Lyzette Martin

lmart111@calpoly.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Lyzette Martin, I grew up in Visalia CA, but the central coast is now my home. I am a proud first generation college student. I started my educational career at a community college and then transferred to Fresno State where I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology. I then moved to beautiful San Luis Obispo and earned my Master’s of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Guidance. I view my counseling role as an educator, a coach, a mentor and as a supporter. It is my goal to treat each student as a unique individual and take into account all aspects of their lives. During my free time, I love watching baseball (GO DODGERS!), I enjoy being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. I have a daughter who bring so much joy to mine and my husband’s lives. I am proud to work with such hardworking and motivated students and I’m excited to learn more about you!

Nury Baltierrez

nbaltier@calpoly.edu

Hola! I’m Nury. I was born in Michoacán, Coalcomán de Vázquez Palleres, México. My family and I lived in México for the first two years of my life and then we moved to the United States. Navigating higher education as an undocumented first-generation student was challenging, but I connected with individuals who believed in my potential. I graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a bachelor’s in Agriculture Science and master’s in Counseling and Guidance for Higher Education. During my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with my family. My passion is to support students’ personal and professional goals. Sí se puede!

Cynthia Diaz

cpaz@calpoly.edu

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!

Valentina Stafford

Hello everyone! My name is Valentina Stafford and I am a fourth year Kinesiology and Comparative Ethnic Studies major. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela but have lived in Illinois and the Bay Area. During my time at Cal Poly, I have jumped through many hoops to find my path so as an EOP Summer Institute Program Assistant, I hope to make the transition into a 4-year institution as smooth and fun as possible. My ultimate goal is to make sure everyone has the support and resources they need in order to be a successful Cal Poly student.

When I am not on campus, I love spending time with my friends, enjoying outdoor activities such as playing frisbee, and watching crime shows. Feel free to reach out to me at any time, if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you all this summer!

Isai Alfaro

My name is Isai Alfaro and I am a 3rd year Liberal Studies major with a Mathematics concentration and a minor in History. I am from the South Gate in the Los Angeles area. A few things I love are desserts, sports, and being social. If I am not playing soccer at Cal Poly then I am most likely playing with my friends from back home! My favorite teams are Barcelona, the Tennessee Titans and the Los Angeles Dodgers. I am looking forward to meeting everyone this summer!

Saraith Aispuro

Hi! My name is Saraith Aisupuro and I am a 5th year Manufacturing Engineering major and Ethnic Studies minor from south Sacramento. If I am not studying or completing school work, I am cooking, napping, or trying out a new coffee shop.

After completing the Summer Institute program in 2015, I realized that if it weren’t for this program, I wouldn’t be at Cal Poly. I am so excited to meet you all and my goal is to make this journey as memorable to you as it was to me and provide a welcoming environment.

Berenice Gonzalez

Hi! My name is Berenice Gonzalez, but I normally go by Bere. I am a 3rd year Sociology major with a minor in Ethnic Studies and Child Development. I am from Michoacán, Mexico was raised in Santa Rosa, California. During my free time I love to spend time at the beach, dance, watch television shows, and hang out with my friends and lovely sisters.

Being a first generation, low income student at Cal Poly has its challenges but I along with all of the other EOP staff are here to help you succeed. I want to help make your transition into college as easy as possible and serve as a resource for you. I am super excited for Summer Institute and cannot wait to meet you all!

Eduardo Lopez

Hello! My name is Eduardo Jesus Lopez. However, I typically go by Eddie! I am a third year Psychology and Comparative Ethnic Studies Major. I was born and raised in the Central Valley, more specifically Sanger, California. After moving to San Luis Obispo to begin my undergraduate education at Cal Poly, I was faced with the the fears and worries of leaving home and transitioning into a new chapter of life. As you all start your journey at Cal Poly, I hope to help you with those same obstacles and ease your transition into Cal Poly.

When I’m not working or reading and studying for classes, I enjoy watching horror movies, playing card/board/video games, hiking, and playing volleyball! So bring the competition this summer! I’m excited to meet you all soon!

Damian Moreno

Hi! My name is Damian Moreno and I am a 2nd year Animal Science major on a pre-vet track. I am from the small town Avenal, in the Central Valley. Some of my hobbies include hiking all over San Luis Obispo, playing soccer/volleyball, hanging out with friends, and volunteering at The Marine Mammal Center. I am looking forward to summer and meeting you all soon!

Alexis Cobian

Hey y’all! My name is Alexis Cobian, but I usually just go by Alex and I was born and raised in Corona, CA. I am a 4th year Animal Science major with a special interest in Animal Behavior. My journey at Cal Poly first began when I attended Summer Institute in 2015 and I could not have been more grateful for an experience that included finding friends that became family, having access to various on-campus resources, and even getting ahead in units before the Fall Quarter of my Freshman year.

During my free time I enjoy being outdoors, taking hikes and walks throughout the scenic San Luis Obispo and catching the breath-taking sunrises and sunsets. Other things I enjoy are playing sports, listening to music as well as attending concerts and music festivals, and hanging out with my friends. This summer is about to be a great one, and I am very excited to meet you all during Summer Institute 2019!

Valeria Martinez

Hello! My name is Valeria Martinez and I am from San Francisco, California. I am currently on the pre-med track as a 2nd year Biological Sciences major with a minor in Ethnic Studies. During my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and going to the beach at night, eating, and listening to music. One fun fact about myself is I hate cheese.

I can’t wait to meet you all this summer and learn some fun facts about you!

Vincent Mejia

My name is Vincent Mejia and I am a 4th year Economics major with a minor in History. I am from Sanger, California and am the oldest sibling from the family of 5. I love to workout, mix music, and hang out with my friends. I aspire to be a high school teacher and coach either soccer, football, or volleyball. I can’t wait to meet you all this summer and help you transition into your time at Cal Poly!