Meet the Team

Jackie Sacoto

I serve as the Director of the Career Center at Pasadena City College. I am the proud daughter of immigrants and the first in my family to graduate from college. When I started college, I wanted to pursue a career in the health field. This interest was born when I went on a field trip to Kaiser Permanente as a middle school student and learned about the shortage of Spanish-speaking medical professionals in the Inland Empire. This inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a difference in my community. Then, when I was a junior in college, I participated in my first paid internship where I learned how to develop career exploration programs for other pre-health students. This is how I developed an interest in what we call “work-based learning” in education. Ever since then, I have worked in various roles that entail developing internship opportunities and other forms of career exploration activities for students.

I earned my B.A. in Psychology from UC Riverside and my M.S. in Higher Education Leadership and Student Development from CBU. In fall 2024, I will begin my Doctorate in Education program at CSULA. When I am not working, I enjoy going on sunset walks with my fur baby Kawaii, dining out with my loved ones, or keeping up with my favorite artist Karol G (#Bichota).

Where are you from? Fontana, California

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Health Sciences and Wellness – I was a pre-med student in college and my dream career was to become a Pediatrician. I have also worked in a medical school and have experience advising students in the health professions.

Silvestre Regalado

Greetings! I am the Career Center Assistant at the Robert G Freeman Center for Career and Completion (Freeman Career Center). I am part of the Operations Team and my responsibilities are to ensure that the Center is present and ready to assist you with whatever your career needs are.

My path to the Freeman Career Center runs through California State University, Long Beach where I studied and earned a Bachelors in Science in Business Administration before working there professionally for the Educational Opportunity Program as an Access and Retention Advisor.

I invite you to visit us at the Freeman Career Center (IT200) and discover why we are more than just jobs.

Where are you from? Huntington Park, CA

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? The Career Community I most connect with is Business & Industry.

Derrick Dancer II

I am a Student Placement Interviewer with 13 years of experience in employment services. I have been at PCC since 2021. As a Black man born and raised in Pasadena, I take great pride in supporting students at an institution with a special place in my heart. My great-grandfather played football here with Jackie Robinson, and my father’s 1978 track team was inducted into the PCC Hall Of Fame in 2023.

I earned my B.A. in Communications from California State University, Northridge. During undergrad, I began working in the non-profit sector and remained after, but working in higher education was always a goal of mine, inspired by influences in my educational journey. I am passionate about helping others and enjoy empowering students as they transition from education to career.

Outside of PCC, I am a husband and father of two. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, barbequing, and everything regarding sports from playing to debating.

Where are you from? Pasadena, California

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Arts, Communication & Design – I have always been interested in how information is shared between individuals. From storytelling to dancing to 3D animation, there are many ways to convey a message and affect an audience creatively.

Noel Gonzalez

He/Him/Èl

I serve as one of two Internship Developers at the Freeman Career Center and have been with PCC on and off since 2020. I am a proud Chicano who comes from a low-income background and is the first in my family to attend and graduate college. I earned two Bachelor of Art degrees in Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Real Estate from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). My interest in higher education began with my affiliation in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), becoming an Orientation Leader, working on-campus, and joining a Greek-lettered organization. Because of these experiences, I decided to further my education and pursue a graduate degree. I earned a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) from the University of Southern California (USC) #FightOn!. During my graduate studies, I found my passion for career services and providing guidance and support to help all students, especially students from historically excluded groups with their career development.

Outside of PCC, I enjoy binge-watching reality TV shows, listening to music, attending music festivals, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Where are you from? Originally, I am from the San Gabriel Valley, El Monte, CA; But now, I call the Inland Empire, Fontana, CA home.

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Health Science & Wellness – I was a Pre-Nursing major in college and my dream was to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I have also worked at a healthcare college and have experience advising students in the healthcare professions.

Isabel Ochoa

she/ella

I serve PCC as an Internship Developer who promotes the importance of engaging with industry through work-based learning opportunities like participating in internships and conducting informational interviews. As the first in my family to go to college, I often found myself looking for support as I navigated community college and the transfer process but did not know the “right” questions to ask. I found the most helpful folks were at the career center as they not only took the time to explain what all those work-based learning strategies were but empowered me to continue to be curious, engage in the strategies, and helped me build my own confidence in making decisions about my career.

Now I work with employers to promote paid internship opportunities to our students at PCC, help students engage in internships, facilitate opportunities for students to learn about what the world of work is like via our Diversity Career Panel Series and build community on campus.

