For years, DVC student Lisa Walker knew she wanted a career where she could make a difference, but the path wasn’t always clear. While working as a Member Services Counselor at Contra Costa Health Plan, she found inspiration in an unexpected place - her colleagues. Conversations with community health workers sparked something in her. “I realized I wanted to help people with the same passion they had,” she said.
Still, the idea of returning to college in her late 30s felt overwhelming. She’d already tried several times before and now had the added responsibility of caring for her daughter, who had been diagnosed with autism.
“I enrolled at DVC in the summer of 2023 after resigning from my government job to focus on my daughter,” Lisa shared. “I knew I had a passion for community health deep within, but pursuing my educational journey at DVC, while caring for my daughter, was no walk in the park.”
Some days, that journey meant navigating a complicated public transit routine to get to DVC. “On days I had in-person classes, I had to catch multiple buses to get my daughter from her childcare in Martinez, then take a bus from the Regional Medical Center to DVC - sometimes waiting 30 minutes if I didn’t time it right,” Lisa said. She and her daughter braved all kinds of weather to make it to class.
“And learning with my special needs child was not easy. I often listened to lectures while holding her and taking notes, trying to stay focused while calming her during class.” Evening classes meant late-night bus rides to BART and then home, followed by long nights of homework and constant catch-up.
“I even had to take my final for the Community Health Worker (CHW) certificate program with my toddler by my side in a separate classroom. I felt overwhelmed often, but I was too determined to fail.”
Lisa faced these challenges with perseverance and credits the CHW program and its instructors with providing the support she needed to stay in class and on track. “The CHW Program was so motivational and helped continue to inspire me to follow my educational dreams. Being a part of the first cohort, I met a lot of awesome people, each with a story, a purpose and a reason they were brought to the program.”
She especially credits department chair and professor, Dr. Kristen Colchico, for her success. “Dr. Colchico believes in what she preaches and teaches. Her dedication to this program and her students’ success is the reason I can proudly say I am a Community Health Worker.”
Alongside building her professional skills, Lisa also embraced unique learning opportunities outside the classroom. One of the most unforgettable moments in her academic journey was traveling to Ghana in 2024 as part of the African Diaspora Educational Summit through DVC.
“I spent 10 days in Accra and Cape Coast, visiting the University of Ghana, Assin Manso, Elmina Castle and several museums,” she recalled. “I was even given a Ghanaian name during a traditional naming ceremony with a local tribe.”
Being a part of the Summit left a profound impact. “It was absolutely amazing. I still can’t believe I was able to experience this through my school,” Lisa said. “One of the most deeply moving moments was visiting Assin Manso, the site of the ‘Last Bath.’ I brought home sand from the area as a reminder of the history there; the visit was a life-changing experience for me."
Grateful for the opportunity, Lisa carries the lessons from Ghana with her. “I will forever be thankful to DVC for this experience, and I plan to use everything I learned to help make a difference in the world.”
Reflecting on her academic and personal journey, Lisa says DVC was key to guiding her path and restoring her confidence.
"DVC is a very dedicated and inclusive school that goes above and beyond for its students. It truly changed my life. I first tried college at 20 but gave up because I didn’t have the right support. Coming back in my late 30s, I had a force behind me like no other and a passion to make it this time. Thank you, DVC. You mean the world to me.”
Lisa’s journey doesn’t stop here. She’s now earning an associate in science for transfer in public health, with plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in community health at a CSU and ultimately, a master's degree in public health. Her goal is to one day lead the Black Infant Health Program in Contra Costa County or serve in a similar role with a government agency.
If you're ready to follow your passion and make a difference, learn about DVC’s Public Health program and apply today!
