Her Story
About Serena
Serena Zadoorian is a full-time professor at Victor Valley College teaching psychology. She completed her first year in the role after working on her PhD while teaching part-time at a community college. Zadoorian earned her PhD from UC Riverside, her master's from CSULA, and her bachelor's from UC Irvine after starting at Glendale Community College. Having immigrated from Iran as a teenager, she speaks English, Farsi, and Armenian. She attributes her success to family support and mentorship received as a first-generation college student who learned to seek opportunities and connect with mentors. In addition to teaching Introduction to Psychology, Zadoorian engages in research and mentoring students, with a focus on helping undecided students explore the field and encouraging more women to pursue graduate studies in psychology.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Serena
01What do you attribute your success to?
My family support and mentorship received. As a teenager I told myself you can't be shy, you have to seek for opportunities, ask for help, and not be afraid to make mistakes. Being a first-generation college student I had to find my way and connect with mentors.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Psychology is very broad with a lot of branches. At earlier stages like high school or community college, try to find your interest and identify a specific path. Understand the difference between master's and PhDs and decide your path. Imposter syndrome is real and it's okay to experience it from time to time.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.