The staff are here to support the center and students connect to community and resources on campus.
Vanessa Varko-FontanaPhone: (510) 885-4786
Email: vanessa.varkofontana@csueastbay.edu
Vanessa is originally from Los Angeles county and has been in the Bay Area since 1999. As a first generation college student Vanessa have faced many challenges navigating through undergraduate, career growth, and returning to graduate school. She brings with her vast experience in youth development, community organizing, cultural student affairs, and collaborative leadership. She is excited to support students explore Latinx culture, community, academic support, and campus resources.
Class of: 2026
Major: Communications
Hobbies: Music
Languages: English and Spanish
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
To be a Pioneer of color means I can influence and inspire younger people of color with the pursuit for higher education, like I once was.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
Working in the Latinx center reminds me why I am pursuing higher education and what it means for other people of color to see someone like them engaged in their community.
Class of: 2025
Major: Psychology
Hobbies: Baking, Cooking, Drawing, watching some anime, reading mangas, music, and spending time with my pets.
Languages: Spanish and English.
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
Pioneer color for me means that everyone has the opportunity for learning and reaching our goals. Because it’s never too late to learn and also show everyone what we can do.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
By working with the center it helps me to connect with all personal and academic goals because the center helps to connect and gain many connections that can help us in the future and help us to reach all our academic goals. Including we can help students that they might have the same aspirations and needs by helping them to go to the right path.
Class of: 2025
Major: Accounting and Analytics
Hobbies: Cleaning, Sewing, Binge watching my favorite shows, Musicals, and Iced coffee
Languages: Spanish, English and beginner ASL
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
To be my authentic self, opportunities, and knowledge is power. Never too late to chase your dreams. Representation matters
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
As a millennial, I’ve been impressed by the dedication and determination of Gen Z. We can grow together and learn from each other, you never stop learning. We can encourage each other by advocating for our community, lifting our voices and creating safe spaces.
Class of: 2024
Major: Ethnic Studies- Chicanx Latinx Studies
Hobbies: quality time with friends and family, baking, arts and crafts, learning new things
Languages: English and Spanish
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
Being a Pioneer of color means to me that I am given the opportunity to participate in higher education in a community where being a person of color is accepted. This helps me thrive to reach my dreams and goals :)
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
Working with the center helps me connect to my personal goal of acceptance of who I am while also helping me connect more with my cultural background. This center helps me academically because I know I have the support from people who are just like me and have the same backgrounds as my own. I remember feeling like I did not know if I was smart enough or had the capabilities of being in higher education but this center has shown me that Latinx students can and will succeed!