2022/2023 Award Recipients
Ricardo Alvarez '13
B.S. Business Administration
Real Estate Professional, Team Leader for Alvarez & Assoc.
BLVD. Real Estate
Ricky J. Alvarez, also known as Ricky The Realtor®, is a highly regarded real estate agent in the East Bay. With a focus on delivering results-driven service, Ricky has built a solid reputation since 2015. He values kindness, respect, and hard work. Born in San Francisco and raised in Concord, real estate has been a lifelong passion for Ricky. Holding a B.S. degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance and Real Estate, Ricky began his professional career as an intern with a top-producing team. He's known for providing personalized service and achieving exceptional results. Ricky recently started his own team, Alvarez & Associates. He and his team are dedicated to helping people achieve their real estate goals! In addition to real estate, Ricky enjoys camping, sports, and playing golf. He actively volunteers for various organizations, holds leadership positions, and serves as the Vice President for NAHREP East Bay.
Rugieyatu Bhonopha '13
M.S. Health Care Administration
Program Manager of Belonging and Equity at John Muir Health and the Owner CEO of Amoy Wines
Rugieyatu Bhonopha is currently the inaugural Program Manager for the Office of Belonging and Equity Office at John Muir Health, a non-profit healthcare system serving communities in San Francisco, Bay Area. Born in the wake of the national racial awakening following the murder of George Floyd, the BE Office is tasked with implementing a comprehensive strategy that addresses workforce diversity, equitable health outcomes, and system change. Rugieyatu is also the owner of Amoy Wines boutique wine company based out of Napa California. Amoy Wines ships nationwide and is now available at selected wine bars and restaurants in the Bay Area.
Michael Booker '16 & '20
B.A. Music & MS Educational Technology
General Music Teacher and Musician
Hayward Unified School District
Performs under the Golden State Warriors, and with a Parliament Funkadelic Tribute group. Teaching children within the community for the past 20 years.
Madison Fox '17
M.S. Speech Language Pathology
Speech Pathologist - Clinical Specialist
Stanford Health Care
Madison Fox is an acute care Speech Pathologist and the clinical specialist for the inpatient team at Stanford Health. As a graduate student at CSU East Bay, Madison directed the Aphasia Tones Choir and conducted qualitative research alongside her mentor, Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, looking at the impact of choir on well-being for adults with aphasia. At Stanford, her clinical focus centers on the management of complex communication and swallowing disorders for critically ill patients. She completed the Stanford Clinical Effectiveness Leadership Training program in 2020 and has participated in the development of several quality improvement initiatives targeting patient safety and satisfaction. Madison serves as a board member for the California State Speech Language Hearing Association and is an accomplished presenter at national and international conferences. She also works for the Aphasia Center of California and co-founded the ACC’s Music Club under the direction of Dr. Roberta Elman. Madison continues to give back to the CSU East Bay community as a lecturer and supporting Stanford’s robust student internship program. Prior to becoming a speech pathologist, she studied voice at New York University and enjoys singing Beatles songs with her three-year-old son, Elliott.
Rachel Cesena '14 & '16
B.S. & M.S. Kinesiology
Assistant Director of Fitness Programs
Stanford University
Rachel graduated from California State University, East Bay with a B.S, Kinesiology, in 2014 and a M.S., Kinesiology, in 2016. She was involved as a student on campus with the University of Housing and Residence Life as a Residence Assistant for 4 years and the Recreation and Wellness Center as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and intramural sports supervisor for 2 years. After graduation, she started working full-time for a corporate fitness company and worked her way to a managerial role and accrued over 10 additional certifications. She also worked part-time for a local youth soccer club, creating a program for youth to learn, train, and develop as referees, translating these lessons to lifelong skills. She is currently working at Stanford University with the Recreation and Wellness Department, where she manages over 60 group fitness and 20 recreation classes as the Assistant Director of Fitness Programs.
Michael Ryan Cesena '16
M.S. Kinesiology
Associate Director
Associated Students Inc., CSU East Bay
Michael Ryan is a first-generation college student that graduated from Cal State East Bay in the class of 2016 with his Master's of Kinesiology. He was heavily involved as a student on-campus in student government and working campus events. After graduation, he started working full-time at the university first as a special events coordinator and now as the Associate Director of the Associated Students Incorporated at CSU East Bay. Over the years he and his amazing students have won numerous regional awards for the events they have hosted at East Bay. He has served and continues to serve on multiple regional boards for campus activities and auxiliaries. Prior to East Bay, Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in Movement and Sport Science from the University of La Verne, where he is also currently wrapping up an EdD in Organizational Leadership.
