Student Equity

Housing Assistance Program/Project Coordinator 

Hi! My name is Lupe and I oversee the Housing Assistance Program and other small projects within the Student Equity department. I began my educational journey at Humboldt State University (B.A. in Sociology and Critical Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) and ended at Cal State, Fullerton with my masterrs in Higher Education. This work is so meaningful to me because I am the first person in my family to graduate collegee and I wouldn't be where I am without the individuals and equity-focused programs that supported me along the way. I feel so honored to be in a position where I can pay that forward and support students to achieve their personal, educational, and career goals. In my free time, I like to dive into a good book, catch up on shows and movies, play Sims 4, and try new food recipes that I find on TikTok! 

Student Equity Program Coordinator

Hello there! I began my journey at OCC as a student where I earned an A.A in Sociology. Later, I transferred to UC Berkeley and became the first in my family to earn a college degree. While studying at OCC, I was a Student Equity ambassador and was involved in campus life such as TOP, Puente Club and Student Government. These experiences truly shaped me into the person I am today. I would not have succeeded without the care and mentorship of the passionate faculty and staff I met along the way. I hope that I can provide that same support to you on your journey, and I am grateful to be here serving students because I was once in their shoes. Higher education was a transformative experience for me, and I am passionate about the work we do to make higher education accessible to everyone.  

A fun fact about me is that I used to be a DJ for my campus radio station! When I’m not working you can find me taking my chihuahua for walks, going on boba runs, singing my heart out at karaoke, or exploring new hiking spots.

Hey folks! 

I’m Caleb, the LGBTQIA+ Project Specialist here at OCC. I am a queer, Latinx, first-generation college graduate who followed a less traditional path in my education. I began my undergrad journey at Long Beach City College in 2009, but stopped attending a few semesters later. Having been inspired by my younger sister, I returned five years later in Spring of 2016. I became involved in a few student organizations, one of which was Queer Space, the LGBTQ+ club on campus. That is where my passion to serve the LGBTQIA+ community originated.  

I transferred to Cal State University, Long Beach in the Fall of 2018, which is also when I started socially transitioning. During my time there, I was the Associated Students, Inc. LGBTQIA+ Commissioner and co-founder of the Transgender Empowerment & Action (T.E.A) student organization. I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology, with a Queer Studies minor in 2021 and was fortunate to start working here at OCC in November of that same year. I’m passionate about helping students find their voice and advocating for their needs here on campus. 

A few fun things about me:  

• I’m sort of a “late-bloomer” having come out as trans at age 28.
• I have 3 pets: A shitzu mix named Roxy and 2 cats named Tegan & Sara (named by my wife.) 
• I have a “Stitch corner” in my work space, so if you’re a Stitch fan come visit me! 
• I'm team pineapple on pizza. 

OCC Cares Program Coordinator

As a first-generation college student, English learner, and a minority, I am passionate about bringing positive change and witnessing our students thrive in their educational goals and well-being because I, too, struggled with my education path and dropped out of college at some point. It took me over 15 years to complete my BA for Psychology & Human Development at CSUF and my Master of Social Work at OLLU. As you can see, I am product of second chances. 

I came to Orange Coast College in 2015 to work in Student Services as part of their assessment team. In 2018 I transferred to the Student Equity department as part of the OCC Cares and Pirate’s Cove Pantry team. I helped oversee the day-to-day operations of Pirate’s Cove for over three years before becoming the OCC Cares Basic Needs coordinator. I now have the pleasure of connecting students with on-and off-campus resources for basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, etc. At OCC Cares we understand that a student’s most basic needs must be met first for them to be successful in college and it is our goal to be able to provide that support to our students. 

Fun Fact(s):  

• I am proud to be a foster parent of 5 children.  
• Latest hobby is to play tea party with our youngest daughter and her stuffed animals.  
• I got lost in the Smokey Mountain area and had to hike 25 miles after sundown in the wood.