DVC Alumni: Where Every Story Inspires the Next!

Send us a text Rebecca 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 oppor...

Send us a text Step 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...

Send us a text From 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, ultimate...

Send us a text What 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 arch...

Send us a text Join 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...

Send us a text Kumar 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 pa...

Send us a text Matthew Sheridan takes us on a heartfelt journey from the sunlit neighborhoods of Orange County to becoming a prominent figure in HR and compliance. Raised by high-achieving parents, Matthew's path was anything but straightforward. The challenges he faced after his parents' divorce, including moving between schools and not completing high school, only fueled his determination. His s...

Send us a text Unlock the secrets of success in the world of college football with our special guests, Vince Bordelon and Beaux Tagaloa. Vince, a stalwart in the sports community with 37 years of coaching expertise, shares his captivating journey from gridiron glory days at Diablo Valley College in 1984 to shaping future champions both on the field and within the Alameda County community. Meanwhil...

Send us a text Imagine being born prematurely with atrial septal defect and put into the foster care system and using that early experience in hospitals as career inspiration. That's exactly what Ava Roberts-Stewart, a dynamic nursing student from Samuel Merritt University, did. As she shares her journey from Danville to Oakland, Ava reflects on her formative years at Diablo Valley College, balanc...

Send us a text Get ready to embark on an inspiring journey with Jay Gima, a political science major at Diablo Valley College, as he passionately discusses the power of community and cultural connection. Jay, who has already made waves as a member of Toastmasters and other clubs, shares his personal story of founding the South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) on campus. Discover how his California upb...

Send us a text What happens when you mix the blue-collar grit of Pittsburg with the vibrant community spirit of Chico, California? Join us as Bob Linscheid, President and CEO of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, shares his remarkable journey from East Contra Costa County to becoming a key figure in Central Contra Costa. Bob reflects on his fascinating childhood experiences...

Send us a text Ramiro Ibarra's journey from the bustling streets of San Francisco to a fulfilling career at Diablo Valley College is nothing short of inspiring. As a program coordinator, Ramiro brings a wealth of experience, from his early days navigating Catholic school and the real estate market, to his impactful work in financial literacy and homeownership counseling. Throughout his path, Ramir...

Send us a text After navigating through her family's ongoing battle with cancer, Margaret Tuholski found her way from Carondelet High School to Diablo Valley College (DVC), and later UC Santa Barbara, embracing each challenge along the way. We welcome Margaret and her son, Kevin Tuholsky, who followed a similarly transformative path from De La Salle High School to DVC and then UC Berkeley. Through...

Send us a text Embark on an enlightening journey with Estie Briggs, an emotional intelligence coach, whose path from software implementation to teaching in the UK is nothing short of inspiring. Estie shares her unconventional route to higher education, beginning at Diablo Valley College in her 30s, and how it paved the way for her passion in leadership development. She delves into influential expe...

Send us a text Michael Galvez's journey from a modest upbringing in San Francisco to becoming a full-time pediatric surgeon is nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing academic hurdles, Michael's story reveals how a serendipitous gym encounter led to a laboratory job, sparking an unexpected path into the world of science and medicine. From early influences, such as his grandfather's legacy as a...

Send us a text Kimberly Valmore's journey through the world of dance is as inspiring as it is transformative. As the Department Chair of Dance at Diablo Valley College, Kimberly shares her unique story of resilience and triumph, from her early days as one of the few African-American students in a predominantly white ballet school to overcoming financial challenges at the Alvin Ailey Dance Center i...

Send us a text Ever thought about how a simple love for cheese could unite a community? Join us as we chat with Josh Gonzalez, the innovative founder of the Cheese Club at Diablo Valley College, who transformed his passion for cheese into a unique gathering spot for fellow STEM enthusiasts. Josh takes us through his academic adventures as a C student in high school to straight A's at DVC, from str...

Send us a text What if you could transform your passion for technology into a fulfilling career that spans continents? Meet Duane Leem, a trailblazing first-generation Filipino-Chinese cybersecurity professional whose journey inspires and motivates. From his roots in the Philippines to the serene landscapes of Guam, and finally to the bustling tech hub of the Bay Area, Duane shares the family supp...

Send us a text Ever wondered how real-world experience can transform your career? Get ready to be inspired by Teresa Hade and Rachelle Rivers from Diablo Valley College's Workforce Development Office. Teresa's story of moving from New Jersey to the Bay Area and finding her passion in workforce development illustrates the power of perseverance and aligning your skills with your passions. Meanwhile,...

Send us a text What does it take to transition from a Marine Corps machine gunner to a student leader at Diablo Valley College? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Oliver Greenwood as he shares his captivating journey. You'll discover how influential professors like Bill Poschman, Bob Manberg, and Manny Gonzalez helped him bridge the gap between military life and civilian academic success,...

Send us a text Ever wondered how a first-generation college student and Air Force veteran dependent overcame tremendous obstacles to become a leader in educational support? Meet Marina Varela, the interim manager of the Student Veterans Resource Center at Diablo Valley College, who shares her transformative journey from struggling student to educational leader. Marina's story is not just about per...

Send us a text Have you ever faced a culture shock that made you re-evaluate your world? Join us as we hear from Tori Pearson, a 19-year-old second-year student at Diablo Valley College, who recounts her journey from a privileged private school in Walnut Creek to the diverse halls of Ygnacio Valley High School. Tori navigates the stark contrasts between these environments, shedding light on her hu...

Send us a text What transformative power do student support services hold in shaping lives and communities? Join us as we sit down with Rachel Luna, the dedicated Senior Program Manager at Diablo Valley College (DVC), to explore this deeply significant question. Rachel provides an in-depth look at groundbreaking programs like EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, and Foster Youth Services, each designed to bridge...

Send us a text What if your life's path took a drastic turn from medical school in Myanmar to navigating college life in California amidst a global pandemic and political upheaval? Kyi Sin Lynn, affectionately called Glad, shares her awe-inspiring journey filled with resilience and determination. From facing societal and parental pressures to study medicine to courageously seizing an opportunity t...

Send us a text What does it mean to balance East Coast conservative values with Bay Area liberalism? Our latest episode features Aaron Shey, a dynamic student from Diablo Valley College (DVC), who navigates this complex landscape through his unique educational journey. From being homeschooled in Walnut Creek to overcoming college rejections, Aaron's story is an inspiring tapestry of resilience and...