Hola! I’m Gricel Briseño, my pronouns are: she, hers, ella. I am a first-generation Mexican American college graduate, native from Imperial Valley County and a delighted Monterey County community member for 10+ years and counting. 

My educational journey began late into adulthood, but nonetheless, it did not stop me from completing the goals I had in mind for myself. I graduated from Hartnell College in 2015 with an Associate in Arts for Transfer in Sociology (AAT-SOC) and successfully transferred and completed CSUMB’s Social and Behavioral Sciences; Sociology BA program in 2017. I must admit that the path was challenging but ultimately very rewarding! #sisepuede

After completing my undergraduate education, I worked at Kinship Center, a non-profit adoption/foster agency as a Relief Counselor, Customer Service Representative, and lastly a Senior Administrative Assistant. In these roles I had the opportunity to serve a variety of executives and departments to fulfill mission-driven work towards building loving families for children in the Central Coast. 

In August 2022 I completed a Master of Arts in Human Behavior Psychology at National University. A program developed for students who have specific ambitions in the fields of supervision, management, and administration. With this focus I’ve gained a cultural sense on how systems impact individual behavior and identities and practice mindfulness towards anyone’s stance, analysis, or agenda aside from my own design. 

With this passion and experience, I am happy to be at Hartnell College as a Program Assistant I for the Salinas Valley Promise -Office of Equity Programs to assist everyone with their educational goals. 

Fun Facts: #1 Seinfeld fan, I love sandwiches and soups, and I collect cookbooks (old and new).

 

Hi! I am Adriana, a first generation college student, born and raised in the Salinas Valley (South County). My mother and father are migrant farmworkers who did not have any formal schooling beyond a second grade education in Mexico. Despite their limited educational opportunities and even though they could not help us academically, we understood that education was valued and a priority in their humble home. 

Because of the support from my family, I am a proud Hartnell College Alumni who later transferred to UC Davis where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development.  After graduation, I worked teaching in the K-12 and later had my first opportunity as a Career Counselor with Monterey County. 

While working at the county, I knew I was passionate about counseling and returned to college for my Masters in Counselor Education at San Jose State. While working on my Masters, I was a non-traditional student; managing full-time work, a family and a long commute. 

This experience reminded me that students come from different backgrounds and walks of life, and our journey’s may not always look the same or be easy! I am very excited to be a part of Hartnell College and look forward to meeting you soon (virtually for now)!  Please know that you are not alone during this time!  I would like to encourage you to reach out to me if you simply want to talk!  We are here to support you in any way possible!

When not working, I enjoy time being outdoors and spending time with my family!

“Look for something positive each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder.” (B. Ford)

Hello and welcome to Hartnell College! It is an honor to serve you and to provide you with the support, guidance and empathy, to help you plan for your educational, personal/social, and career goals. 

I am a first-generation Mexican-American raised by migrant farm working parents. I received my B.A. in Global Economics from UC Santa Cruz and my Master’s degree in Counseling Education from San Jose State University. Additionally, I hold a Certification in Thanatology in Death, Dying and Bereavement from the Association for Death Education and Counseling. 

I am a strong advocate of wellness through walking and a fun fact about me is that this summer I walked the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. I walked over 500 miles and this journey taught me that despite the pain we may experience in life we are capable of overcoming any obstacle. As you begin your Camino at Hartnell I want you to know I believe in your inner ability to cope and rebuild from any adversity.  I am here to help you tap into your inner resilience as you move forward towards hope. 

And as we greet each other when walking the Camino, I want to greet you with …….

¡Buen Camino!

My name is Miriam Vazquez-Gonzalez, and I have been at Hartnell College for five years.  I am the daughter of Mexican immigrant parents who immigrated to the United States in 1985 with the “Sueño Americano” of providing their family with a mejor futuro.  I am a Salinas native and a graduate of Everett Alvarez High School.  I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, from California State University, Monterey Bay in 2007.  I am currently working on my graduate degree in Organizational Leadership through the University of Massachussets Global.  I look forward to being able to utilize my learning to further enhance an inclusive and equitable space at Hartnell College for all UndocuScholars to be welcomed into.  

I am proud to work with students and want to make sure you know I am here para apoyarte a ti.  I admire your resilience and the motivation you have to jump over all the hoops and challenges that come across your way.  I look forward to meeting you and being able to guide your journey through higher education.