黑料正能量

Jackie Sacoto

I serve as the Director of the Career Center at 黑料正能量. I am the proud daughter of immigrants and the first in my family to graduate from college. When I started college, I wanted to pursue a career in the health field. This interest was born when I went on a field trip to Kaiser Permanente as a middle school student and learned about the shortage of Spanish-speaking medical professionals in the Inland Empire. This inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a difference in my community. Then, when I was a junior in college, I participated in my first paid internship where I learned how to develop career exploration programs for other pre-health students. This is how I developed an interest in what we call 鈥渨ork-based learning鈥� in education. Ever since then, I have worked in various roles that entail developing internship opportunities and other forms of career exploration activities for students.

I earned my B.A. in Psychology from UC Riverside and my M.S. in Higher Education Leadership and Student Development from CBU. In fall 2024, I will begin my Doctorate in Education program at CSULA. When I am not working, I enjoy going on sunset walks with my fur baby Kawaii, dining out with my loved ones, or keeping up with my favorite artist Karol G (#Bichota).

Where are you from? Fontana, California

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? Health Sciences and Wellness – I was a pre-med student in college and my dream career was to become a Pediatrician. I have also worked in a medical school and have experience advising students in the health professions.

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Silvestre Regalado

Greetings! I am the Career Center Assistant at the Robert G Freeman Center for Career and Completion (Freeman Career Center). I am part of the Operations Team and my responsibilities are to ensure that the Center is present and ready to assist you with whatever your career needs are.

My path to the Freeman Career Center runs through California State University, Long Beach where I studied and earned a Bachelors in Science in Business Administration before working there professionally for the Educational Opportunity Program as an Access and Retention Advisor.

I invite you to visit us at the Freeman Career Center (IT200) and discover why we are more than just jobs.

Where are you from? Huntington Park, CA

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? The Career Community I most connect with is Business & Industry.

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Derrick Dancer II

I am a Student Placement Interviewer with 13 years of experience in employment services. I have been at 黑料正能量C since 2021. As a Black man born and raised in Pasadena, I take great pride in supporting students at an institution with a special place in my heart. My great-grandfather played football here with Jackie Robinson, and my father’s 1978 track team was inducted into the 黑料正能量C Hall Of Fame in 2023.

I earned my B.A. in Communications from California State University, Northridge. During undergrad, I began working in the non-profit sector and remained after, but working in higher education was always a goal of mine, inspired by influences in my educational journey. I am passionate about helping others and enjoy empowering students as they transition from education to career.

Outside of 黑料正能量C, I am a husband and father of two. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, barbequing, and everything regarding sports from playing to debating.

Where are you from? Pasadena, California

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? Arts, Communication & Design 鈥� I have always been interested in how information is shared between individuals. From storytelling to dancing to 3D animation, there are many ways to convey a message and affect an audience creatively.

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Noel Gonzalez

贬别/贬颈尘/脠濒

I serve as one of two Internship Developers at the Freeman Career Center and have been with 黑料正能量C on and off since 2020. I am a proud Chicano who comes from a low-income background and is the first in my family to attend and graduate college. I earned two Bachelor of Art degrees in Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Real Estate from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). My interest in higher education began with my affiliation in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), becoming an Orientation Leader, working on-campus, and joining a Greek-lettered organization. Because of these experiences, I decided to further my education and pursue a graduate degree. I earned a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) from the University of Southern California (USC) #FightOn!. During my graduate studies, I found my passion for career services and providing guidance and support to help all students, especially students from historically excluded groups with their career development.

Outside of 黑料正能量C, I enjoy binge-watching reality TV shows, listening to music, attending music festivals, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Where are you from? Originally, I am from the San Gabriel Valley, El Monte, CA; But now, I call the Inland Empire, Fontana, CA home.

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? Health Science & Wellness – I was a Pre-Nursing major in college and my dream was to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I have also worked at a healthcare college and have experience advising students in the healthcare professions.

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Isabel Ochoa

she/ella

I serve 黑料正能量C as an Internship Developer who promotes the importance of engaging with industry through work-based learning opportunities like participating in internships and conducting informational interviews. As the first in my family to go to college, I often found myself looking for support as I navigated community college and the transfer process but did not know the 鈥渞ight鈥� questions to ask. I found the most helpful folks were at the career center as they not only took the time to explain what all those work-based learning strategies were but empowered me to continue to be curious, engage in the strategies, and helped me build my own confidence in making decisions about my career.

Now I work with employers to promote paid internship opportunities to our students at 黑料正能量C, help students engage in internships, facilitate opportunities for students to learn about what the world of work is like via our Diversity Career Panel Series and build community on campus.

