Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ

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Welcome to Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ!

Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.

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EOPS Student Ambassador Pilot Program

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

EOPS Student Ambassador Program
 

Ë¿¹ÏÊÓÆµ the Program

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.


Alexia Villagrana

Founder’s Message

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.


Interested in Becoming an EOPS Student Ambassador?

Students interested in leadership, service, and community engagement are encouraged to apply.
Apply today to join a student-led initiative dedicated to advocacy, support, and excellence.


 

Andy S Flores
Andy S. Flores
It's my first year here at IVC and am part of EOPS. My major is Pre-Engineering and would consider myself to be outgoing and take advantage of the opportunities offered. My goals for being a part of the EOPS Ambassador Program is connecting further with high school students, those who are transferring to IVC and know how EOPS is available to help them in their time at IVC. Also working together with other programs and departments and having events together. Also, going on trips and getting to connect further with the EOPS student Ambassadors

 

Abel Briseno

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

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 Perez

Miguel Angel Perez

 

Bianca Lazos

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! 

 

Alexa Suastegui
Alexa Suastegui
I’m a second-year student majoring in Psychology, with the hope of graduating this semester. I plan to transfer to the University of California, Irvine, in the fall of 2026 to pursue my bachelor’s degree in psychology and later earn a master’s degree in forensic psychology. My ultimate career goal is to become a forensic psychologist. I’ve been working at the MESA program at IVC for a little over a year and have truly enjoyed helping students discover their passions and feel connected to the college community. In my personal life, I love trying new foods, watching thriller movies, and spending time with my family, friends, and my dog! Through the EOPS Ambassador Program, I hope to help as many students as possible feel welcomed and supported in a program designed to help them succeed. One of my main goals is to connect with my community and fellow students, reminding them that they are not alone in their academic journeys. I would like to represent to students the person I wish I had to assist me in my first year of IVC. I'd like to introduce EOPS to students who may not yet know about it, such as current IVC students, and to upcoming students in nearby high schools, so they can take advantage of the amazing opportunities it offers. As for myself, I'd like to break out of my shell and connect with people around me and become a helping hand to those who need it.

 

Yocelyn Martinez
Yocelyn Martínez
Nací en Mexicali, donde crecí y cursé mis estudios. En preparatoria me gradué en Electrónica, y actualmente soy estudiante de ESL, aprendiendo inglés con el propósito de obtener mi título en Assistant Business.Me considero una persona empática, dedicada y curiosa, siempre con ganas de aprender y mejorar. Amo la música de BTS, que me inspira a seguir mis metas con pasión y constancia. También disfruto pasar tiempo con mis dos gatas, quienes llenan mi vida de alegría y compañia. Mi meta al formar parte del Programa de Embajadores de EOPS es ayudar a otros estudiantes brindándoles información sobre el programa y los recursos que ofrece. Deseo contribuir a que más estudiantes conozcan las oportunidades de apoyo disponibles para ellos.
Where can you find us? 
 
EOPS Location
Building 100 and 2610 (Campus Map)  
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00am - 7:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Zoom Virtual Lab hours: 
Monday- Thursday 8:00am to 7:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

For more information, please contact us
at 760.355.6407 or through our contact forms.
Click on the icon below to connect to EOPS Virtual Counter on Zoom!