At Orange Coast College, we define Student Equity as guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all students, while working to identify and address barriers that stand in the way of student success. As of result of this commitment to access, success and transfer for all of our current and prospective students, the Student Equity Office hosts a variety of programs and initiatives to support our students' success.
Contact Us
Office Hours
Mon to Thurs, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Sat & Sun, Closed
Lupe Tinoco Oliveros (She/Ella)
Student Success & Equity Specialist
Hi! My name is Lupe and I oversee the Student Equity Program. 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!
Jenna Perez (She/They)
UndocuScholars 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.
Caleb Aparicio (They/He)
LGBTQIA+ Program Coordinator
Hey folks! I’m the LGBTQIA+ Project Coordinator here at OCC. I am a first-generation college graduate. I began my undergrad journey at Long Beach City College in 2009, but stopped attending a few semesters later, partly due to a family emergency. 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 CSU Long Beach in the Fall of 2018. During my time there, I was the ASI 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.
In my spare time you can find me sleeping till 11am, taking mini road trips or watching TV with my wife, spending time with my family, or geeking out about Superman things.
Cynthia Chavez (She/Ella)
Pirates' Promise Program Specialist