Established in Spring 2024, the HSI Alianza at Pasadena City College embodies our commitment as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) to embrace and empower our Latine students, families, and the broader community. The Alianza is a collective of dedicated campus members working collaboratively to integrate the principles of servingness into every aspect of college life.


Our mission, "Somos PCC, a proud Hispanic SERVING Institution that embraces and empowers our Latine estudiantes, familias, comunidad, y cultura," guides our strategic efforts to create an inclusive campus environment that celebrates Latine heritage, fosters academic success, and promotes liberatory outcomes.

Through campus-wide engagement, professional development, community education, and strategic partnerships, the Alianza is actively involved in transforming institutional structures to better serve our students. Our work is continuously evolving, grounded in data-driven approaches and a deep commitment to equity.

HSI Alianza Members

  • Angie Alvarez | Director, Outreach and Guided Entry Services - Pathways 
  • Dra. Ashley M. Mejia | Director of Student Services - Community Education Center
  • Candace D. Jones | Assistant Superintendent, VP - Business & College Services
  • Carlos (Tito) Altamirano | Director, EOP&S/CARE & Foster Youth Programs / Title V Grant
  • Carrie A. Starbird | Dean, Mathematics / Title III Grant
  • Dra. Cristina Salazar-Romo | Associate Professor, English and Language Studies / COLEGAS Board Member
  • David M. Steiman | Director, Marketing - Strategic Communications and Marketing
  • Dra. Desiree (Dez) Zuniga | Associate Professor - Counseling / Title V Grant Activity Director
  • Desiree M. Hernandez | Center Coordinator, Student Equity - Dream Center
  • Ernesto Partida | Acting Student Retention Specialist - Enrollment Services / ALE President
  • Genesis L. Montalvo | Instructor - English and Language Studies / Puente Faculty Lead
  • Jacqueline Sacoto | Career Center Manager - Career Center
  • Dr. Kari E. Bolen | Associate VP, Chief Diversity Equity
  • Dr. Laura M. Ramirez | Assistant Superintendent/VP, Instruction
  • Dr. Myriam M. Altounji | Dean, Enrollment Services - Enrollment Services / Title V Grant Project Director
  • Que Dang | Executive Director, Student Equity and Success
  • Dra. Raquel Torres-Retana | Dean of Library and Educational
  • Roberto J. Gomez | Senior Research and Planning Analyst - Institutional Effectiveness
  • Stephanie L. Fleming | Dean, Instructional Services - Academic Affairs / Title V Grant Project Director
  • Yvette Valdez | Faculty Counselor / Transfer Counselor
 
 

While the HSI Alianza has a core membership, we are committed to fostering broader campus engagement. To ensure inclusivity and collective input, we will hold open forums and discussions, inviting all members of our campus community to participate. We believe that the success of our mission relies on the collective effort and engagement of everyone at PCC.

Join us as we continue our journey to enhance the educational experiences of Latine students and make meaningful contributions to the broader community through our collective efforts.

Contact HSI Alianza: HSI@Pasadena.edu

HSI Alianza Tri-Chairs

  • Dra. Desiree (Dez) Zuniga | Associate Professor - Counseling / Title V Grant Activity Director - dzuniga7@dawatussunnah.com
  • Que Dang | Executive Director, Student Equity and Success - qdang4@dawatussunnah.com
  • The third chair of the HSI Alianza is a rotating position, designed to foster a collective HSI leadership model.