The Black Student Success Team

Armia Walker

I help students by assisting them in recognizing their strengths, creating strategic academic plans, and identifying resources to make their life goals a reality.

Dr. Gena Lopez

Dr. Lopez is a proud lancer alum who has served at PCC as a student worker, college assistant, classified employee and faculty member.  She holds an Associate’s degree from PCC, a bachelor's in Psychology, a masters in Higher Ed Counseling and a doctorate in Educational Leadership.  She is the counselor/coordinator for the Ujima Program, co-creator of Blackademia, and the Black Student Success Center. She is the a long standing member of the President’s African American Advisory Committee and current president of the Academic Senate at Pasadena City College. Dr. Lopez is a lifelong advocate for all students with a special focus on Black Lancers. She has two children, one of which is continuing the Lopez legacy of Lancer Pride.

Dave Smith

I have been with the college since 2010. I started out as a student , studying music. Shortly after taking my first music course,I realize that a music major wasn't for me and headed straight over to Computer Science. 3 years later, I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona to finish my Bachelors degree in Computer Science. After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona, I took a semester off and applied to ONE grad school. I told myself if I get in, I will go to grad school, otherwise I will just begin working. Needless to say, I got in! That school was Georgia Tech, where received my Master's in Computer Science, specializing interactive intelligence. While pursuing my Masters degree, and honestly, before even getting my bachelor's degree, I landed a full-time position at PCC as the Web Developer. I was in this position for 3 years before getting promoted as the Lead Programmer. Two years in, as a Lead Programmer, I was asked if I could temporarily teach CS for a year. I was excited to do so. Teaching was always something I saw myself doing, and I couldn't believe I had the honor to teach at PCC. My temporary position turned into a permanent position, and here I am, doing what I love, connecting with students