Where are you from? Victorville, CA

Languages? English and Spanish

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? I have a connection to Business and Industry as I grew up helping out at my family’s small business where I was a sales and customer service person, office manager, and accountant all in 1! Thanks to this experience, I developed an entrepreneurial mindset that has been so helpful in my internships and career.

Gerardo Garcia Jr.

I’m a first-generation Mexican/Salvadoran, currently navigating my own higher education journey as I work towards my bachelor’s degree in Project Management and Organizational Leadership at Arizona State University. Here on campus, I serve as your Job Developer at the Freeman Career Center. My role mainly involves coordinating, vetting, communicating with, and reaching out to employers to ensure their opportunities reach you!

This role is important to me because I have seen firsthand how much employers value the talent at PCC and consistently seek to connect with our Lancer community. Not all opportunities are great opportunities, so rest assured that I am here to ensure the employers we work with align with PCC’s values.

Outside of work, I love producing music, cooking, and exploring the outdoors. I bring 10 years of experience in social services and workforce development, having supported underserved communities throughout LA County. This includes working with youth in foster care, families affected by domestic abuse, and individuals facing housing insecurity.

I look forward to working with you and helping you connect with meaningful employment opportunities!

Where are you from? Palmdale, CA

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? I have a deep passion for food, arts, music, and entertainment. Because of my own aspirations to make my creative endeavors a main source of income, I am determined to support and guide students in making their dreams a reality, whether it’s by starting their own business as an artist or finding a career that aligns with their creative passions.

Danny Cabrera

I am a Los Angeles Native; born and raised in many different areas of the city. I have attended schools in the Hollywood area, and was captivated by the entertainment industry, while growing up in Watts. I attended Pasadena City College and received an Associates Degree to Transfer, in Communications studies, and am now currently a Senior at CSULA working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communications. I am also attending Glendale Community College and working on getting a Dance Teaching Certification. • I have a plethora of talents under my belt. I currently own my own pop-up business called “Danniachis Pizza”, which I recently launched in spring of 2024. I am also a seasoned dancer who has danced with several artists on stage and in music videos. I have the privilege of being the choreographer for new up and coming reggaetón artists Mami Sandunga and Chaboi. I choreographed their music video titled “Respeta” which was released in September of 2023. I can be frequently seen teaching Kids HipHop classes on Saturdays in Pasadena for AMG Dance Studio. • I also work part-time at the Robert Freeman Career Center in Pasadena City College as a professional expert with the title of Creative Services Producer. With the role of Creative Services Producer at Pasadena City College, I have had the opportunity to create programming that bridges the gap between the Career Center and the educational departments on campus to inform students and attract them to the services the Career Center offers them. I have a great passion for pop culture and music. With the support of my manager Jackie Javier at the Career Center, I assisted in the creation of a Diversity Panel Series for the niche departments on campus. I took creative control in the outreach for talent, marketing, and planning the event while also moderating it. Robert Freeman Career Center is a great opportunity for me. I started as a federal student worker my last semester at PCC and graduated with a promotion spring semester of 2023. • I was recently named the Vice President of Sankofa, a student organization on the CSULA campus supported by Project Rebound. I am more than thrilled to be contributing to student life on campus while pursuing a career as a Higher Ed. Counselor or Music Publicist, and Director. You can find me selling pizzas in DTLA’s Bite Nites Market in Pershing Square, or dancing hip hop with the kids at AMG Dance Studio in Pasadena. I am also bilingual in Spanish and English.

Where are you from? Pasadena, CA.

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Arts, Communication & Design, specifically Dance and Entertainment; I can support students about resources on campus.

Samantha Chavez

she/her/ella

I am a Career Advisor and have worked in career services for five years. I am a first-generation college student who was undeclared when I first started college. After some career and major exploration I was able to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Chicana/o Studies and a minor in Education Studies from UCLA. Fun fact is I used to play the trumpet for 10 years and was a part of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band! More recently I just completed my Master’s degree in Counseling from CSULB.

Where are you from? North East Los Angeles, CA

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Liberal Arts – I have always had a passion for education and used to be a substitute secondary teacher for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). I hope to be a community college counselor and instructor in the near future. I am currently taking American Sign Language classes at PCC to be able to better communicate with a wider range of students and individuals I may come across.

Emilia Ovasapyan

I am a first-generation college graduate. I started my educational career as a community college student. Later, I transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I wanted to become a therapist, and after taking some time off and doing some volunteer work at a college, I came to the realization that I wanted to work in higher education working with students. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Career Counseling from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). I am also a Certified Parenting Coach. I am a mother of two and I understand some challenges parenting students experience. I like to help students process and work through personal, social, and behavioral challenges affecting their educational and career goals.