Where are you from? Victorville, CA

Languages? English and Spanish

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? I have a connection to Business and Industry as I grew up helping out at my family鈥檚 small business where I was a sales and customer service person, office manager, and accountant all in 1! Thanks to this experience, I developed an entrepreneurial mindset that has been so helpful in my internships and career.

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Gerardo Garcia Jr.

I鈥檓 a first-generation Mexican/Salvadoran, currently navigating my own higher education journey as I work towards my bachelor’s degree in Project Management and Organizational Leadership at Arizona State University. Here on campus, I serve as your Job Developer at the Freeman Career Center. My role mainly involves coordinating, vetting, communicating with, and reaching out to employers to ensure their opportunities reach you!

This role is important to me because I have seen firsthand how much employers value the talent at 黑料正能量C and consistently seek to connect with our Lancer community. Not all opportunities are great opportunities, so rest assured that I am here to ensure the employers we work with align with 黑料正能量C’s values.

Outside of work, I love producing music, cooking, and exploring the outdoors. I bring 10 years of experience in social services and workforce development, having supported underserved communities throughout LA County. This includes working with youth in foster care, families affected by domestic abuse, and individuals facing housing insecurity.

I look forward to working with you and helping you connect with meaningful employment opportunities!

Where are you from? Palmdale, CA

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? I have a deep passion for food, arts, music, and entertainment. Because of my own aspirations to make my creative endeavors a main source of income, I am determined to support and guide students in making their dreams a reality, whether it’s by starting their own business as an artist or finding a career that aligns with their creative passions.

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Danny Cabrera

I am a Los Angeles Native; born and raised in many different areas of the city. I have attended schools in the Hollywood area, and was captivated by the entertainment industry, while growing up in Watts. I attended 黑料正能量 and received an Associates Degree to Transfer, in Communications studies, and am now currently a Senior at CSULA working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communications. I am also attending Glendale Community College and working on getting a Dance Teaching Certification. 鈥� I have a plethora of talents under my belt. I currently own my own pop-up business called 鈥淒anniachis Pizza鈥�, which I recently launched in spring of 2024. I am also a seasoned dancer who has danced with several artists on stage and in music videos. I have the privilege of being the choreographer for new up and coming reggaet贸n artists Mami Sandunga and Chaboi. I choreographed their music video titled 鈥淩espeta鈥� which was released in September of 2023. I can be frequently seen teaching Kids HipHop classes on Saturdays in Pasadena for AMG Dance Studio. 鈥� I also work part-time at the Robert Freeman Career Center in 黑料正能量 as a professional expert with the title of Creative Services Producer. With the role of Creative Services Producer at 黑料正能量, I have had the opportunity to create programming that bridges the gap between the Career Center and the educational departments on campus to inform students and attract them to the services the Career Center offers them. I have a great passion for pop culture and music. With the support of my manager Jackie Javier at the Career Center, I assisted in the creation of a Diversity Panel Series for the niche departments on campus. I took creative control in the outreach for talent, marketing, and planning the event while also moderating it. Robert Freeman Career Center is a great opportunity for me. I started as a federal student worker my last semester at 黑料正能量C and graduated with a promotion spring semester of 2023. 鈥� I was recently named the Vice President of Sankofa, a student organization on the CSULA campus supported by Project Rebound. I am more than thrilled to be contributing to student life on campus while pursuing a career as a Higher Ed. Counselor or Music Publicist, and Director. You can find me selling pizzas in DTLA鈥檚 Bite Nites Market in Pershing Square, or dancing hip hop with the kids at AMG Dance Studio in Pasadena. I am also bilingual in Spanish and English.

Where are you from? Pasadena, CA.

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? Arts, Communication & Design, specifically Dance and Entertainment; I can support students about resources on campus.

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Antonio Del Real

• As a first-generation Mexican American, I grew up appreciating the blend of my cultural heritage and American opportunities. Raised in a low-income household, I learned the value of money and hard work early on, fueling my determination to succeed.
• My academic journey was diverse, marked by changing my major seven times. I began at Pierce College, earning an AA in Liberal Arts, then transferred to CSUN for a B.S. in Finance & Real Estate. Initially driven by the pursuit of lucrative careers, I interned at Warner Brothers in their Finance Department during my senior year. Despite the prestige, I realized this wasn’t my true calling.
• While recruiting for Pierce College and connecting with nearby high schools, I discovered my passion for guiding others. This experience revealed my true calling: helping individuals achieve their educational and career goals.
• To further my expertise, I earned a Master鈥檚 Degree in College Counseling and Student Services from CSUN.
• In 2012, armed with my master’s degree, I embarked on my career as a Career Counselor.Now, as a seasoned Career Counselor, I am dedicated to helping others find their paths.
• In my personal life, I enjoy listening to music, dancing, and staying physically active.
• My journey, marked by perseverance and self-discovery, has led me to a fulfilling career in career counseling, where I make a positive impact on others’ lives while embracing my own passions.

