Hola! I’m Gricel Briseño, my pronouns are: she, her, 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 with an Associate in Arts for Transfer in Sociology (AAT-SOC) and successfully transferred and completed the BA program at California State University of Monterey Bay Social in Behavioral Sciences; Sociology. I must admit that the path was challenging but ultimately very rewarding! #sisepuede

Lastly, 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 much passion and experience in helping others, 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).

Hola y bienvenidos/as a su colegio comunitario Hartnell!

My name is Marisela Lara, I am the Lead Coordinator for Mi CASA Program.

I was born and spent most of my childhood in Guanajuato, Mexico in a small rural community named Las Jicamas. At the age of 12 , my family and I immigrated to California, the United States of America.  Like most of the immigrants that come to America,  we came into this country in search of our “American Dream”.  We settled in a small, beautiful and lovely community--the town of Soledad, California.  

In my professional and educational experience, I have had a diverse range of responsibilities.  I also have earned my BA and MPA degrees.  What truly stirs joy in my life is to serve my community.  I enjoy inspiring those that are also desiring to follow their dreams, as I found myself when I first arrived in California.  It is always possible to make our dreams a reality in this beautiful land of opportunity, The United States of America.  

I am excited for this new opportunity with Mi CASA! And I look forward to collaborating with organizations, departments, businesses and creating new venues of collaborative support to enhance our services to support scholars who have personal and professional aspirations, dreams, and goals. Let’s enhance opportunities for success for ALL students, regardless of their culture, sexual orientation, immigration status, gender, and ethnicity. 

Allow me to share a little bit more about my personal life.  In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, going for walks, dancing, and creating memories with my sons.

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!

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!

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be a part of the Hartnell College Community. My name is Tyshell and my pronouns are she/her. I am a proud first-generation African-American college graduate, born and raised here in Salinas, California.

I am an alumna of Hartnell College and a graduate of California State University of Monterey Bay where I received my B.A. in Visual and Public Arts. Although my educational journey was brief, I had the chance to grow and find my path, one of them leading me to the Umoja Community program at Hartnell College. Because of this program, I gained more confidence in myself and my abilities. While in Umoja, I had the chance to run some of the behind-the-scenes tasks, so being part of it now feels as if I have come back home. The experiences I had within the program have taught me to love and truly embrace the color of my skin and my community. 

There were many times I had felt overwhelmed and unsure of my decisions throughout my educational journey, but with the support of my family, friends, and mentors both on and off campus, I became the woman I am now.

In my free time, I love creating digital and traditional art, spending time with my family and fur babies, listening to music, and hitting the gym.

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” - Shirley Chisholm

Coming Soon! 

Hello! It is an honor and privilege to be part of the Hartnell College Community. My name is Eric and I am a first generation Mexican- American college graduate, native to the Inland Empire. I received my Bachelor of Arts from UC Santa Cruz in Politics with a Minor in History. I have been living in the Salinas Valley for the last five years and I am looking forward to assist all of you in achieving your educational goals and aspirations. 

"The task is to transform society; only the people can do that - not heroes, not celebrities, not stars."- Huey P. Newton

"The world we want to transform has already been worked on by history and is largely hollow. We must nevertheless be inventive enough to change it and build a new world. Take care and do not forget ideas are also weapons."- Subcomandante Marcos

Hello! Soy Dra. Gabriela Lopez. My pronouns are she/her/ella.  I am the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, the proud granddaughter of abuelitos who tended to the strawberry fields of Watsonville for over 40 years. I am a second generation college graduate and the first in my family to earn a doctoral degree. I completed my doctorate in organizational leadership in April 2023. My dissertation is titled: Leading with Cultura y Corazón: Culturally Responsive Leadership and Latina Mid-level Leaders in the California Community Colleges. I dedicated my dissertation to my abuelita who never had the opportunity to attend school. I owe my success and opportunities to her bravery and sacrifices. By coming to this country without knowing the language and working in difficult conditions, she was able to change the trajectory of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives ¡Si se puede! 

I am a proud resident of south Monterey County. I love to hike, camp, and spend time with my 7 nieces and nephews. I hold a BA in English and a MS in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California. I love working and living in this community and it is a privilege to work with our amazing Hartnell College scholars.