Counseling with Purpose: Identity, Innovation, and Equity for Every Student

Join us for an inspiring day of collaboration and growth at the Community College Counseling Conference! This event is a unique opportunity for counselors, educators, and administrators to come together, share insights, and explore innovative strategies to support student success. Mark your calendars for Friday, May 1st, 2026 as we delve into the latest trends, best practices, and transformative ideas that will empower us to better serve our diverse community college populations. Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and elevate our collective impact on student achievement.

EVENT DATE & TIME: Friday, May 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

EVENT LOCATION: GCC campus, 1500 North Verdugo Road Glendale, California 91208

Parking at GCC will be free of charge on May 1st, 2026 with a parking permit. Parking permits are valid in Lot B and Floors 3-6 in Lot C. 

  

 TICKETS: Buy Tickets Here!

*Breakfast and lunch are included for all attendees. 

For questions, please contact us at caccca@glendale.edu.

 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

 Picture of Dr. Kevin Mesa

Dr. Kevin Meza

Dr. Kevin A. Meza is a Distinguished Faculty Award-winning, nationally recognized counselor, professor, and higher education leader committed to student success, transfer, and equity. At Glendale Community College, he led the campus to one of the highest university transfer rates in Los Angeles County and helped increase graduation rates by more than 75% (and climbing) by improving policies and creating Success Teams with his Guided Pathways colleagues. On a more personal note, despite attending over 300 rock concerts, he is still a good listener! Drawing from his leadership experiences, education, global travel (over 50 countries, including the Seven Wonders of the World), and life challenges, he inspires students and educators alike to maximize their talents and “Soar with Their Strengths,” wisdom taught to him by his mentors.

CONFERENCE SESSIONS

SESSION 1 (9:40 AM - 10:50 AM)

  • (AD 217) Belonging as a Counseling Tool: Building Identity and Access Through a Noncredit Student Club - Nayeli Garcia & Erick Leyva
  • (LIB 222) EOPS Student Partners: Elevating Voices & Shaping the Future of our Programs - Jessica Alvarez, Aarin Edwards, & Inez Segura
  • (SC 212) I Did It!: How to Build the Experience Hiring Committees Are Looking For - Yessica Noriega Del Campo & Eric Romero
  • (SR 138) The Counselor as a Change Agent: Turning Frontline Experience into Statewide Policy Impact - Dr. Cynthia Mosqueda, Dr. Sara NievesLucas, & Dr. Linda Vazquez

SESSION 2 (11:00 AM - 12:10 PM)

  • (AD 217) ¡Salió El SOL! Supporting Latinx STEM students despite Title V Grant loss - Emily Menjivar, Mireya Milian, & Yasmin Soltero
  • (LIB 222) Counselor Panel: Navigating the Counseling Journey -Dennis Funes, Nicole Morales, Mirna Najera, Karent RodriguezHenriquez, & Kenneth Samson
  • (SC 212) From Ancestral Capital to Career Pathways: Decolonizing Career Readiness through Chicano Studies and Indigenous Epistemologies -Dr. Heidi Coronado & Dr. Silvia Toscano
  • (SR 138) Leadership Panel: Learning from Campus Leadership -Dr. Ricardo Castillo, Jose Hernandez, Dr. Cynthia Mosqueda, & Dr. Penelope Skaff

*LUNCH WILL BE SERVED AT 12:10 PM IN THE STUDENT CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM*
 
SESSION 3 (1:10 PM - 2:20 PM)
  • (LIB 222) Counseling with Purpose: Designing Meaningful Student Experiences Through Teaching, Social, and Cognitive Presence - Dr. Aivee Ortega
  • (SC 212) Breaking Barriers, Building Counselors: Mentorship, Access, and Innovation in Higher Education - Nayelly Neri, Kenia Rendon, & Kathrine Vallejo
  • (SM 248) The Real Talk Journey: Transforming Student and Professional Relationships - Dr. Paolo Banaag, Kelly Crowe, Nancy Medina, & George Tatevossian

COST

FT/PT Counseling and Instructional Faculty: $65

Staff and Administrators: $65

Grad Students: $35

EVENT REGISTRATION FORM

ACCOMMODATIONS

If you would like ASL/RTC services, please contact Kim Weissman, Lead Interpreter and Coordinator, at kweissman@glendale.edu.

For any other accommodation related questions, please contact Diana Carrillo, DSPS Counselor, at Dcarrillo@glendale.edu.

Campus Map & Parking Permit Info