East Bay Affinity Network
Who We Are
The East Bay Affinity Network was created to expand our commitment to support all Cal State East Bay students and alumni.
The East Bay Affinity Network will help alumni with unique perspectives join together to support students and each other by creating social events, engaging in programs that promote lifelong learning and promote civic and philanthropic engagement.
Meet the Planning Committee
Marilyn Gracia '17
I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in Child Advocacy and Policy and have been serving as a Court Advocate volunteer for children for the past 4 years now. Some of my other hobbies include being a vegan foodie and cook, traveling, farmers market outings, exercising, spending time outdoors, and embracing the era of "content creating".
Bucket Manyweather '16
An educator, poet, and academic committed to social justice and community building as foundations for personal and social development. I am the Interim Director of the Black Unity at SFSU, and serve as a student engagement specialist. I obtained my Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Nevada.
Andrea Papillon Wilkes
East Bay Alum, Californian who is passionate about giving back to my community. A Serial Entrepreneur, who loves basketball, foodie, roller skating, outdoorsy Nature Lover, and all around free spirited soul who is living her best life!
Belen Menjivar '12
An EOP graduate from CSU EB double majoring in human development and Spanish. Belen has contributed to Cal State East Bay in many ways as a student, staff and alumna. Belen obtained a master’s degree in education from San Jose State University in 2019.
Larry Brooks
Born in New Orleans, raised in Bay Area, primarily Oakland. Attended colleges in SoCal and Sacramento after graduating from CSUH. Founding member of CSUH Student Unity Coalition and previously served on CSUEB Alumni Board.What We Do
Our Pioneer Alumni Ambassador program creates opportunities for alumni to engage with their communities, prospective students and their families to share their Pioneer journey. Ambassadors will serve as a resource for students and their families as they go through their college selection process and beyond.
Types of Alumni Ambassadors
Community Ambassadors provide an opportunity for alumni and others to provide operational assistance that uplifts CSU East Bay.
- When a future student wants to hear an alumni perspective, and your career backgrounds fit, we will ask you to connect.
- When the admissions team is in your area, we'll ask you to volunteer at a recruitment event. Your involvement could range from participating in panel discussions to talking to prospective students one-on-one.
- You may be invited to on-campus events to present at professional development events based on your expertise as well as to welcome and encourage new students
- Help promote Pioneer events to your alumni network via email and social media.
- Provide non-financial assistance to Pioneer events
- Spread information about ways to support Pioneer students
Sign up to be an Community Ambassador on our volunteer site.
The Student Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for students of all ages that are dedicated to serving and representing the Pioneer community. Student ambassadors talk with Pioneer Alumni and future Pioneers, and perform duties at various campus and community events.
Benefits:
- Enhance your public speaking skills
- Learn about the tricks of networking while engaging with other Pioneers and community members interested in Cal State East Bay
- Attend great professional development and social events offered by the Alumni Engagement Department
- Learn about what is going on in the Pioneer Community from the inside out
Ways to Give
Pioneers for H.O.P.E.
Pioneers for HOPE (Helping our Pioneers Excel) works to provide for the basic needs of our most-at risk students that are facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other various crisis situations.
Cal State East Bay Diversity Center
The Diversity and Inclusion Student Center provides opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, and co-curricular programming on various topics of diversity and inclusion.