Where are you from? Burbank, CA

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? I have a connection with the Social and Behavioral Science Career Community; I was a Psychology major and I have always been interested in understanding the many different aspects of the human mind and behavior.

Rosa Chen

I was born in the US and raised in Taiwan.  After high school, I came to CA and completed my BA at UCBerkeley, MS at CSULA and graduate certificate in Career Counseling at CSUN.

I feel blessed every day to be in the Freeman Center as well as the International Student Office.  Helping students navigate the college system, discover who they are meant to be, and understand the steps to achieve their goal – all this gives me great joy.

In my free time, I enjoy reading historical fiction and legal thrillers, listening to uplifting music, and traveling with my family.

Where are you from? US and Taiwan

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Health Sciences & Wellness, and Social & Behavioral Sciences

Antonio Del Real

• As a first-generation Mexican American, I grew up appreciating the blend of my cultural heritage and American opportunities. Raised in a low-income household, I learned the value of money and hard work early on, fueling my determination to succeed.
• My academic journey was diverse, marked by changing my major seven times. I began at Pierce College, earning an AA in Liberal Arts, then transferred to CSUN for a B.S. in Finance & Real Estate. Initially driven by the pursuit of lucrative careers, I interned at Warner Brothers in their Finance Department during my senior year. Despite the prestige, I realized this wasn’t my true calling.
• While recruiting for Pierce College and connecting with nearby high schools, I discovered my passion for guiding others. This experience revealed my true calling: helping individuals achieve their educational and career goals.
• To further my expertise, I earned a Master’s Degree in College Counseling and Student Services from CSUN.
• In 2012, armed with my master’s degree, I embarked on my career as a Career Counselor.Now, as a seasoned Career Counselor, I am dedicated to helping others find their paths.
• In my personal life, I enjoy listening to music, dancing, and staying physically active.
• My journey, marked by perseverance and self-discovery, has led me to a fulfilling career in career counseling, where I make a positive impact on others’ lives while embracing my own passions.

Where are you from? San Fernando Valley

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? STEM, Business & Industry, Social & Behavioral Sciences

Jose "Joe" Esparza

Hey Lancers! I am one of your Adjunct Career Counselors. I am a proud Mexican-American, First-generation, non-traditional, former EOPS graduate from the LA Community College system. Starting college was challenging for me as I was a bit older when I decided to enroll in college. I was working, helping out my Father with his business and had also completed a Vocational School program. I felt stuck in my life and career and community college presented an opportunity to explore additional paths for my life and career. However, navigating Higher Education was extremely challenging. Luckily, I was able to get a lot of support from EOP&S and the Peer Educators in that program. I attribute these early interactions with helping trace back where my interest in helping college students began. I eventually transferred to CSUN and completed both my B.A in Psychology and then eventually returned after some years to complete my Master’s in Counseling with a specialization in College Counseling & Student Services.

My College journey has not been an easy or even quick ride, rather it has had many bumps and challenges. Yet, I persevered and now serve to support college students in planning and reaching their career and educational goals. I feel extremely blessed to have reached my educational goals considering not seeing individuals from my community seek or complete Higher Education. I serve to be an advocate as well as empower students as they navigate the Higher Education system.

I am a father of two, I enjoy watching sports, specifically rooting for our L.A Teams. When not working, I try to relax by BBQ’ing when I can, listening to Music (really enjoy Mariachi music), taking Summer vacations to beach locations (I do like the heat), spending time with my kids, and enjoy Star Wars and Marvel movies. I also sort of am a low key sneakerhead.

Where are you from? BornXRaised in the San Fernando Valley (SFV), specifically Pacoima area.

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Since I was a Psychology major, I would say that Social & Behavioral Sciences are the area I have a more natural interest towards.

Sonya Gozumian

Hello Lancers! Navigating decisions related to your major and the world of work can be challenging. I’d love to support you in this process as I have a passion for listening to your needs and concerns, enjoy brainstorming and connecting your interests, strengths, personality, and all the other wonderful things that make you YOU! I like working as a team and collaborating to help you with your short-term and long-term goals. During undergrad, I changed my major 4 times and ended up with BS in Child and Adolescent development and minor in Psychology; I received my M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis in College Counseling and Student Services from CSUN (Go Matadors!). In the field of higher education, I’ve worked as a Career Counselor, Instructor, and Program Coordinator. I’m an internship success story as I got my first full-time job after my internship in the CSUN Career Center. In my career, I’ve worked full-time, part-time, and have taken time off in between. I’m a mom of two kiddos and that has also impacted my career decisions. I am finding the right balance here at Pasadena City College. It’s a privilege and honor to work with PCC students.  As a Career Counselor in the Freeman Center, my passion is helping students build confidence in their career exploration, identity development, and decision-making process. I also enjoy being the Guided Pathways Career Counselor liaison for the Social and Behavioral Sciences Career Community. I hope to meet you soon.

