DVC Alumni: Where Every Story Inspires the Next!

Episode #22: Navigating Life’s Paths with James Williams III

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #21: From Community College to Real Estate Success: Joe Stokely’s Inspiring Journey

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #20: Rebecca Barrett on Leadership and Opportunity in Community Colleges

Send us a textRebecca Barrett, a governing board member of the Contra Costa Community College District, opens up about her transformative journey from aspiring lawyer to political advocate, all beginning at Diablo Valley College (DVC). Facing financial hurdles and a medical scare during the financial crisis, Rebecca chose community college over a four-year university, discovering a world of opportunities that challenged common stereotypes. Her story highlights how community colleges are not just stepping stones to prestigious universities but also vital resources for vocational training and personal growth.Rebecca's path is a testament to the flexibility and potential of community college life, enabling her to balance studies with internships and political campaigns. From interning with State Senator Tom Torlakson to boosting voter turnout with Voto Latino, her experiences reflect the dynamic role community colleges play in shaping diverse career trajectories. We delve into her seamless transition to a professional role in Sacramento, underscoring the invaluable skills and opportunities that community colleges offer in both education and politics.Throughout the episode, we celebrate the power of community and collaboration in fostering educational success and economic growth. Initiatives like the Diablo Valley Tech Initiative and vibrant alumni events are discussed as strategies to enhance engagement and community bonds. Rebecca's insights on governance within community colleges, likening the role to a genie with immense potential power, provide a compelling narrative on leadership and vision. Join us as we navigate the vital role community colleges play and explore how storytelling and community involvement can shift perceptions and create brighter futures. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #19: 1960s College Life and Its Lasting Impact with Matthew Guichard

Send us a textStep into the vibrant world of the 1960s with our special guest, Matt Guichard, as he recounts his transformative college journey from Diablo Valley College to the University of California system. Envision the lively campus life filled with bands, dances, and the ever-present backdrop of the Vietnam War. Matt opens up about his unexpected path to DVC due to family circumstances and how this detour became a blessing in disguise, not just for him but also for his siblings. Through Matt's vivid storytelling, experience the cultural shifts he encountered, from the bustling Bay Area to the serene atmosphere of Chico, and the impactful events like the People's Park protests that shaped his perspective.Matt's story doesn't stop there—his life is a testament to adaptation and personal growth. After a brief stint in Seattle to avoid the draft, Matt found himself back at Chico State, juggling family, work, and studies. His career took a turn towards the legal field, supported by a fulfilling period in the publishing industry, eventually leading him to law school. With international experiences in Austria and Denmark under his belt, Matt's career broadened beyond his initial expectations, highlighting the importance of embracing change and seizing opportunities.Beyond his professional journey, Matt is passionate about giving back to his community. His commitment to public service shines through his work in coaching youth sports and his active role in the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce. As we wrap up our conversation, Matt offers thoughtful insights on the importance of starting one's education at a community college like DVC and selecting legal representation wisely. Join us for an engaging episode filled with wisdom, humor, and inspiration from a remarkable life story that continues to impact communities both locally and internationally. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #18: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Paths: Dr. Allyson Troxel-Galang’s Journey from Art to Psychology and Mindfulness

Send us a textFrom the Midwest heartlands to the sunny shores of California, Dr. Allyson Troxel-Galang's journey is nothing short of transformative. Imagine a young woman juggling art classes at Diablo Valley College and shifts at IHOP, all while dreaming of being a kindergarten teacher. Little did she know, her experiences would guide her towards a passion for psychology and statistics, ultimately reshaping her career and academic pursuits. Join us as Dr. Troxel-Galang shares how she navigated life's curveballs, harnessed the power of curiosity, and crafted a unique interdisciplinary studies field major that combined health and human consciousness.Dr. Troxel-Galang's story is a testament to the unexpected paths one can take in education and life. Her transition from art and early childhood education to studying psychology at UC Berkeley demonstrates the invaluable role of adaptability and support programs for student parents and reentry students. Along the way, she balanced academic achievements with family responsibilities, highlighting the importance of resilience and leveraging resources. Her experiences aren't just about academia; they also shed light on the profound personal growth that comes with customer service roles and professional development in fields like mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy.In the final chapter of our conversation, we explore the intricate layers of trauma, therapy, and mentorship through Dr. Troxel-Galang's work at the Batrix clinic in Berkeley. Her insights into the varied forms of trauma, from military experiences to community violence, reveal the complexities of mental health care. By employing mindfulness interventions, she aims to foster post-traumatic growth, helping clients reconnect with their intrinsic value and purpose. This episode isn't just an exploration of Dr. Troxell-Galang's journey—it’s an invitation to appreciate life's opportunities and the myriad paths to personal and professional fulfillment. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #17: Empowering Lives through Education and Technology with JJ Vanni

