Jorge Acosta, counselor
jacosta@citruscollege.edu

I was born in Southern California to Mexican immigrants and raised in South Gate and La Puente. English was not my first language, as I grew up speaking Spanish, which led me to be placed in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program in elementary school. While in high school, I struggled with math to the extent of repeating algebra. My parents didn't graduate high school, and as a first-generation college student, I found navigating the transition to college challenging.

To my good fortune, I came across the TRiO Student Support Services program at Cal State Long Beach. The program is designed to assist low-income students, first-generation college students, and those with a disability who demonstrate academic need and the motivation to achieve their maximum potential in higher education. As a first-generation college student in the TRiO program, meeting with my advisor was one of the most meaningful interactions I had. His guidance and support were so impactful that I was inspired to pursue a career in student services focusing on counseling. Later, I completed an internship at a college advising nonprofit while I concurrently pursued my bachelor's degree in sociology from Cal State Long Beach. Graduate school was a significant transition as I was not fully prepared and unsure what to expect. The support and guidance of a mentor faculty member gave me the necessary advice to earn a master's degree in counseling from Cal State Long Beach.

While at Citrus College, I have held various positions, including liaison for school relations and outreach and instructor for the early college program. I also worked as an adjunct counselor in the EOPS/CARE program at Citrus College and Golden West College. My journey as a professional at Citrus College has taken me to places I never dreamed possible. When I was hired as a full-time counseling faculty in 2016, it was an exciting opportunity to help impact student lives.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my position is that it enables me to guide students through their educational journey and celebrate with them as they achieve their goals.

When I work with students, I break things down for them in an informative and straightforward way, considering the big picture and segmenting it into smaller, manageable steps. As a mentor, I want to help students see that the path to success is possible and they can realize their dreams.

updated 09/2023

David Godoy, English faculty
dgodoy@citruscollege.edu

Hello, my name is David Godoy, and I was born in El Salvador in 1987. During that time, my home country was experiencing a civil war. Even though I was a child, I still have vague memories of unrest from that period. As a young family, my parents wanted something better for my baby sister and me, so we packed up and immigrated to Los Angeles.

I'm the eldest child in my family and I was the first to attend school in this new country. My parents enrolled me at Longfellow Elementary in Azusa. When it came time to attend kindergarten, I only spoke Spanish and felt scared to start school in this new land. Our program was bilingual, so even though we spoke mainly Spanish, our teacher slowly introduced us to English to adjust to the change.

If there was ever a person who lifted me up during a vulnerable time, it was my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Sylvia Schwartz. Through her kindness, patience, and treating me like a capable individual, her actions showed me how we influence one another, whether it be positively or negatively. That was when I decided to be a force for good in this world.

Even though I wasn't entirely sure how I wanted to serve, I always marched forward with that desire in my heart. After graduating from West Covina High School, I enrolled at Mt. San Antonio College because I thought it was the thing to do. Being a first-generation college student, I faced significant challenges and difficulties. I remember feeling so lost and confused with no direction or sense of how to be a college student. I trudged forward aimlessly.

During my second attempt at community college — this time at Chaffey College — I discovered my potential career path as an English college professor. I have always loved reading and writing. Encountering an English professor affirmed a fantastic career path. No matter how long it took me, I procured to move toward this dream.

With much perseverance, I graduated from community college without guidance or a car. Nevertheless, I was filled with pride and happiness when I finally achieved this milestone. When I transferred to Cal State San Bernardino, my parents could not offer financial help toward my studies. This was a blessing in disguise because it made me ramp up my efforts to seek financial aid and extra work.

After working in a pizza shop, I answered an email from a company that offered an opportunity to tutor low-income students. Having had the chance to work with these students, many of them from Spanish-speaking households like mine, gave me the 'aha!' moment I had been seeking. I discovered I could help my students shift from a self-view of incapability to capability. This was my hidden power, just like my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Schwartz, had done for me. I, too, guide my students with kindness, patience, and through a strength-based approach. Her legacy lives on in me and, by extension, through the students I can serve. Life has come full circle, and now I find myself in a position where I can give back and contribute to the change that I want to see in this world. My aim is to move away from destruction and harm, and towards a path of love and construction.

As an English professor, I continue to treat my students with generosity and kindness. I began teaching college in 2017 as an adjunct instructor. I've worked at Riverside City College, Chaffey College, Mt. SAC, and Citrus College. I am honored to say that I was hired full-time at Citrus College in 2022. The dream I procured in my heart many years ago as a younger man germinated into an invaluable opportunity. My parents came to this country so we could have a better life. Who would have thought their sacrifice would, through my service, also contribute toward hopefully a better life for others? That is how altruism and legacy work: you invest in others, and they pay it forward, investing in others, as well.

The legacy of my kindergarten teacher lives on. Even though I did not have too many mentors to guide me, I want to give others the help I so desperately needed when I was in college, as a first-generation college student and immigrant in a new land.

