Her Story
About Renee
She is a dedicated higher education and career services professional with over a decade of experience in student support, program coordination, and workforce development, currently serving as Career Services Supervisor at Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, where she supervises the Job Placement, Career, and Adult Reentry Centers, develops career programs, and fosters employer partnerships. She also serves as President of the San Diego Chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges, supporting professional women in higher education. Her career includes roles as Navigator and Educational Case Manager, Program Coordinator for Project SHINE, and admissions and enrollment positions at Argosy University, Victory University, and Ashford University. She is recognized as a compassionate, student-centered, and equity-focused leader who is deeply committed to helping students achieve their career goals, supporting diverse populations, and advancing women in education. She is skilled in client relations, customer service management, and program development.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Renee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've had wonderful opportunities and worked with amazing leaders throughout my career journey, mentors like my college president, my dean, and other leaders within my division and across our region. We have amazing advisors and partners. I think we need those lifelines and outlets to be successful, but it's up to the individual to connect, follow up, and support. It's a collective art. Doing what I love, having that innovative capacity to keep pushing, meeting the students and our professionals where they are. It's really about listening to individuals and reimagining practices and engagements to allow for an inclusive and welcoming environment.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Just go for it. If you're uncertain, go with your gut. Do your best, and if you fall, pick yourself back up. The beauty of higher ed is that it truly is a community. Put yourself out there. There are so many opportunities to reimagine and accomplish something. If you don't get it the first time, pick yourself back up and keep pushing.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take advantage of any and all opportunities and resources that are available to you. Ask for help. Don't be afraid to connect and learn from other professionals and leaders. Hear their perspective and their journey. Network wherever, everywhere. Because you never know who you'll be sitting next to five years down the line at that next event, a reference down the road. Don't be afraid to ask, engage, and put yourself out there.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
With our administration currently, our U.S. administration, there's been a lot in funding and resources across the region that can hinder and impact a lot of the initiatives and goals we have. Lack of awareness, sometimes you're limited to be involved. Working again as a unit, as a division, as a region really helps because we're all trying to strive for the same goals and success. Working less in silos and in much bigger groups to achieve a bigger outcome.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Personally, I'm Catholic, so I have strong faith in God. Everything is aligned with that. I'm a very active church member. Family to me is everything, first and foremost right there with God. If things are not okay at home, it's not gonna be okay outside of home. There's a lot going on in our society, lots of politics and changes, but at the end of the day we need to remain professional and respectful. Give each other the space to be heard and be seen. Support and learn from one another. Everyone has a story.
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