The staff are here to support the center and students connect to community and resources on campus.
Vanessa Varko-FontanaPhone: (510) 885-4786
Email: vanessa.varkofontana@csueastbay.edu
Vanessa is originally from Los Angeles county and has been in the Bay Area since 1999. As a first generation college student Vanessa have faced many challenges navigating through undergraduate, career growth, and returning to graduate school. She brings with her vast experience in youth development, community organizing, cultural student affairs, and collaborative leadership. She is excited to support students explore Latinx culture, community, academic support, and campus resources.
Class of: 2024
Major: Criminal Justice, Social Justice, and Sociology
Hobbies: reading, skating, watching YouTube
Languages: English and Spanish
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?It means that I am just as qualified as other Pioneers to be here, I just happen to have colored skin.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?Whenever I am in the center I am reminded that there are other Latinx students who are also trying to make it in the world, making me feel like I am not alone in this journey.
Class of: 2024
Major: Sociology
Hobbies: Running, Photography, Writing, Hiking
Languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
For me, it means to pursue the higher education that my elders/ancestors were not given the opportunity to pursue.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
Working in the center allows me to connect with my peers outside of academic circumstances allowing us to create stronger bonds between one another. It also gives me the opportunity to surround myself with likemind thinkers, which is great as we can build one another up.
Class of: 2026
Major: Communications
Hobbies: Music
Languages: English and Spanish
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
To be a Pioneer of color means I can influence and inspire younger people of color with the pursuit for higher education, like I once was.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
Working in the Latinx center reminds me why I am pursuing higher education and what it means for other people of color to see someone like them engaged in their community.