will always go out of her way for people, so she felt becoming a Student Ambassador is the perfect fit for her. Coming to DVC has presented Fernanda with great opportunities, and has introduced her to a variety of people from different backgrounds. She feels that attending DVC is the best choice she has ever made.
Gabrielle P. graduated from Valley High School in June 2016, and has been attending DVC for two years. She is working towards obtaining an associate’s degree in her major of Psychology, before transferring to a CSU. Gabrielle enjoys meeting other students at DVC and hearing about their educational journeys. She is excited to start her journey as a Student Ambassador, and is eager to help as many people as she can. Gabrielle loves to spend time with her family, going out to restaurants with others, and taking care of her nieces and nephews.
Isabelle Y. graduated early from Campolindo High School after passing the CHSPE, an exit exam, in summer 2016. Isabelle is majoring in Psychology and is planning to transfer to a four-year university. Aside from being a Student Ambassador, Isabelle does a lot of volunteer work, and enjoys being outdoors. She hopes to use her Psychology degree to make an impact in the lives of those around her. Becoming a Student Ambassador is one of the first steps in Isabelle's goal to do so.
Kayla L. graduated from the Galileo Academy of Science and Technology, and is attending her first term at DVC. While interning at CORO’s Exploring Leadership program in Oakland and San Francisco, Kayla found a passion for social justice. After discovering her love for helping others, and the legislative system, Kayla decided to pursue a degree in political science. She is planning to obtain an associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year university. Kayla is a part of EOPS (Extended Opportunities Programs and Services), which provides her with counseling, peer advisors, book vouchers, and more. Through that counseling, Kayla has been able to plan her next two years at DVC to ensure she will complete the required courses she needs in order to transfer. Off campus, she likes going out to San Francisco to catch up with her friends or exploring the East Bay with her sisters. Attending DVC has been the best choice for Kayla, and becoming a Student Ambassador will allow her to learn, grow, and help more people.
Kimmy G. graduated from Monte Vista High School in July of 2018. Kimmy plans to use her time at DVC to obtain an associate’s degree in biology. She also hopes to earn additional degrees and certificates before transferring to a UC. Kimmy imbues enthusiasm into everything she does, and has channeled this into getting involved at DVC. She is part of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society, and she is a member of DVC’s FOM (Friends of MESA - Math, Engineering, Science, and Achievement) program as well as the Women in STEM club. She loves to help others and is excited to be at DVC to serve the community as a Student Ambassador!
Lika S. completed most of her education in Côte d’Ivoire - a country located in West Africa, before moving to the US and graduating from McDonough High School in 2018. She is currently working towards an associate’s degree here at DVC, and plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a Business and Marketing major. Lika loves getting involved on campus, and aside from being a Student Ambassador, Lika is also a French tutor and a member of Phi Beta Lambda. She loves to be around people and is an outgoing person.
Maheen B. graduated from Angelo Rodriguez High School in June of 2017, and has been attending DVC for a year. She is currently working towards obtaining an associate degree in Political Science, and plans to transfer to a UC. Maheen loves the diversity and the opportunities offered for students to succeed in the future. In her spare time, Maheen volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at her local mosque, and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Maria H. graduated from Concord High School in June of 2016, and has been attending DVC for two years. Maria is majoring in Sociology and is planning to transfer to a CSU by next year. She plans to use her Sociology background to become a social worker focusing on care for the elderly. In her spare time, Maria enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family and friends. Maria wants to improve her communication skills and as help as many students as possible while she serves as a Student Ambassador.
Melissa N. graduated from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, California in 2018. She is currently in her first year at DVC and is taking a range of classes in an effort to allow her to narrow down her interests so she can choose a major soon. She plans to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree. So far, Melissa has been involved with Students for the Advancement of Global Education and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society. She loves the support she has found in both of the clubs and the great work they do. She has had an amazing time exploring a variety of subjects through her classes, and hopes to inspire others to get their head start at DVC as she has.
Nastaran Q. graduated from College Park High School in June of 2015, and has been attending DVC for three years. She is currently working towards obtaining an associate degree in her major of Psychology, and plans to transfer to a UC. Nastaran loves the diversity and the welcoming atmosphere of DVC, as well as the many opportunities offered for students to succeed. Nastaran enjoys working as a Student Ambassador, as she sees it as an opportunity for her to grow and develop her skills, while also helping out as many students as possible! In her spare time, Nastaran works as a volunteer, enjoys exploring the outdoors, and spends as much quality time with her friends and family as she can.
Pratistha M. is an international student here at Diablo Valley College, who was born and raised in Nepal. After graduating from Uniglobe High School in June 2016, she decided to further her education in the United States. She came to the US in late July of 2017 and began attending Diablo Valley College. She is planning to get an associate’s degree in Computer Science and transfer to a four-year university. Pratistha loves the diversity on campus, and feels that the diversity enables her to meet others from a variety of backgrounds. For Pratistha, becoming a Student Ambassador has allowed her to demonstrate and develop her leadership skills around the campus. Outside of class, Pratistha enjoys listening to music, sketching, exploring new places with her friends, and one day hopes to travel the world.
Subhiksha K. was born and brought up in India by her grandparents. She came to the U.S in 2016 and graduated from Mt. Diablo High as a senior in June of 2017. At first, Subhiksha did not know what to major in, and decided to attend DVC to explore her options. She was surprised at the wide range of classes DVC has to offer, and was able to choose classes that she felt she would enjoy. Subhiksha has now been attending DVC for a year and plans to transfer to a four-year university as a Computer Science major. She believes that attending DVC not only helped her decide her major, but also believes that DVC continues to help her gain cultural competence, and grow as a person.
Yeeun M. graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Minnesota, in May 2017, and is entering her second year here at DVC. Formerly uninterested and unsure of going into higher education, Yeeun believes that coming to DVC has widened her perspective of what an education can provide, and has found passion in a specific field of study. She initially majored in Graphic Design; however, taking different classes and exploring clubs helped her to find her true interest in Economics. She wishes to transfer to a UC before working towards her Ph.D. Yeeun really values the role of community in human life and loves interacting with different cultures. This informs her desire to visit many communities all over the world and to understand their needs in order to build stronger strategies to lessen poverty and injustice.