Vanessa Varko-Fontana
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Latinx Student Success Center Coordinator
Phone: (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.
Jimena Ortiz Guardado
Pronouns: She/They/ella
Class of: 2027
Major: Civil Engineering w/ Minor in Environmental Studies
Hobbies: reading, listening to music, thrifting
Languages: English and Spanish
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
To me, being a Pioneer of color means being part of the representation for the current EastBay students and the next generation. This looks like partaking in our vibrant and diverse community as my authentic self, including my history, culture, and aspirations, as well as making space for others..
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
Working at the LSSC will allow me to put myself out there and connect with students on campus, creating those connections that will take me further in my personal and professional development. The LSSC serves as a place to find community and resources for all; therefore, I am honored to be a part of it.
Mateo Reyes-Lopez
Pronouns: He/Him
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.
Michelle Guerrero
Pronouns: She/ Her
Class of: 2027
Major: Sociology
Hobbies: Arts & Crafts, Hikes, Watching Movies
Languages: Spanish, English
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
It means to be a spark of inspiration, a true representation for success. My goal is to show people from every background that their dreams are within reach and to motivate them to go out and achieve them. I hope to continue that by working at the Center ! <3
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
I'm looking forward to connecting with the Center this year! I love being on top of school work and knowing what resources are available, and I can't wait to share that knowledge to benefit my colleagues and our school. My goal is make this a space where everyone feels welcome, so we can make this the best year yet for all students.
Nadia Paniagua Flores
Pronouns: She/her/ella
Class of: 2027
Major: Industrial- Organizational Psychology
Hobbies: walking my fur baby, organizing home, mentoring younger siblings and having karaoke concert in my car.
Languages: Spanish and English
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
To me a pioneer of color means to be an educational trouper that is holding the door open for others to succeed in education.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
Having a safe space away from home, free of judgement and full of diversity is essential to succeeding as a first generational student that is the bridge for inner city community and high education learning.