Meet the Staff
Position Vacant
EOP Director
Marie St. James
EOP Admissions Coordinator
Hello! My name is Marie St. James and I was raised on the central coast in Arroyo Grande, CA along with my 12 brothers and sisters. I am a re-entry, first-generation, LatinX, former foster youth, and transfer student from Cuesta Community College. I received a Liberal Arts and Communication Studies degree at Cuesta College before transferring to Cal Poly. I am equally honored and humbled to announce that I will be receiving my bachelor's degree in Communication Studies this spring.
My career in college administration started at Cuesta College in 2015 where I worked in the Admissions, Financial Aid, and Records departments in various roles. My time as an employee at Cuesta College allowed me to flourish and cultivate my life's purpose, which is coaching and mentoring our younger generations in pursuit of their academic goals. My academic journey was rooted and fostered by an amazing support team in the EOPS Department at Cuesta College who were my mentors and had a heartfelt investment in my success. This has become a full circle experience, which is why I am grateful for the opportunity to remain working in higher education at Cal Poly's EOP Department where I get to pay it forward by supporting underrepresented populations and continue to grow in my administrative role on campus.
When I am not at work, I love spending quality time with my daughter, connecting with family or lounging with my cat. I enjoy tapping into my creative talents, which are singing, cooking, photography, and writing. I also highly value self-care and enjoy any kind of spa experience. I love nature, getting in a good workout, and exploring new places through travel.
Please stop by and say hello as I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and expanding my new Cal Poly family!
EOP Counselors
Cynthia Diaz
Hello everyone! My name is Cynthia Paz, I was born and raised in Guadalupe, CA. I began my higher education at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria where I received a degree in Liberal Arts. I then transferred to Cal State Northridge and received a degree in Child & Adolescent Development. After working with preschool age children I quickly realized I wanted to work with older students. I attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where I earned a Master’s of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Guidance: Higher Education & Student Affairs. My career goal was to become an Academic Counselor and serve underrepresented students in the Central Coast area. I began my work at Allan Hancock College, working for various departments as an Academic Counselor for over three years. It is one of my greatest accomplishment to be able to work for EOP and this population of students. I love working with students and being part of their educational experience.
When I am not at work I enjoy wine tasting and spending time with my family. I have identical twin boys that are my world. They keep me on my toes and inspire me to be the best person that I can be.
I can’t wait to meet you all!
Drexler Alcantara
Hello EOP Family! My name is Drexler Alcantara. I was born and raised in Porterville, CA. My college journey began at Porterville College where I earned my associate’s degree in Administration of Justice, then transferred to Chico State where I earned my bachelor's degree in Social Science. I then went on to graduate school where I earned my master’s degree in Educational Counseling at Cal State, Bakersfield. I have had career changes and worked several jobs throughout my life. From working at local grocery stores, restaurant businesses, elementary and middle schools, maintenance, retail, and now higher education.
From my lived experiences I have learned that it takes grit, resiliency, discipline, and a growth mindset to respond to and overcome adversity. Most importantly, I have learned that it takes a support system who genuinely cares about you to help find YOUR purpose and achieve YOUR goals. I am humbled to serve as your EOP Counselor. It is my social responsibility to equip you with the necessary tools, resources, and connections for you to not only be successful at Cal Poly, but to also prepare you for this ever-changing society. Rest assured that I always be in your corner cheering you on in whatever YOU choose to do in life!
Moreover, when I am not in the office, I enjoy working out, spending quality time with family and friends, going on road trips, playing sports, and exploring the central coast!
I look forward to connecting with you all!
#EOPFamily
Roberto Ruiz
I am a first generation transfer student who grew up in Venice, worked in community recreation in Santa Monica and advocated for students in underrepresented high schools in the Los Angeles Harbor schools, Compton, Norwalk and Long Beach. Even as I assisted students in the Santa Monica Malibu districts, I have learned that student has hope and that is my goal as your EOP counselor ~ to help you in the completion of your degree and to prepare you to the world beyond Cal Poly as well help you realize your full potential as a leader.
EOP Student Assistants
Miguel Ramos
Major: Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences
Hello everyone! My name is Miguel Ramos (He/Him/His) and I am a fourth year Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences major, concentrating in Hydrology, and a minor in Indigenous Studies on Natural Resources and the Environment. I was born in Coalcomán de Vázquez Pallares, Michoacán, México. I was raised in Mexico for the first 13 years of my life until my family and I took the opportunity to move to the United States. I currently live in Ceres, California in the Central Valley. I am a first-generation college student here at Cal Poly and I am EOP proud! Some of the organizations that I am involved in are the club Latinos in Agriculture, where I have served as the President of the club, and I am also part of soil judging team of the university. Some of my hobbies are running, working out, cooking, swimming, hiking, and basically anything that involves the outdoors!
Ana da Silva
Major: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Hello everyone! My name is Ana Da Silva. I am a third-year Business Administration Major with a concentration in Accounting and a Minor in Spanish. I am a first-generation college student. I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and, I moved to the U.S. when I was thirteen. I went to high school in the Bay Area. I love spending time with my family and friends, eating açai, and photography. I also love going to the beach, traveling, and listening to music.
Raina Mesina
Major: ARCHITECTURE
Hi! My name is Raina and I am one of your Graphic Design Student Assistants. I am a second year Architecture major from San Diego, California. In my free time, I enjoy singing, dancing, playing guitar, hiking, or spending time outdoors!
Ashley Chan
Major: Business administration
Hi! My name is Ashley Chan and I am one of the Graphic Design Student Assistants. I am a second-year Business major with a concentration in Marketing. I am originally from Los Angeles and my hobbies include traveling and photography. I enjoy learning about new cultures and exploring different areas to discover!
Sergio Gonzalez
Major: Construction Management
Hello Everyone! My name is Sergio Gonzalez. I am a first year construction management major. I am a first generation student from Vallejo, CA. In my free time I like to go out and spend time with family and friends. #EOPproud
Jose Pardo
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hi! My name is Jose Pardo. I am a second-year Mechanical Engineering major. I was raised in the Central Valley in a small town called McFarland. I love playing video games and sports.