Where are you from? Pasadena, CA

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? I have a connection with the Social and Behavioral Sciences Career Community as it directly correlates with my education background and work. I also connect with the Liberal Arts and Arts, Media, Communication communities as I have a creative side and like majors that may not have an obvious or direct path that can be individualized by student’s passions; I like connecting the dots and thinking outside the box with these creative majors.

Cindy Lucio

She/Her/Ella

I am an Adjunct Career Counselor and Adjunct Instructor for our First Year Seminar and Counseling courses. I am the first in my family to go to college. I earned my B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Human Resource Management from Cal Poly Pomona. I loved helping students navigate college and I knew I wanted to keep working with college students somehow. I decided to explore the world of counseling and I earned my M.S. in Counseling, option in College Counseling & Student Services, and I earned my Certificate in Career Education & Counseling. I love to workout, hike, run, listen to music, volunteer, go to Dodgers Games, and watch Marvel Movies. I have 3 wonderful doggies and I love ice cream!

Where are you from? South Gate, California

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Arts, Communication, and Design – I’ve always had a passion for listening to and playing music. I was in marching band and concert band as well and truly enjoyed my experience in it. It will always have a special place in my heart!

Rebecca Martinez-Areas

I’m an Adjunct Career Counselor and Co-Founder/Co-Facilitator of the Womxn2Womxn (W2W) support group here at PCC. I am a proud Nicaragüense- Salvadoreña, first-generation college student who was raised by a single immigrant mother. I received my B.S. in Education and B.S. in Psychology & Social Behavior at UC Irvine (ZOT ZOT ZOT! ).

During my second year of college, my father was deported back to Salvador, and I became a main provider for him. We are still fighting for him to return! Navigating college was a constant battle of reminding myself that I was enough, could do it, and somehow could continue forward.

It was also not easy to find my path and I had to change my major until I found what I was truly passionate about. And even then, I still did not know what to do! However, after a lot of reflection and soul-searching I found my passion and pursued my M.S. in Counseling, emphasis in College Counseling and Student Services at CSUN.  As a first-generation student, I have always enjoyed the opportunity to uplift and create space for the hidden voices that may often get overlooked.Now I have the honor of supporting students’ career journey at PCC’s Career Center. During my free time, I enjoy drinking boba, spending time with my dog, Luna, and binge-watching Korean dramas!

Where are you from? Highland Park, Los Angeles CA

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with?  I would say that Social & Behavioral Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Arts, Communication, & Design

Shelby McIntyre

I’m a Career Counselor and Instructor for COUN 17: Career Planning, and I’ve been at PCC since 2018. I earned my B.A. in Cinema Studies, minors in Creative Writing & Music, from the University of Oregon, and after less than two years in the film industry, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I navigated a career change to the counseling profession, and am passionate about helping others navigate the complex and confusing process of career decision-making to find meaningful work.

Proud CSUN alumni, I earned my M.S. Counseling, College Counseling & Student Services from CSU Northridge, and am recognized as a Certified Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association. I also work with the National and California Career Development Associations in the Public Policy/Government Relations Committees (social justice, systemic intervention/collective action, and civic engagement are key passions of mine). Outside of PCC, I’m dog mom of the cutest pug/pomeranian named Yzma, and I love reading, hiking, board games, and beach days.

Where are you from? Corvallis, Oregon

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Arts, Communication, & Design – my dream jobs growing up included musical theater and performing for instrumental film scores/soundtracks (before I realized I much prefer a job interview to an audition!)

Armine Papazian

I am a first-generation college student. Born in Yerevan, Armenia, my family immigrated to the United States when I was 6 years old. As a 1.5-generation immigrant, navigating language barriers, cultural differences, and family expectations have shaped who I am. Although I really disliked school as a kid and worked through a great deal of anxiety navigating my high school and college years, I chose a profession where I am always in school – a place I feel at home. As a Career Counselor, I support students in navigating life, academic, and career choices. I think the process of making these decisions is more messy than straightforward and somewhere in that struggle we find who we are and what we want to do. I enjoy being there with students and supporting them in finding their path and voice.

