As a graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Cesar completed his Bachelor of Arts  degree majoring in Sociology and minoring in Spanish Literature in 1997. He received his Master's in Counseling from Cal Lutheran University. Cesar’s professional Career  and journey in higher education,  officially began dating back to 1999,  once being hired by his alma mater (UCSB) to work as an Admissions and Outreach Counselor, targeting various High-schools and community Colleges through-out southern California.

Cesar’s professional roles with both the UC and the California Community College system grew  and evolved to include outreach, recruitment, retention, program development, coordination and program implementation.

As a product of the community college system and in particular, the EOPS program himself (while attending Santa Barbara City College), this has fueled his passion for serving students at the community college level, who have not always had access to higher education and viewed higher education and obtaining a degree as unattainable. Helping students with limited resources realize their full potential to create an avenue for educational, social and economic mobility brings him great fulfillment,  pride and love for his profession. More specifically, as the EOPS/CARE Program Coordinator,

Cesar started serving as EOPS/CARE Coordinator/Counselor in 2011 at Moorpark College and transitioned to Oxnard College in his current role, in 2014.

Ross Fontes has been an EOPS counselor at Oxnard College for over 20 years. He grew up in Southern California; Oxnard and Compton.  He is a motivator and a listener who believes that every student has the power to succeed even when they don’t believe in themselves. He enjoys connecting and conversing with students from all walks of life. Ross believes that education is the passport to the future, and that the education of the EOPS student is paramount to the meaningfulness of higher education, the strength of the local and national economy, and the expansion of democracy and equality in America.

After graduating from Oxnard high School, Ross attended Ventura College and transferred to the University of California at Santa Barbara where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with multiple emphasis in Sociology, History and Black Studies. He earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership at California State University at Northridge. Ross’ career experience includes working as a Youth Counselor for the California Youth Authority, office assistant for Media Relations at UCSB, directing the UCSB summer bridge program (STEP), counseling EOP students and coordinating the African American Student Cultural Center at UCSB.

His passion and purpose over the past twenty years at Oxnard College has been counseling EOPS students and helping them gain confidence, develop the necessary academic and personal skill set to continue on with their educational journey, think critically, act responsibly and contribute to the greater good of society.

Gloria grew up and in the agricultural city of Oxnard, California.  Currently she is an EOP&S Academic/Outreach Counselor at Oxnard College.  Gloria brings wisdom, sensitivity and support to many students who are in need of guidance.  She possesses a strong compassion working with ex-convicts and drug addicts.  She believes that there is a way out of all their madness by using education as a tool to improve their lives.

Gloria attended Oxnard and Ventura College then transferred to California State University, Northridge.  She majored in Chicano Studies and minored in Sociology with an emphasis in counseling and interviewing in addition, holds a certificate of achievement in Chemical Dependency. Gloria worked as a Drug/Gang counselor in the heart of San Fernando and Canoga Park, Ca. for over 5 years. In May of 2000, Gloria accomplished another goal in her life by completing her Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from California Lutheran University. 

Gloria’s mission is to teach young women and men how to over many obstacles such as peer pressure, low-self-esteem and encourage them to pursue a higher education.  It has been a dream come true for Gloria to come back to her community and work closely with young people in need.

She feels that the “CHOICES” you make in your life truly do determine your destiny.

Everardo was a first-generation, veteran, low-income, and educationally disadvantage college student at Oxnard College.  The educational opportunity he received as an EOPS student at Oxnard College has been a transformational experience.  He has walked on a road less traveled.  He is forever grateful for taking advantage of the opportunities that were given to him.  He values the power of education and the transformative change via the educational pipeline.

At Oxnard College, he earned an A.A. in History; transferred to UCLA to earn a B.A. in History with a Minor in Chicano Studies; and continued his education at California Lutheran University (CLU), where he earned an M.S. in Counseling and Guidance, with Specialization on College Student Personnel.  

He loves gardening, travelling, learning, cooking, and living the present moment. He tries to live by a simple quote:  “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community.” -Cesar E. Chavez

Esmeralda "Esme" was born and raised in Ojai, a small town in Ventura County. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants from Michoacan; both parents faced limited educational opportunities and reached only a ninth-grade education. Recognizing that her parents sacrificed everything they've ever known and risked their lives to pursue the American dream, Esme embarked on a mission to be the first in her family to graduate high school, pursue a university education, and be the positive change for generations to come. Esme earned a bachelor's in Sociology from Cal State Long Beach, and a master's degree in counseling from Cal Lutheran University. Her counseling experience expands three community college districts within the last eight years: Los Angeles Pierce College, Santa Barbara City College, and Moorpark College. She has dedicated her career to serving educationally disadvantaged students in the CalWORKs, EOPS/CARE and NextUp programs. 