As a Men of Color mentor, I want every student to know that I am here to help in any way I can. Whether your story is similar to mine or even if you can draw inspiration from it, please know I am here to help.

updated 10.2023

Rafael Herrera, counselor
rherrera@citruscollege.edu

My name is Rafael Herrera and I look forward to connecting with you all. In case you did not know, I have been working at Citrus College for over ten years now as a full-time counselor and as an instructor.

Like you, my academic journey began at a local community college. I am a Latino male who grew up in El Monte and I was the first member in my family to attend college and to graduate with a bachelor's degree. Attending college while working full-time was one of my identities during school. So, it was super challenging for me to do well in school and get good grades because I did not know how to balance out college work, family obligations, and work. As a result, one additional identity I would say I had while in college is that of a "lone rider" I lacked the intuition to find a mentor and or support group while in college. In doing so, I had to fight and claw my way through so many challenges while in college. Looking back now, I did not know during those college years that I was in dire need of a mentor or support group. Therefore, I want to give back to students and help guide them as much as possible by serving as a mentor, voice, and advocate.

updated 09/2021

Dominic Jacquet, educational advisor
djacquet@citruscollege.edu

I am an educational advisor in the general counseling department at Citrus College. I began my career here in August 2000. During my Citrus College tenure, I have worked in the International Student Center, served as a coordinator of the Umoja program, worked as an instructor, and as an adjunct counselor.

I grew up in the Monrovia/Duarte area, and I'm a first generation college graduate. After graduating from Monrovia High School, I attended Citrus College. From Citrus, I transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and double majored with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a bachelor's degree in Africana studies. From there, I attended the University of La Verne and earned a master's degree in marriage and family therapy.

As a student, I would say "college is not for me" and, at the time, college wasn't. While attending Citrus College, I felt like giving up and throwing in the towel. Then I enrolled in a sociology class. There I met one of my instructors who became my mentor through my studies at Citrus. When I transferred to CSUN, I met more mentors that were men of color. They would tell me after college being a man of color will be harder. Listening to their trials and tribulations, their stories and experiences prepared me for my future. My mentors were there for me when I needed them, and guided me through college. When attending CSUN, there was a feeling of community and we all supported one another. When working on and off campus supporting students, I became a mentor and a role model.

Citrus College is the first step of your college education. It will not be easy and you will struggle during some semesters. However, like that famous quote, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." For me, in the beginning, I didn't like school; it wasn't for me. I struggled every semester and wanted to give up. Though, little by little, I made progress. Remember, the mentors here started right where you are now. We can share our stories and motivate other students to succeed. If I can do it, you can do it, too.

updated 09/2021

Ben Macias, director of campus safety
bmacias@citruscollege.edu

My name is Ben Macias and I serve as the director of campus safety of Citrus College. I began my career at Citris College in January 2007, and I oversee a department of professionals who are entrusted with the safety and security of every student and employee on our beautiful campus.

I was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and subsequently immigrated to the United States. I grew up in a single parent household with only my mother and three siblings. When we arrived to the United States, we did not speak English and we were poor. We were raised in various lower socio-economic neighborhoods of Los Angeles County where drugs, gangs and violence were a normal, daily occurrence.

Regardless of my circumstances, I persevered and became the first in my family to graduate college. I initially went to East Los Angeles College where I played football, and, eventually, I obtained my bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration, with a concentration in emergency management, from the University of Phoenix. My personal educational goal is to obtain my Juris Doctor in criminal law.

I have coached high school football for 16 years and do so as a form of giving back to my community. I strive to be a positive male role model in the lives of the athletes I coach. As a former wrestler, baseball and football player, I know firsthand of the many benefits athletics provides a young man. Specifically, football and the life lessons it teaches.

I chose to be a mentor for several reasons, but mainly because I enjoy helping others and having a positive impact. I want to share, motivate, inspire and be a positive role model for others who may be in similar circumstances. Regardless of our situations, we do not need to be a victim of our circumstances. Knowledge is power and we can all persevere. I believe in the power of change, overcoming obstacles and making no excuses.

updated 09/2023

Gino Muñoz, music faculty
gmunoz@citruscollege.edu

Gino Muñoz graduated from William Workman High School, City of Industry, in 1988 and spent three years searching for his calling in life. In 1990, he enrolled at Citrus College, where he studied music. Through his studies at Citrus, he was able to pave a way to perform with great artists, such as Michael Bublè and Gwen Stefani. Currently, Gino is the Academic Senate past-president at Citrus College, a full-time music faculty member, and an entrepreneur who produces shows for Sea World, Legoland, and other venues. Gino is also a partner in 37 St Joseph Studios, a professional recording studio located in Arcadia.

updated 10/2022

Levi Richard, business faculty
lrichard@citruscollege.edu

I grew up in a typical traditional African-American middle class family. My parents grew up poor in Mississippi and moved to Los Angeles after getting married. Also, siblings and relatives re-located to the Los Angeles area where there was lots of interaction among us. There was a strong community of family and friends.