Where are you from? San Fernando Valley

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? STEM, Business & Industry, Social & Behavioral Sciences

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Armine Papazian

I am a first-generation college student. Born in Yerevan, Armenia, my family immigrated to the United States when I was 6 years old. As a 1.5-generation immigrant, navigating language barriers, cultural differences, and family expectations have shaped who I am. Although I really disliked school as a kid and worked through a great deal of anxiety navigating my high school and college years, I chose a profession where I am always in school – a place I feel at home. As a Career Counselor, I support students in navigating life, academic, and career choices. I think the process of making these decisions is more messy than straightforward and somewhere in that struggle we find who we are and what we want to do. I enjoy being there with students and supporting them in finding their path and voice.

I started my educational journey at a community college – Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC). Then transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Education Studies. I completed my Masters in Counseling Degree with an emphasis in Student Affairs & Higher Education from the California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

In my personal time, I enjoy anything arts & crafts (love working with my hands & making stuff), hula-hooping, watching documentary films, listening to music, gardening and growing plants, and spending time with family & friends.

Where are you from? Born in Yerevan, Armenia raised and live in the San Fernando Valley.

Languages? Fluent in English & Armenian

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? STEM, Arts, Communication, & Design, and Liberal Arts. I think these communities share the spirit of curiosity, innovation, and creativity and add great value to the human experience.

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Shelby McIntyre

I鈥檓 a Career Counselor and Instructor for COUN 17: Career Planning, and I鈥檝e been at 黑料正能量C since 2018. I earned my B.A. in Cinema Studies, minors in Creative Writing & Music, from the University of Oregon, and after less than two years in the film industry, I realized it wasn鈥檛 the right fit for me. I navigated a career change to the counseling profession, and am passionate about helping others navigate the complex and confusing process of career decision-making to find meaningful work.

Proud CSUN alumni, I earned my M.S. Counseling, College Counseling & Student Services from CSU Northridge, and am recognized as a Certified Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association. I also work with the National and California Career Development Associations in the Public Policy/Government Relations Committees (social justice, systemic intervention/collective action, and civic engagement are key passions of mine). Outside of 黑料正能量C, I鈥檓 dog mom of the cutest pug/pomeranian named Yzma, and I love reading, hiking, board games, and beach days.

Where are you from? Corvallis, Oregon

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? Arts, Communication, & Design – my dream jobs growing up included musical theater and performing for instrumental film scores/soundtracks (before I realized I much prefer a job interview to an audition!)

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Samantha Chavez

she/her/ella

I am a Career Advisor and have worked in career services for five years. I am a first-generation college student who was undeclared when I first started college. After some career and major exploration I was able to graduate with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Sociology and Chicana/o Studies and a minor in Education Studies from UCLA. Fun fact is I used to play the trumpet for 10 years and was a part of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band! More recently I just completed my Master鈥檚 degree in Counseling from CSULB.

Where are you from? North East Los Angeles, CA

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? Liberal Arts – I have always had a passion for education and used to be a substitute secondary teacher for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). I hope to be a community college counselor and instructor in the near future. I am currently taking American Sign Language classes at 黑料正能量C to be able to better communicate with a wider range of students and individuals I may come across.

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Rosa Chen

I was born in the US and raised in Taiwan.聽 After high school, I came to CA and completed my BA at UCBerkeley, MS at CSULA and graduate certificate in Career Counseling at CSUN.

I feel blessed every day to be in the Freeman Center as well as the International Student Office.聽 Helping students navigate the college system, discover who they are meant to be, and understand the steps to achieve their goal 鈥� all this gives me great joy.

In my free time, I enjoy reading historical fiction and legal thrillers, listening to uplifting music, and traveling with my family.

Where are you from? US and Taiwan

What鈥檚 a 黑料正能量C career community you have a connection with? Health Sciences & Wellness, and Social & Behavioral Sciences

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Jose "Joe" Esparza

Hey Lancers! I am one of your Adjunct Career Counselors. I am a proud Mexican-American, First-generation, non-traditional, former EOPS graduate from the