Jennifer Elemen '05 & '09
B.A. History and Sociology & MPA
Digitally Mediated Learning Coordinator, 21st Century California School Leadership Academy
UC Berkeley
Dr. Jennifer Elemen serves as the 21st Century California School Leadership Academy (21CSLA) State Center’s digitally mediated learning coordinator at the UC Berkeley School of Education and as president-elect of the California Council for the Social Studies. She has received the CCSS Diane L. Brooks Administrative Award and Outstanding Secondary Educator of the Year Award, MCOE Superintendent Resolution, UWG School Improvement Dissertation of the Year Award, YMCA East Bay Volunteer of the Year Award, JFKHS Teacher of the Year Award and Civic Learning Award. She has led grant projects including the California Department of Education’s Content, Literacy, Inquiry, and Citizenship (CLIC) Project for Region 5 and served on the California State Literacy Plan Team, contributing to the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant Resource Repository. She writes and presents, supporting educators, schools, and districts with next practices, implementation, and continuous improvement for equity and social justice with youth, families, and communities.
April C. Garcia, MPA '14 & '18
B.S. Biological Sciences & MPA
Associate, Talent Acquisition
KPMG LLP
April, a second-generation Mexican American, was born and raised in Boyle Heights, CA known for its rich Chicano culture. Here, she was exposed to crime, gang violence, death, and suicide on a regular basis. However, she made the choice to thrive despite her surroundings and pursue her goals. She is the first in her family to graduate high school, to complete a trade program, and to receive a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree - both from CSU East Bay. She has a deep understanding of how life’s difficult circumstances can impact one’s academic or career journey. She can also explain how the smallest choices can have the most meaningful impact. April is honest, dependable, and incredibly hard-working; she is always willing to lend a helping hand and be of service to her community. Her ability to maintain a positive attitude amid adversity is truly an inspiration to others.
April is a former CSUEB student services professional turned diversity Talent Sourcer for KPMG LLP, a multinational company leading in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She has continued to pursue a path of public service in her personal life and has positively impacted the Latina community and beyond.
DaJanae Gresham-Ryder '19 & '22
B.S. & M.S. Nursing
Clinical Nurse III
UC Davis Medical Center
DaJanae Gresham-Ryder, a native of Stockton, California, became interested in nursing after observing her grandmother care for her great-grandmother. In high school, she enrolled in healthcare tracks and volunteered as a tutor for students with special needs. DaJanae served in the United States military for one year before graduating from California State University, East Bay, in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She returned to her alma mater in 2021 to earn a master's in nursing leadership and administration. DaJanae is a Clinical Nurse III at UC Davis Health and Vice President of the Capitol City Black Nurse Association. This non-profit organization recruits students and nurses of color into nursing programs and hospital institutions to decrease healthcare disparities. As a DNP candidate at Samuel Merritt University, she focuses on interventions to enhance the sense of belonging among newly hired nurses. DaJanae hopes to achieve health equity for all.
Joshua Hunter '07 & '19
B.A. History & MS Educational Leadership
Assistant Principal
Fremont Unified School District
Josh has been employed in the Fremont Unified School District as a teacher and an Administrator for the past 12 years and received all my higher education through California State University East Bay. He is now serving as an Assistant Principal at John F. Kennedy High School.
Marissa Marshall '19
B.S. Communications
Senior Brand Manager
SpringHill Company
In 2019, Marissa graduated from California State East Bay, where she majored in Communications with a focus on Strategic Communication. During her time there, Marissa stood out as a pioneering figure for fellow students, particularly in the realm of professional development. Alongside her own work, internships, and classes, she took on the responsibility of hosting workshops on resume writing, cover letters, and LinkedIn to support her peers in securing internships. After graduating, Marissa embarked on her career journey by joining the NBA Associate Program, where she started working for the NBA. Soon after, she transitioned to the role of Brand Marketing Manager for the WNBA, where she discovered her true passion for marketing. Presently, Marissa holds the position of Senior Brand Manager at the SpringHill Company, which was co-founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter.