We moved to Baldwin Park when I was about nine years old and lived there until I graduated from college.

I have a bachelor's in business, a master's in business, and a doctoral degree in business administration.

I have over 20 years of managerial experience in corporations and am a full-time faculty member in the business department at Citrus College. I also serve on various committees, such as the Citrus College Foundation, the Institutional Research Committee, the Enrollment Management Committee, the African-American Scholars Committee, and the Men of Color Committee.

Mentoring relationships are a shared opportunity for learning and growth and I deeply believe that I have a responsibility to "give back" to those in need who are within my reach. This means helping them any way that I can, because at its core, mentoring demonstrates to someone that another person cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with challenges, and that they matter.

I have consulted mentors in the past and will continue to consult them in the future. I am deeply grateful for the vital role they play my life. Their wise counsel has helped me overcome many obstacles that I've faced.

updated 09/2021

Raul Sanchez, counselor
rsanchez@citruscollege.edu

My name is Raul Sanchez and I began my work in higher education at Citrus College in January 2005 where I have worked in various capacities - Transfer Center academic advisor, general counseling, Transfer Center coordinator, and I currently serve as a counselor in the EOPS/CARE/NextUp department. I enjoy working with students and helping them get from "point A to point B" with their goals. It is extremely gratifying for me to see students succeed and walk across the graduation stage and receive a university acceptance letter.

I am a first-generation college student and a product of the local community. I graduated Pomona High School in June 1999 and went off to attend Sacramento State where I played football and earned a bachelor's in sociology in May 2004. I then came back home to Pomona and began working at Citrus College as an academic advisor in January 2005, which only required a bachelor's degree. In August 2005, I began the pursuit of my master's in counseling in higher education at the University of La Verne. Having earned a master's degree in May 2008 allowed me to transition from an "advisor" to a "counselor." I began to counsel and teach counseling courses in July 2008 at Citrus.

The story sounds nice and smooth but the reality is, when I arrived at Sacramento State, I had no idea what I wanted to major in or even how to succeed in college. My first semester was a culture shock and, as a result, my grades suffered. I earned a 1.60 GPA and was placed on academic probation, which placed me in danger of being ineligible of playing football. Although it was intimidating, I turned to my counselors, teachers, and classmates and asked for help. I quickly learned I needed to use all resources around me as that was the only way I was going to make it through. The help I received is what motivates me to help students today.

College is not an easy process - students will be stressed, investing energy, time and money; students will have sleepless nights and will need to sacrifice and learn how to say "no." However, it is all worth it. Education will open many doors that otherwise would not be available without a formal post-secondary education. Use mentors, such as myself, to help get to the finish line. We are "here" for our students. Make it happen!

updated 10/2023

Erick Sanzon, counselor
esanzon@citruscollege.edu

Hello everyone. My name is Erick Sanzon, and I am an alumnus of Citrus College. I grew up in Baldwin Park and navigated higher education as a first-generation college student. For over five years, I've been an employee of Citrus College as an adjunct counselor in the counseling department.

I graduated from Citrus College with an associate's degree and earned my bachelor's degree at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Shortly after graduating from LMU, I worked as a college advisor for the USC College Advising Corp program. After my experience as a college advisor, I decided to pursue my master's degree in counseling (emphasis in student development in higher education) from CSU Long Beach.

I plan to have conversations with students regarding what it's like to experience higher education as a male immigrant and talk about the different roles with which they identify. As a male of color, it's essential to help students develop leadership skills to advocate for themselves and confidently maneuver unfamiliar spaces within education and beyond their professional careers.

It's not easy to speak of just one mentor who was most influential during my journey as a student, as I have had wonderful mentors at every school I attended. However, my high school counselor and the counselors at Citrus College were a big part of my success. All were reasons why I wanted to return to Citrus College after earning my bachelor's degree to work as a counselor.

I still keep in touch with my mentors, and it is a rewarding experience to work with a group of individuals with whom I'm familiar and who supported me while I was a student at Citrus College.

updated 09/2023

Gerald Sequeira, dean of enrollment services
gsequeira@citruscollege.edu

I was born in Nicaragua where I spent my childhood before migrating to the United States. I grew up in Ventura, California in a close-knit family. I'm married, and my wife and I have two children.

I earned a bachelor's in civil engineering from the University of California Los Angeles, and a Juris Doctor in Law from UCLA.

Prior to Citrus College, I practiced law for a government agency (National Labor Relations Board), then worked as director of admissions and financial aid for the Boyd School of Law at University of Nevada Las Vegas, and director of admissions and records at El Camino College Compton Center. Currently, I'm the dean of enrollment services at Citrus College.

Aside from my career at Citrus College, I've enjoyed traveling (some 22 countries, thus far), and I enjoy dancing and painting.

Having mentors helped me become a successful professional, thus I want to give back based on my own experience. It's important to help open doors and share my experience with other men of color. I owe a lot of my success, and much of my personal achievement, to the mentors who showed me how to be a successful student and professional.

updated 09/2021