Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Zenteno serves as an Instructional Support Specialist within the Language, Humanities, and Social Sciences Department at Riverside City College in Riverside, California. In this role, she supervises and manages over 40 student workers, including peer tutors, receptionists, and lab aides across multiple departments such as World Languages, Journalism, and the Center for Communications of Excellence. She supports the dean and provides front-facing assistance to students while also contributing to media, journalism, newsletters, publications, and PR efforts. With a background that includes 12 years as an LVN in the medical field and experience as a holistic practitioner, Jessica transitioned to education four years ago following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a desire for better work-life balance as a mother of four. She is currently enrolled in a dual MBA/MSOL program at the University of Redlands, having earned her BSHS pre-med degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences. Jessica specializes in burnout prevention workshops and health promotion, drawing from her lived experiences to advocate for student well-being. Her success is attributed to her resiliency, self-efficacy, and perseverance, shaped by her background as an emancipated youth who overcame homelessness and personal losses. She values authenticity, integrity, relationship building, and community work, and she actively volunteers with College Corps, the Community Action Leadership Academy, and local nonprofits including the Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties, True Evolution, and Lighthouse of Hope.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my resiliency, self-efficacy, and perseverance. I have a David Goggins mindset that has helped me push through homelessness, adversities, and losses. I had to learn to be self-sufficient and advocate for myself from a young age as an emancipated youth.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Where you start isn't where you have to finish. Young women should know they have options and a world of support and resources available if they seek them out. Have faith and believe in yourself, start with your belief system and your why. Utilize all resources, and if you can dream it, you can achieve it.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The ability to be heard, seen, and accepted authentically. Advocating for one's needs whether mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual. Integrity - saying who I am and being who I am. Relationship building, optimism, and positive energy to uplift others. Community work and social justice are important because human interaction and connections matter greatly.
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