I started my educational journey at a community college – Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC). Then transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Education Studies. I completed my Masters in Counseling Degree with an emphasis in Student Affairs & Higher Education from the California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

In my personal time, I enjoy anything arts & crafts (love working with my hands & making stuff), hula-hooping, watching documentary films, listening to music, gardening and growing plants, and spending time with family & friends.

Where are you from? Born in Yerevan, Armenia raised and live in the San Fernando Valley.

Languages? Fluent in English & Armenian

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? STEM, Arts, Communication, & Design, and Liberal Arts. I think these communities share the spirit of curiosity, innovation, and creativity and add great value to the human experience.

Lucia Rodriguez

Hi Lancers! I am an Adjunct Career Counselor here at the Freeman Center. A little about me, I started my college journey in the community college setting at Santa Barbara City College.  Navigating college was very challenging for me, especially as a first generation, system impacted college student who came from a low-income household and was raised by a single mother who immigrated to the US. I didn’t understand how college worked and in my first year, I felt like I didn’t belong in college. All I knew was that I needed to pick a major and transfer. I was blessed to have support from programs such as EOPS and was lucky to find the best English instructor who became my mentor. With the support of my EOPS counselors and mentor, I really understood how much having support in college truly helps. I was able to build my confidence to transfer and feel confident in what I was doing.

I successfully transferred to CSUN where I completed my BA in Sociology. It was during my time at CSUN, that I figured out that I wanted to work with college students, specifically in the community college setting. I was encouraged by a counselor to do career research and found out about becoming a Community College Counselor. I graduated with my MS in Counseling from CSUN and have been supporting and empowering students with career planning and academic counseling ever since. One of my favorite things to tell students is that if I can make it, you can too! Life happens, and there’s ups and downs, but with a little extra support we can all move forward.

Apart from being a counselor, I enjoy going to the gym and lifting heavy weights, dancing bachata, relaxing with hot yoga, and eating lots of good food. I am also a big Harry Potter fan and I love going to Disneyland.

Where are you from? Santa Barbara, CA

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Health Sciences and Wellness — I have experience working specifically with students pursuing careers in the various allied health programs such as Nursing, Rad Tech, Physical Therapy, SLPA, to name a few.

Christina "Tina" Sanchez

She/Her

I’m an Adjunct Career Counselor, Instructor, and Co-Facilitator of the Womxn2Womxn (W2W) support group. I’m a proud daughter of ex-gang members, granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, and the first in my family to finish college. Getting into college was a huge accomplishment, but getting through it and finishing it was difficult and new territory for me. For the longest time, I didn’t believe I was capable of being successful.

I earned my B.S. in Nutrition Science from Cal Poly Pomona. Before that, I changed my major 4 times because I had no idea what I wanted to do or how to navigate that decision process; it scared me. I experienced imposter syndrome, financial hardships, academic probation, microaggressions from professors, and had even dropped out for two semesters. Finding my community was pivotal in helping me stay rooted in my purpose and focused on my goals.

Through my experiences, I was inspired to pursue a career where I could help students feel empowered to take up space in places where they feel like they don’t belong. After graduating from CPP, I went to USC for their graduate program where I earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling. During my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my 7 cats, doing yoga, being outside, going on hikes, watching Dodger games, and visiting new coffee shops!

Where are you from? Whittier & East LA, CA

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? I have a connection to the STEM Career Community.

Jennifer Villarreal

She/Her

I am a JEN-erator of career conversations through counseling & curriculum!

As a first generation college student that was dealing with anxiety and depression during the transition from high school to college, I felt entirely lost during my first semester of college and contemplated dropping out. Despite all the panic attacks I experienced and doubts I had, I was encouraged by my parents to stay. Within my first 2.5 years of college, I changed my major 7 times before finally meeting with a Career Counselor who then clarified my interests and helped me realize that I wanted to help students like myself who felt lost and confused in higher education.

Now a lifelong Matador, I earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology, a Master’s of Science in College Counseling and Student Services, and a Certificate in Career Education and Counseling from California State University, Northridge. I have had the amazing opportunity to provide counseling and instruction to students in high school, community college and university for over 15 years!

I love working at PCC because of the innovative and exciting work that is being done in the Freeman Center for Career & Completion. In addition to my role as an Adjunct Career Counselor at PCC, I am also an Adjunct Academic Counselor at Glendale Community College and Part-Time Lecturer at California State University, Northridge.

Where are you from? Burbank, CA

Languages? Fluent in English & Armenian

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Social and Behavioral Sciences; I was a Sociology major in college and currently teach a Child Development class at CSUN that explores professional pathways and career in the field.