I am the Director of First-Year Experience at CSU Chico, where I facilitate high-impact practices in classrooms and on campus to support all first-year students in their academic and personal growth. With over two decades of experience as a Communication Studies instructor and a Speech and Debate coach, I have developed a passion for empowering individuals with a confident and effective voice they can use in their lives.I also hold the Advancing Inclusive Mentoring (AIM) credential and the COIL Faculty certification, which reflect my commitment to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in education, as well as my interest in engaging with global and intercultural perspectives. Additionally, I am a proud volunteer for Donate Life California and Girl Scouts, where I share my personal story of gratitude and resilience, and mentor young girls to become leaders in their communities.