Our Team

Charlotte grew up in Connecticut where she attended Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven. A first-generation student, she studied Sociology and became active in campus anti-racist efforts. Then, after moving to California (for the summer), Charlotte chose to stay and pursue her MA in Education Counseling at Cal Poly, where she could learn ways to best support historically marginalized student communities. Before her current, 7-year role with Retention, she spent 18 years as Career Counselor and then Assistant Director of Career Services. Charlotte's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion underscores her time on campus as a founding member of the Pride Faculty Staff Association, co-organizer of the first-ever Cal Poly CultureFest, instructor for the Bakari Mentoring and Master's in Education programs and as initiator of Career Services' cross-department, Diversity Incubator efforts. She loves working with the amazing Retention Team and being part of equitable change at Cal Poly!

Identities that inform my work: First-generation college student, member of the LGBTQIA family, parent

My "entrance" song:

Tiffany has lived in Missouri, Nebraska, and the Bay Area of California, but SLO has been her home the longest. She is a two-time Cal Poly graduate, earning her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in women’s and gender studies, and master’s degree in counseling and guidance in higher education/student affairs. Tiffany began her career at Cal Poly in CESAME as the MSTI/LSAMP Coordinator - a dual role focused on providing opportunities and support for students, especially those who have been historically underrepresented, as they prepared for credential or graduate programs in STEM fields. She then became an academic and pre-health advisor for the College of Science and Mathematics. As the Bailey College retention specialist, she gets to combine her passion for working with students with her love of spreadsheets, all while advocating to make Cal Poly a more welcoming, inclusive place for all.

Identities that inform my work: first-gen, self-supporting/low-income student

My "entrance" song:

 

Sarah is originally from the inland empire area of southern California. As a first-generation college student, she received a B.A. in English and Feminist Studies from UC Santa Barbara. During her time as a leader on campus, she discovered a passion for supporting students and building community. She has worked in residence life for over 10 years at various institutions including University of Redlands, UC Santa Barbara, University of Wyoming, and USC. Sarah has an M.A. in Higher Education and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. Her work focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sarah is looking forward to connecting with students at Cal Poly and helping them find success in their higher education journey!

Identities that inform my work: First-gen student, parent, military connected

My "entrance" song: Ain't it Fun by Paramore

Emily was born and raised in Santa Maria, California. She attended Allan Hancock College before transferring to Cal Poly for Communication Studies. After receiving her bachelor's degree, she pursued a master's in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs. Her undergraduate and graduate research focused on transfer student experiences at Cal Poly. Her challenging experiences as a transfer student at a PWI inspired her to conduct research and advocate for a transfer center on campus. After graduating, she pursued a career at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon where she worked with the Honors College and served as the Coordinator for Diversity Initiatives in Housing. After several years, she decided to come back to the central coast to work at Allan Hancock College coordinating the Rising Scholars and Phoenix Scholars programs working with formerly and currently incarcerated students. Emily is now the Retention Specialist for the College of Engineering and works closely with Engineering Student Services and the Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP).

 

When Emily is not at work, she enjoys taking her golden doodle on walks, working out at the gym, spending time with family and friends, reading, dancing, and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops. She is excited to connect with students and support them in their time at Cal Poly!

Identities that inform my work: Latina/Chicana, First-Generation, Transfer Student

My "entrance" song:

Zack has grown up in the central valley for the past 25 years but has enjoyed getting to know beautiful SLO and the surrounding areas. After graduating from CSU Stanislaus with an undergraduate degree in Communications, Zack returned to his hometown and became a librarian and high school baseball coach at his Alma Mater. There he realized he had a skill and passion for supporting students in their academic and social-emotional journey. While transitioning to a part-time counselor role, Zack recently received his MA in School Counseling with a PPS credential from Point Loma Nazarene University. Zack is very passionate about cultural inclusion as well as inclusion of underrepresented communities. As a Retention Advisor Zack is committed to helping students accomplish their academic goals while maintaining student mental health and well-being.

Identities that inform my work: Disability Inclusion, Mental Health advocate

My "entrance" song:

Kara was born and raised in Santa Clarita, California but has enjoyed living in SLO for the last few years. After graduating from Azusa Pacific University (APU) with her bachelor's degree in Psychology, she completed an internship at UCLA working as an academic mentor for NCAA student-athletes. Here, she realized that she was most passionate about supporting college students in their personal, academic, and professional growth. She then returned to APU where she received her master's degree in Leadership with an emphasis in Leadership Development and worked as the Program Coordinator and primary advisor for the Liberal Studies Department. Kara has most recently worked at Cal Poly as an academic advisor for the Mustang Success Center, specifically advising and empowering Cal Poly Scholars and first-year students on academic probation. Kara cares deeply for the Cal Poly community and for the students that choose to come here. She commits to listen, to learn, to advocate, and to work with dedication every day on behalf of those that she serves.

Identities that inform my work: Female, learner, disability and mental health advocate, transfer advocate

My "entrance" song: Just Fine by Mary J. Blige

Alicia was born and raised in Toluca, Mexico and moved to the California Central Coast at the age of 9. She navigated higher education as a first-generation, low-income student as she attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with minors in Child Development, Psychology, and Spanish. Her interests in education and supporting families and children led her to work at Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO) as a Family Service Advocate, where she supported families through case management and connections to childcare services. Alicia then returned to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to pursue a Master’s degree in Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs. During the time she was in graduate school, Alicia was involved in academic advising roles with the College of Science and Mathematics Student Services, the Mustang Success Center, and the Orfalea College of Business Student Services as well as career counseling roles through Career Services. Prior to joining the Retention team, Alicia worked at the Mustang Success Center as an academic advisor.  

When Alicia is not at work, she enjoys sunset walks at the beach, spending time with her family, dancing, and spending time outdoors. Alicia is excited to work with students and empower them through their academic journeys! 

Identities that inform my work: First-generation, English Language Learner, low-income

My "entrance" song: Feel This Moment by Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera