Student Advisory Equipo

Amada is a proud Latina with Colombian, Mexican, and Salvadoran roots, along with Swedish and German ancestry. Raised in a family that celebrated its cultural traditions and identity, she is passionate about social justice, community advocacy, and expanding opportunities for underrepresented students. She believes HSI initiatives and Equipo play an important role in celebrating the diverse cultural identities of PCC students and ensuring their perspectives are reflected in campus leadership.

Her interest in law and public service has inspired her involvement in legal advocacy and community engagement. Through experiences in legal research, student leadership, and cultural organizations, Amada has developed a strong commitment to fairness, representation, and educational opportunity.

As Vice President of PCC’s Spanish Club and a participant in the Lancers for Life Ambassador Program, she enjoys connecting with students and strengthening campus community. Amada hopes to pursue law school and a career in public defense, where she can advocate for others and inspire future generations.

Message to Students: Pursue your passions and take advantage of the many opportunities available at PCC. Join clubs, explore leadership opportunities, and use your experiences to make a positive difference in your community.

Jennifer is a proud Guatemalan Biology student whose interests in scientific research, community engagement, and educational equity guide her involvement with Equipo. She believes student advisory initiatives help strengthen communication between students and institutional leadership while addressing barriers that can affect academic opportunities and success.

With experience in scientific research and project development, Jennifer brings analytical thinking, organization, and a commitment to thoughtful problem-solving. She values the importance of ensuring students are recognized as individuals whose experiences and perspectives can contribute to meaningful institutional improvements.

At PCC, Jennifer participates in musical ensembles, including the Lancer Marching Band and Orchestra, while also engaging in community service and neuroscience research. She hopes to continue her education in neuroscience and medicine, pursuing a career that combines scientific discovery, healthcare, and advocacy.

Message to Students: Approach your goals with determination and initiative. Whether pursuing academic success, overcoming challenges, or advocating for change, believe in your ability to take meaningful action and shape your future.

Kimberly is a proud Mexican American Architecture student passionate about sustainable design, community development, and creating environments that are accessible and welcoming to everyone. Her interest in the relationship between physical spaces and community well-being inspires her commitment to equity and representation.

Through Equipo, Kimberly hopes to strengthen opportunities for student connection and ensure that diverse perspectives help shape the college experience. She believes that representation and supportive communities make educational journeys less intimidating and more meaningful.

Her involvement in PCC’s Puente Project and Puente Club has provided opportunities to develop lasting connections and experience the value of shared academic support. Kimberly plans to pursue landscape architecture, with an emphasis on sustainable urban planning and improving access to thoughtfully designed community spaces.

Message to Students: “Do it scared.” New experiences and opportunities can feel intimidating, but fear should not prevent you from pursuing meaningful growth. Take chances, embrace change, and remember that trying is an achievement in itself.

Maria is a proud Salvadoran Public Relations student passionate about student advocacy, leadership, and creating educational environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Her cultural heritage and educational experiences have strengthened her appreciation for supportive communities, cultural representation, and accessible student resources.

Through Equipo and PCC programs such as EOP&S, CLAVE, and Puente, Maria has experienced the importance of belonging and meaningful student engagement. She hopes to use her perspective to help ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have opportunities to participate in conversations and decisions that shape their educational experiences.

Maria brings extensive leadership experience through Associated Students, campus committees, speech and debate, and student advocacy initiatives. She plans to transfer to a four-year university and pursue advanced education while continuing to support student representation and community empowerment.

Message to Students: “It’s good to see you, but it’s good to be seen.” Embrace your identity, share your perspective, and recognize the value of your presence. By allowing yourself to be seen and heard, you can help create opportunities for others.

Matthew is a proud Chicano Electrical Engineering student whose Mexican heritage is an important part of his identity. He is passionate about innovation, technology, and creating opportunities for students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He recognizes the importance of supportive academic environments where students from diverse backgrounds can develop confidence and pursue their aspirations.

As a member of Equipo, Matthew hopes to strengthen student representation, encourage involvement, and help create a welcoming community where students feel connected and supported throughout their academic journeys.

At PCC, Matthew has participated in Track and Field, engaged with EOP&S resources, and served as Social Media Chair of the STEM Competition Society. He plans to transfer to a four-year university and pursue advanced studies in Electrical Engineering, with a particular interest in developing technologies that improve people’s lives.

Message to Students: If you want something, go after it. Challenges and setbacks are part of learning, but they do not define your potential. Take advantage of available resources, embrace opportunities, and continue working toward your goals.

Melanie is a proud Latine Political Science student whose Mexican cultural heritage inspires her commitment to social justice, civic engagement, and advocating for communities whose voices are often underrepresented. Her dedication to fairness, educational access, and student empowerment guides her involvement in Equipo and campus leadership.

She believes HSI initiatives are essential to creating welcoming educational spaces where students can celebrate their identities, access meaningful opportunities, and feel a strong sense of belonging. Through Equipo, Melanie hopes to contribute to initiatives that promote equity, student participation, and community support.

At PCC, Melanie has participated in speech and debate, campus committees, civic engagement activities, and student advocacy. These experiences have strengthened her communication, leadership, and organizational skills. She plans to transfer to a four-year university and pursue law school, continuing her commitment to public service and community advocacy.

Message to Students: Never be afraid to stand up for what is right. Take pride in who you are, use your voice to make a difference, and do not allow setbacks to define your future. Remember that compassion, resilience, and determination are powerful forms of leadership.

Oswaldo is a proud Guatemalan and Mexican Computer Science student who values the role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in expanding educational opportunities, strengthening student success, and fostering a sense of belonging.

He believes HSIs contribute to more than enrollment and graduation. They create opportunities for students to grow academically, pursue their professional goals, and develop meaningful connections with their communities. Through Equipo, Oswaldo supports efforts to ensure that students feel welcomed, represented, and empowered throughout their educational journeys.

Oswaldo recognizes education as an opportunity for personal development, community advancement, and the pursuit of individual aspirations. He encourages students to take ownership of their academic experiences and approach challenges with confidence and determination.

Message to Students: “Be selfish with your education, you are the only one who knows what you would like to pursue and at the very least you know what you do not enjoy. Never be the barrier between yourself and what you hope to achieve. There will be many obstacles to overcome on your academic journey, do not make yourself one of them.”