In her free time, Esme enjoys reading personal development books, cuddling with her two-year old puppy Mamba, and making lasting memories with her first-born niece Jolene. With a friendly, warm, and compassionate heart, Esme is ready and honored for the opportunity to serve the EOPS/CARE students at Oxnard College. "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel"- Maya Angelou

Nayeli Madero is a first-generation, formerly undocumented, immigrant from Mexico and the first in her family to pursue a higher education. She is the mother of two and the eldest of 9 siblings. Her ancestors are from Central Mexico, and she is very proud of her indigenous roots and culture. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies with an emphasis in Chicanx Studies as well as a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language, Literature and Culture, from California State University, Fullerton.  After her bachelor’s degree, life circumstances caused her to put her goal of obtaining a master’s degree on hold for approximately 8 years, but eventually she achieved a Master of Science degree in Counseling from California State University, Long Beach.   

Nayeli is grateful for the many opportunities and ways that she has had the privilege of serving students reach their academic and life goals. She has held many roles including tutor, soccer coach, peer mentor, residential advisor, program specialist, community outreach specialist, academic advisor, project coordinator and most recently counselor. Her many roles have given her the necessary tools to work with her students holistically and wholeheartedly.  

Nayeli believes that her greatest human characteristics and values are “Love”, “family” and “Respect” which she works hard to impart in every aspect of her life and Counseling role at Oxnard College. A quote that summarizes Nayeli’s journey through life and one that she shares with her students is the following: Be like a sea turtle; ride the waves of life, absorb their beauty and wisdom, and let the tough moments roll of your shell.  

Renee grew up in Santa Paula and is a first generation college student. She began her education at Ventura College where she received an AA in Sociology. She earned a degree in Sociology from CSUN and continued on with her education by earning a Master's Degree in Counseling/Guidance along with her PPS Credential from California Lutheran University.

Renee is a passionate advocate for all students reaching their full potential. She strives to develop and nurture lasting and impactful relationships in student’s lives. As an EOPS counsellor, she cherishes her ability to encourage and provide academic support with each student the at she comes across. Her hope is for every student that leaves her office is inspired and motivated to pursue their educational/or career goals regardless of any adversity they may be facing. Consequently, Renee wants the students she meets to embrace the journey of learning and to enjoy the ride, rather than worrying too much about the destination.

Her personal life motto is: “Work Hard and dream BIG....there's no limit to what you can DO!!

Renee enjoys long distance hiking and participating in Spartan races. A fun fact about her: her first over sees trip was to Ireland.

Yesenia is a native of Ventura County, having been born and raised in the City of Ventura to Mexican immigrant parents, the youngest of four children. She received her Bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Gender and Women's Studies from Cal State Northridge. She then went on to earn a Master's in Public Policy and Administration from Cal Lutheran University. 

Currently, she lives with her partner and toddler in Ventura and is an avid reader. She will read anything, though she does love a good ghost story! She enjoys cooking, and crafting when time permits.  

She looks forward to working with everyone at Oxnard College and to serving students from a place of compassion and empowerment.

Zenaida is number 8 of 12 siblings from a military family where her father served in the United States Navy. She was born in Richmond, where her father was stationed at Norfolk, Virginia. Later, she and her family transferred to Subic Bay, Philippines after four years. Zenaida and her family returned to the United State and relocated to Long Beach, California where her father retired at San Pedro Naval Base, upon completing 20 years of military service. Following his retirement, she and her family moved to Oxnard where her father was employed at the local U.S. Postal Office.

Zenaida has been living in Ventura County since 1970 where she attended elementary and junior high schools. She graduated at Channel Island, then attended Ventura  and Oxnard Community Colleges. Her initial career path took her to the mortgage and banking industry before being hired at Oxnard Community College with a provisional position as the Admin Assistant II to the VP of Student Services. After a few years, Zenaida took the opportunity to take a full-time position as an EOPS/CARE technician where she's been employed since that time.

While at Oxnard College, she has enjoyed working with an ever-changing faculty and staff and meeting and assisting students. 

My name is Gabriela Valdez and I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and moved to the beautiful city of Oxnard California where I attended middle school, high school, and now college! I am a first-generation, low income college student working to achieve my Masters degree in the future.

I come from two hard working Mexican immigrant parents who came to the United States twenty-three years ago to provide a better life for my siblings and I. My parents are the reason why I believe education is a gift that many of us should take advantage of because they weren't given that opportunity to do so.

I have been granted the privilege to work alongside our inspiring EOPS counselors which has allowed me to develop an interest to become an academic counselor in my future career path. My favorite activities to do are going on camping trips with my family and being outdoors!