Babbie Soares
Babbie Soares is a communications professor specializing in human communication and public speaking, dedicated to helping students develop confidence and clarity in their voices. Based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, she teaches as an adjunct professor at several community colleges, including Norco College, Chaffey College, and San Bernardino Valley College. Through her teaching, she focuses on empowering students with practical communication skills that strengthen their academic, professional, and personal lives.
Babbie earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Human Communication from California State University, Fullerton, completing her graduate degree in 2024. Prior to becoming a professor, she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the university, where she taught and supported courses in public speaking, intercultural communication, family communication, and group communication. Shortly after completing her master’s degree, she was hired to teach at the community college she once attended, becoming the first member of her cohort to receive a job offer and the only woman of color in her graduating group.
Her professional journey is deeply shaped by resilience and determination. Born in Brazil, Babbie experienced significant hardships early in life, including living on the streets at the age of seven before eventually building a new life in the United States. These experiences have profoundly influenced her passion for education and community impact. She believes strongly in authenticity in the classroom and strives to create an environment where students feel empowered to grow, express themselves, and discover the freedom that education can provide.
• Personal Trainer Certification — ACE Coaching
• California State University, Fullerton — Master of Arts (M.A.), Human Communication
• California State University, Fullerton — Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Human Communication
• Influential Women 2026
• Beta Kappa Pi
• Assistant Volunteer — Mountain Zion Church of God in Christ
• Vietnam Medical Mission Support — Doctors Without Borders
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the hardships I had in my life. I have something to compare for if I don't succeed. My journey from being adopted and living on the streets of Brazil at age 7 to now being in the United States as a professor motivating others is almost like another reality that I had no idea I was capable of. Those hardships gave me perspective and drive.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was don't be afraid to contact or connect with the people that are in charge of the positions that you are looking for. Don't be afraid of reaching out, of asking for help, or putting yourself out there. That willingness to reach out to decision-makers and ask for help has been invaluable in my career journey.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to be yourself. Especially in education, people think that because you have a title as a professor, you need to cancel the other parts of your cognitive complexity. I would recommend young women be themselves in the classroom, because it's the authenticity that is going to pave the way to their students. Don't let the title or expectations make you hide who you really are - bring your whole self to your work.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is that education is still highly male-dominated, so there is not a lot of women still in this area. However, one of the greatest things happening in my field at the moment is that more women are becoming involved in the area, particularly in the administrative field. It is important for women to be in administrative positions in education, and that's a good thing that's happening right now.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Responsibility is very important to me - keeping your word. If you say you're going to do something, you do it. I would also say being disciplined. Discipline is everything in my life. I'm a runner, so I know the discipline such a thing requires. And being loyal - being loyal to yourself and loyal to others. Those values of responsibility, discipline, and loyalty are what matter most to me.