LaRon McCoy '16
B.S. Kinesiology
Black Student Success Center Coordinator
California State University, East Bay
LaRon McCoy (he/him/his) is the Black Student Success Center Coordinator in The Diversity and Inclusion Student Affinity and Resource Center (DISARC). An Oakland native, LaRon is a proud Alumnus of Cal State East Bay with a Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Teaching. LaRons participation in the Renaissance Scholars Program and Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) has helped him develop unique tools and knowledge of the East Bay campus to assist students in their academic matriculation at CSU East Bay. Outside of East Bay, LaRon coaches Youth and High School track and field in Oakland, Ca. where he helps to not only build strong athletes but create individuals who will go on to be positive contributors to society as well as lifelong learners. LaRon is extremely excited and blessed to be in the position to give back to his community.
Kwodwo Moore '16
B.A. Philosophy
Senior Program Specialist
Silicon Valley Urban Debate League
Starting as a high school junior in the Bay Area Urban Debate League (BAUDL), Kwodwo found purpose in the intellectual stimulation and community engagement afforded by Speech and Debate. After graduating from high school, he returned to BAUDL as a volunteer while a freshman at CSU East Bay. He then trailblazed a path as a pioneer volunteer for the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League (SVUDL). Now as a Senior Program Specialist at SVUDL, Kwodwo has recruited and coached hundreds of high school students to participate in Speech and Debate. He has taught multiple high school electives, run teacher professional development workshops, and directed countless Speech and Debate tournaments since 2014. His work has been focused on Speech and Debate programs in high schools in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, empowering students to use their voices for advocacy, professional growth, and community organizing.
Farima Pour-Khorshid '07 & '09
B.A. Liberal Studies & M.S. Education
Assistant Professor and Teacher Supervisor
University of San Francisco
Dr. Farima Pour-Khorshid is currently an assistant professor and teacher supervisor at the University of San Francisco. She was born and raised in Hayward and also taught at the elementary level in her community for over a decade. She spent the latter half of her career supporting educators locally, nationally, and internationally in Nicaragua where her family emigrated from. Much of her work is rooted in grassroots education organizing with the Teachers 4 Social Justice organization, the Abolitionist Teaching Network, and the Education for Liberation Network which organizes the Free Minds Free People conference. She is committed to centering abolitionist teaching and healing-centered engagement within and outside of the field of education. As such, she is one of the editors, authors, and organizers of, "Lessons in Liberation: An Abolitionist Toolkit for K-12 Educators", a toolkit in collaboration with the Education for Liberation, Critical Resistance, and several other grassroots abolitionist and justice-centered collectives.
Danielle Jorgens '08
B.S. Biological Sciences
Director, Electron Microscope Laboratory
UC Berkeley
Danielle Jorgens, Ph.D., is a proud product of the California state school system having earned her bachelor's degree in General Science from CSU Fresno, followed by her Masters's degree in Cell and Molecular Biological Sciences from CSU East Bay, and her Ph.D. in Comparative Biochemistry from UC Berkeley. She serves as the Director of the Electron Microscope Laboratory, a core research facility, at UC Berkeley. In her career she has developed novel methods and microscopy techniques and secured millions of dollars in funding for the acquisition of state-of-the-art microscopy instrumentation. In addition to leading a cutting-edge microscopy facility, Danielle has devoted time to mentoring over a dozen interns (from middle schoolers to high school students to undergraduates), while actively engaging with various scientific outreach programs like the Bay Area Science Festival, and participating in many STEM events at elementary schools in the Bay Area.
Dr. Victoria Ortega '13
B.S. Biological Sciences
Protein Engineering Research Scientist
Eli Lilly
Dr. Victoria Ortega began her academic journey at California State University, East Bay, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science with an emphasis in microbiology. Her studies at CSUEB laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors. She obtained a Ph.D. in Immunology and Infectious Disease from Cornell University. Dr. Ortega has made significant contributions to her community and beyond through her research on infectious diseases, particularly in the characterization and understanding of coronavirus and paramyxovirus infections and the diseases they cause. She is also passionate about mentorship and science outreach. She has mentored many students in active research laboratory techniques, project management, and career advancement and has demonstrated a commitment to the growth and success of future scientists.
