DVC Alumni: Where Every Story Inspires the Next!

Welcome to DVC Alumni, where every story inspires the next. In this episode Jim Abley — a DVC student (1980–81), Army Ranger, and long-serving CHP leader — recounts his path from Philadelphia to military service and a decades-long law enforcement career. He reflects on Ranger School lessons, community policing, intelligence and task-force work, and major deployments like Katrina and national events.Jim also discusses changes in policing and technology, the challenges of hospital security, mentorship and leadership, and offers practical advice to students and aspiring officers about curiosity, planning, and embracing opportunities.

In this episode of DVC Alumni, hosts sit down with former professor Mario and returning professor Jennifer to trace their journeys at Diablo Valley College: from early classes and chance meetings to careers in teaching and academic leadership.They share how they met, navigated working together, transitioned into dean roles, led student-centered initiatives during COVID (including a campus food program), and reflect on lessons they'd tell their younger selves. A warm conversation about partnership, service, and the impact of community college life.

Eric shares his journey from growing up in Hercules, California, to attending UC Berkeley and USC, and eventually working in various engineering roles across the country. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned from his educational and professional experiences, including the importance of seeking help and the impact of community support. Eric also reflects on personal challenges, such as his father's illness and his grandmother's passing, which influenced his decision to return to California and focus on family. Chapters / Topics Discussed: - Eric's early life and education in the Bay Area - Transition from high school to college and dual enrollment experiences - Attending UC Berkeley and USC for undergraduate and graduate studies - Professional journey in engineering across different states - Personal challenges and family responsibilities - Reflections on career choices and future aspirations

DVC Alumni: Where Every Story Inspires the Next, returns with guest Anya Gupta — a returning champion who discusses founding Wellness Pulse (winner of the district-wide pitch competition), her advocacy and leadership roles across BART, Contra Costa Behavioral Health, MTC committees and the ESP Task Force, plus updates on the Marketing Club and her college application journey.

On this episode of DVC Alumni, host, Charley Daly, speaks with Nicole and Ben Ebert about meeting in a journalism class at Diablo Valley College, drifting apart, and reconnecting years later over sports and shared memories. They describe their long-distance relationship, a first date at a Giants–Dodgers game, and the moment their friendship turned into a lasting partnership.
The couple share career paths that weave music, education, and sports business: Ben toured as a drummer before earning a sports business graduate degree and now leads partnerships at a ticketing startup, while Nicole moved from student worker roles at DVC into education and student support work. They discuss how DVC’s small classes and supportive faculty prepared them for future success and lifelong connections.
They also reflect on navigating life through COVID, marrying in 2023, and the advice they would give their younger selves: that things will work out. The episode celebrates community, unexpected career turns, and the friendships and opportunities that begin at DVC.

In this episode, Chris shares his journey from private school through De La Salle to Diablo Valley College, where he reinvented himself academically and professionally.
He discusses starting the Viking Fund Club, building a finance-focused portfolio website, learning from mentors, and gaining hands-on experience through workshops and field trips.
The conversation highlights personal growth, the power of initiative, and practical steps Chris took to pursue a career in finance while working with the DVC Foundation.
You can find Chris online at https://www.chrislanefinance.online/ 

Marcos and Mauricio Ulloa share their winding journey from Antioch neighborhoods and DVC classrooms to UC Berkeley, viral dance videos, and building J.C. Tree Service during COVID. This episode explores family, education, entrepreneurship, and the hands-on hustle that turned creative skills into a thriving local business.
They discuss lessons learned—safety, systems, and community responsibility—plus practical advice for homeowners and entrepreneurs thinking about trades or small business ownership.
 
To find their services check it out here: https://jctreeservicecorp.com/

Local restaurateurs, the DVC Culinary & Hospitality Department, students, and community partners joined forces to prepare and deliver holiday meals to students and their families after concerns over SNAP benefits. Meals were prepared across the East Bay, organized at the DVC Bistro, and distributed on campus or delivered to homes.
The drive resulted in 486 family-style and individual meals reaching students from Antioch to Vallejo, providing tangible support and hands-on learning while demonstrating what a community can do when it shows up for students.
For questions reach out to Thom Martin at tmartin486@dvc.edu