Send us a textWhat would make someone shift from dreams of architecture to a passion for data? As we sit down with JJ Vanni, a data analytics engineer at Dotdash Meredith, we explore his captivating journey through education and career transformation. JJ's story starts with his early days in the Bay Area, where a love for psychology and business at Diablo Valley College steered him away from architecture. His unexpected role with the Oakland A's became a pivotal point, showing him the immense power of data in optimizing operations and enhancing customer experiences. It's a testament to the importance of exploring interests and the transformative impact of junior colleges on discovering true career paths.JJ's journey doesn't stop at personal career success. Inspired by world-altering events like COVID-19 and the George Floyd movement, JJ founded the nonprofit EGDI (Educate, Grow, Develop, Innovate) to help those who haven't yet unlocked their full potential. Through EGDI, he seeks to empower dreams with education and support, demonstrating that career growth can parallel personal development and societal contributions. JJ shares how his experiences left a mark on his desire to give back, alongside compelling anecdotes about the superheroes who inspired him to take risks for the benefit of others.But what truly sets JJ apart is his commitment to bridging the technology gap for students. Listen as he recounts the inspiring story of launching a campaign to provide MacBooks to students, driven by the realization of how crucial technology can be in academic and career success. From overcoming fundraising challenges to the emotional triumphs of presenting these transformative tools to students, JJ's initiative showcases the power of collective effort and community engagement in transforming futures. His story is one of continuous growth, marked by the pursuit of empowerment through technology and education. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Episode #16: Breaking Barriers for Latina Students in Education

Send us a textJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Lily E Espinoza, whose journey from a challenging high school experience to becoming the Vice President of Student Services at Laney College is nothing short of inspirational. Dr. Espinoza's story is a testament to the transformative power of community college education and the vital role of mentorship and support systems in driving both academic and personal success. Her experiences at Diablo Valley College, UC Berkeley, and beyond highlight the impact of dedicated faculty, empowering student clubs like WISE, and the pursuit of social equality.Dr. Espinoza shares the trials and triumphs of her career in higher education, navigating budget cuts and layoffs, and finding her voice through writing during tumultuous times. Her book, "Not Getting Stuck," is a beacon of hope for Latina students, emphasizing the importance of resilience and storytelling in educational success. Discover how she leveraged her experience to create the YouTube channel "Lily College Mythbusters," a platform designed to demystify the community college application process and support first-generation and non-traditional students. Her unexpected foray into politics as a candidate for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction and her exploration of integrating holistic health practices into education further illustrate her commitment to student well-being.Explore the powerful theme of mentorship and the impact of networking in enhancing student success. We discuss how Dr. Espinoza's books, including "Nurturing Ourself," have gained traction in community colleges nationwide and how alumni associations foster supportive environments. Her journey from aspiring shopkeeper to a key leader in educational administration underscores the value of embracing change and seizing opportunities. Tune in for insights on leading with resilience and optimism, as Dr. Espinoza shares personal anecdotes that reveal the lessons learned from failure and growth, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence in education.You can find Lily at drlily.com Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.

Resource Thursday: Empowering Students and Alumni Through Career Services and Mentorship

Send us a textKumar Krisham's journey is nothing short of inspiring, and today, we bring you his story straight from the heart of Diablo Valley College. Ever wondered how exploring diverse academic fields can shape your career path? Kumar, our guest, shares the transformative power of education as he recounts his experiences from Chabot College to earning an MBA at Cal State Long Beach. With a passion for helping students find their true calling, Kumar discusses his role as the Senior Program Coordinator for Career and Transfer Services, where he guides students using tools like Handshake. This episode promises to enlighten you on the significance of embracing various interests during college and the lifelong benefits of mentorship and career support.As we gear up for the spring semester, discover the exciting shift from transfer activities to a focus on career development opportunities for alumni involvement. Hear about the power of alumni connecting with current students, offering guidance, and opening doors to job prospects. Through platforms like Handshake, Kumar and Alumni Manager, Charley Daly, highlights how alumni mentorship can lead to successful career matches, like the DVC student who aspired to attend MIT and was paired with a graduate from there. Additionally, we explore how alumni can contribute to fostering a thriving community, providing resume advice, and sharing valuable industry insights. Join us in creating a supportive network where students and alumni alike can grow and succeed together. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring stories from the DVC community. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming episodes. Have a story to share or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Until next time, keep pushing boundaries, embracing connections, and navigating your own path to success.DVC Alumni: Where every story inspires the next.