Cindy Salinas '12 & '16
B.S. & M.S. Recreation
Pioneer Success Coach & Professor in General Studies
CSUEB
First-generation Latina raised in San Diego County. Completed her Bachelor's degree in 2012 and Master's in 2017 from Cal State East Bay. During her undergrad, Cindy worked on campus in a variety of student roles. Her experience and education lead her to the role of Recruitment Counselor of Cal State East Bay; primarily with students from low-income families and Spanish-speaking communities. Cindy later moved into the role of Pioneer Success Coach where she supports students in need of academic intervention and helps them connect to resources that will help them be successful. She is also a part-time professor for Foundations of Success for the Department of General Education, where she supports freshmen during their first year transitioning to college life. Cindy has been a co-lead in planning and implementing the Chicanx Latinx Cultural graduation for over 5 years and a member of the Chicanx Latinx Staff and Faculty Association (CLFSA) as the scholarship chair for over 6 years. In her spare time, she wrote a chapter in "You Are Not Alone: Recipes to Obtain Success by Students for Students which won the International Latino Book Award and recognition by California State Senator Bob Wieckowski. Outside of East Bay, she has been a part of the Hispanic Community Affairs Council (HCAC) which promotes the values of education, cultural diversity, and community involvement; empowering Latinx students to receive scholarships to further their education.
Cesar Segura '20
B.S. Biological Sciences
Outreach, Prevention, and Education Coordinator
The Cahuilla Consortium Victim Advocacy Program
During his time at CSUEB, Cesar worked in many on-campus departments that focused on student success. After graduation, he enrolled into the Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs Master's program at the University of Southern California. During his coursework, Cesar focused much of his studies on Title IX and sex-based discrimination across university campuses. After graduation, he accepted a job as the Outreach, Prevention, and Education Coordinator for the Cahuilla (kuh-wee-uh) Consortium Victim Advocacy Program. In his role, he educates the community on gender-based violence focusing on the unique ways violence affects Native American communities. Additionally, Cesar is working with his team to develop resources for those affected by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person epidemic. Moreover, Cesar has joined the Board of Directors for Viva La Menstruation, a non-profit organization that focuses its efforts at creating equality in reproductive justice for females and the LGBTQ+ community.
Rahul Sharma '14
B.S. Recreation
Vice President of Education / Principal
San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School
For the last twelve years, Rahul has proudly served the students of the Bay Area. Rahul holds a bachelor's degree in Recreation Management from California State University East Bay, a master's degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco, a Pupil Personnel Services Credential, and an Administrative Services Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Currently, Rahul serves as the Vice President of Education/Principal of the San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School. Rahul also serves as Adjunct Faculty for Loyola Marymount University and a Fellowship Mentor for the Diversity in Leadership Institute. Rahul also serves as a founding board member for the Milestone Foundation.
Emerald Templeton '06
B.A. Human Development
Educational Partnerships Project Manager
Las Positas College
Dr. Emerald Templeton is an equity-minded scholar-practitioner with expertise in organizational leadership, counseling, and student affairs. Her work spans across strategic planning and project management, instruction, and research with values deeply rooted in care, compassion, and commitment to centering marginalized students. She currently serves as an administrator over educational partnerships at a California Community College where she focuses on strategic programming to support success for in-transition and hyper-marginalized students. Her scholarship focuses on the logics of valuing diversity, Black feminisms, and women facing intersectional oppressions.
Mariana Unverferth '11
B.S. Business Administration
Head of Channel and Ecosystem Strategic Initiatives
Alphabet (Google)
Mariana (Mari) is the Head of Channel and Ecosystem Strategic Initiatives at Google Cloud in North America, where she leads go-to-market partner engagements, high return on investment initiatives, with a focus on helping sales teams and partners drive our customers business outcomes. Mari is a technology industry veteran, with extensive global business experience, ranging from startups to the largest technology companies in the world. At Google Cloud, Mari was the recipient of many prestigious awards, most recently with a Stratosphere award that highlight the work of exemplary people across Cloud Sales and Customer experience Mari is active in her role as a #IamRemarkeable facilitator and as a mentor for local and international startups she also volunteers regularly supporting causes related to poverty alleviation. Prior to her career in technology, Mari led a successful career in different roles related to business development, global supply management and global expansion.
Tucker Zappas '11
MSW
Clinical Supervisor
Alameda County Behavioral Health
Tucker grew up on the central coast of California and moved to Oakland in 2008 shortly after graduating from UC Santa Cruz. Tucker obtained his MSW in 2011 from Cal State East Bay and became licensed in 2015. He began working with Alameda County Behavioral Health in May of 2017 at Adult Forensic Behavioral Health as a clinician, and transitioned to Behavioral Health Court and Court Advocacy Programs in August of 2018 as a senior clinician. Tucker maintained a teletherapy private practice from 2021 to 2022, and most recently was promoted to a Clinical Supervisory position with Adult Forensic Behavioral Health. Prior to joining the county, Tucker worked at both Telecare Villa Fairmont and BACS ICM. Throughout his career, Tucker has maintained a passion for advocating for the diverse and underserved communities that comprise the greater bay area.