Empowering student leaders to serve, connect, and strengthen our campus community.

The EOPS Student Ambassador Program is a student leadership initiative designed to empower EOPS/CARE students to develop as leaders, advocates, and representatives of the program. Student Ambassadors serve as positive role models who support, uplift, and guide their peers throughout their educational journey.
Ambassadors represent EOPS/CARE at campus and community events, assist with orientations and outreach efforts, and share their lived experiences to inform and inspire current and prospective students. Through collaboration with EOPS staff and college leadership, Student Ambassadors help foster a welcoming, informed, and supportive campus environment.
This leadership opportunity provides students with meaningful professional development experiences, including confidence-building, communication skills, mentorship, and community engagement. Student Ambassadors are recognized for their service, leadership, and commitment to advancing student success within the EOPS/CARE community.
Hello, my name is Melissa Gastelum, and I am the Founder of the first EOPS Student Ambassador Program.
EOPS/CARE has always been a strong and well-established department, and I wanted students to fully understand and access the incredible services EOPS has to offer. I knew there was more I could do to help students feel informed, supported, and connected to these opportunities especially students who may be navigating college for the first time.
As a graduate of Desert Oasis, a continuation school, I arrived at IVC unaware of the supportive resources available to me through EOPS/CARE. Had I known about these services then, I would have felt more confident and better prepared for my educational journey. Nonetheless, that experience shaped my vision for this program. I wanted future students particularly first-generation students and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds to have access to knowledge, support, and community from the moment they step on campus.
I am grateful to Dr. Dean Carr for her encouragement and guidance, and to Program Coordinator Dr. Sergio Pesqueira for believing in this initiative and helping bring it to life. Their support made it possible for this vision to grow into something meaningful for our EOPS community.
Today, that vision has become a reality. We all have a story to share, and what better way to uplift our community than by creating spaces where students can express their ideas, build confidence, and make a positive impact? Through the EOPS Student Ambassador Program, we aim to highlight student voices, strengthen representation, and continue expanding opportunities for our EOPS family.


Abel Briseño Olvera
I’m a Business Administration major at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ. I’m passionate about
leadership, community involvement, and helping other students achieve their goals.
I enjoy being active on campus, learning new skills, and taking part in programs that
promote student success and growth.
As an EOPS Ambassador, my goal is to represent the program with pride, support students in reaching their educational goals, and help spread awareness about the amazing resources EOPS offers. I hope to develop stronger communication and leadership skills while giving back to the program that has supported me throughout my college journey.

Alberto Ortiz
Hello Desert Warriors, this is my first year at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ. My major
is in Accounting, in the future I want to be an Accountant or even a Tax Preparer.
Here's a little bit about me, I am 18 years old, born and raised in Brawley. I went
to Desert Valley High School but I graduated from Brawley Union High School. I’ve
been a Student Ambassador for an after-school program at Desert Valley and at Brawley
High.
Now that I am in IVC, I am honored to be one of the first EOPS Student Ambassadors. As an EOPS Student Ambassador, I want to represent our student community and help new and current students feel supported. I also want to share the great resources that EOPS offers to students. I hope everyone graduates and receives their Certificates or Associate’s Degree!

Miguel Angel Perez

Bianca Lazos
I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in Mexicali, where I completed my studies
up to the high school level, earning my certification as a General Nurse. I am currently
an ESL student, aiming to continue my studies as a Business Assistant.
I consider myself an empathetic and determined person, eager to learn new things every day. I love listening to music, as it inspires and motivates me to continue my daily life and achieve my goals. I also enjoy listening to podcasts while doing Sudoku puzzles, drawing, or painting, as these activities relax me and foster my creativity.
My goal in joining the EOPS Ambassador Program is to share clear and accessible information with other students, raising awareness of the opportunities and support it offers. I want to encourage more people to join and feel part of a community where their needs are heard and considered. In this way, I seek to have EOPS recognized not only as an academic service, but also as a space for camaraderie and growth. Realmente aprecio esta gran oportunidad!

