DVC Alumni: Where Every Story Inspires the Next!

In this episode, DVC alumnus Mario Tejada Jr. shares his journey from growing up in a family restaurant and studying culinary arts at DVC to transitioning into IT, consulting on international elections in South Africa and Ghana, and finally becoming a longtime DVC instructor.Mario reflects on career changes, the power of education, mentoring students, family life, and the importance of staying curious throughout life.

Charley Daly, DVC Alumni Manager, reflects on a year of growth for the Alumni Association, previews upcoming 2026 plans including a March networking event and the new "Student Lift" program, and announces more podcasts coming early next year.
He sends holiday wishes, invites story and guest suggestions at alumni@dvc.edu, and encourages alumni and students to stay connected as the foundation expands its support.

Floris Broussard, an international student from the Netherlands, shares his journey through global education, nonprofit work as a grant writer, and the unique community college experience at DVC.
This episode highlights Floris’s leadership organizing TEDx at DVC, success in pitch competitions, involvement in multiple student clubs, and his transfer plans to Columbia University.
Listen for insights on cultural contrasts between Europe and the U.S., lessons in event planning and mentorship, and Floris’s vision for using education to support vulnerable communities.
You can find Floris on LinkedIn here
 

Welcome to DVC Alumni, where every story inspires the next. In this episode we meet Madeline, a young DVC student who completed dual enrollment through the College Now program, earning an associate's degree in business while still in high school.Madeline discusses how she balanced heavy coursework with extracurriculars, her role tutoring in the student center, and the inclusive, multigenerational community at DVC that broadened her perspectives. She also shares how family, discipline from years of Kung Fu, and real-world experience shaped her ambitions.After applying to several UCs (including Stanford), Madeline was rejected but plans to continue at DVC and transfer later. She explains her interest in product development and corporate leadership, and leaves listeners with practical advice: keep going, be yourself, and stay disciplined.

The episode explains Diablo Valley College Foundation's Giving Days — a three-day end-of-year fundraising effort to support students. It outlines the purpose and growth of Giving Days as a way to celebrate generosity and build momentum for the foundation.
Each day has a focus: Giving Tuesday supports scholarships and campus impact, Wednesday highlights campus programs like experiential learning and wraparound services (including the Diamante program), and Thursday funds a student safety net for emergency grants, food aid and other urgent needs.
Find out more at the DVC Foundation

The Diablo Valley College Foundation is a nonprofit focused on raising funds to support students, faculty, programs, and campus needs. In this episode Jim Blair explains how the foundation provides scholarships, emergency aid, food assistance, mental health support, and helps develop new programs and campus resources.
Listeners will hear examples of impact—from small scholarships that prevent students from dropping out to plans for experiential learning, partnerships with local businesses, and initiatives like a biotech program and campus technology upgrades.
Reach out here to learn more.

Kimberly Valles, a DVC alum who danced for the Golden State Warriors, shares her winding path through multiple colleges into fitness and tech. After rediscovering her passion for health, she became a coach and later moved into Silicon Valley, joining Omlet.
Now she’s building Train — a fully AI-driven fitness coach that personalizes programs, tracks progress, and adapts to users’ lives. The app is entering beta with a soft launch planned for January 2026.
 
You can find her on Instagram here
Check out the AI app Train here

Welcome to DVC Alumni — a short, Thanksgiving-themed episode where host Charley Daly reflects on gratitude and the meaningful work of the DVC Marketing Club.
Students from the club share brief, personal reflections on what they9re thankful for — family, health, opportunity, campus connections, and the support that helps them grow.
Listen for a warm collection of voices celebrating community and the positive impact of DVC. Contact us at alumni@dvc.edu and be sure to like and subscribe.