Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.
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Johnel Barron is a seasoned higher education leader with over two decades of executive
experience in community colleges, non-profit management, consulting, public speaking,
and community service. For the past 11+ months, he has served as Interim Associate Dean of
Student Equity & Achievement (SEA) at Imperial Valley College (IVC), where, in collaboration
with college leadership, he has worked to expand and strengthen programs that address
equity gaps for disproportionately impacted students. SEA now oversees 21+ programs,
some of which are the Welcome and Student Success Center, Office of Outreach and Recruitment,
Matriculation and Core Services, Career Services Center, Early Alert Process, First-Year
Experience, Desert Warrior Promise Program, Second Year Experience, Puente, Elevate
ESL, A2MEND, Housing and Basic Needs, IVC Kitchen and IVC Kitchen 2.0, Lotus Living
Housing Program, SDSU–IVC Housing Program, Resilient Scholars Program, Restorative
Justice Program, Youth Justice Program, Prison Education Program, Formerly Incarcerated
Students, and the Inside Out Program.
Prior to IVC, Barron served for 18 years as the Founding Director and Coordinator
for the Office of Outreach and Recruitment at Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC),
part of the Los Angeles Community College District. A Hispanic Serving Institution
and Predominantly Black Institution, LASC provided a unique landscape where Barron led
semi-annual outreach campaigns, back-to-school registration events, and partnerships
with K–12 and community-based organizations across 26 zip codes in South Los Angeles.
His data-informed, equity-driven strategies strengthened enrollment, retention, and
FTES, while fostering a robust college-going culture. He was also pivotal in founding
the Latino Outreach Committee, launching the college’s first Hispanic Heritage Month
and Día de los Muertos celebrations, and developing CCAP agreements with local schools.
Working collaboratively with colleagues, Barron helped to establish the South LA Educational
Promise, First-Year Experience, New Student Orientation, and summer bridge programs,
all of which built strong support networks for first-generation students and families.
Before his tenure in higher education, Barron was Director of Community Programs at
the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, where he managed multiple budgets and implemented
education, youth, and basic needs programs aligned with federal and state guidelines.
His leadership has consistently emphasized accountability, collaboration, and inclusion,
with a deep commitment to social justice and student success.
Barron holds a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University,
Long Beach, a Bachelor’s in Interpersonal Communications/Public Speaking from Purdue
University, and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University
of South Florida. He also mentors African-American and Latino male students, underscoring
his dedication to advocacy and leadership development. His work and life reflect a
deep commitment to serving “IN THE VALLEY, FOR THE VALLEY.”
You can Contact him at johnel.barron@imperial.edu
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Elizabeth Sanchez-Reyna is an experienced higher education professional with a strong commitment to supporting disproportionately impacted students. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with an emphasis in College Counseling & Student Development from Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from San Diego State University–Imperial Valley (SDSU-IV) Campus. Her academic journey began at Imperial Valley College (IVC), where she earned an Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Psychology and was actively involved as a member of the IVC Desert Warriors. Over the past 12 years, Elizabeth has worked extensively with students facing various challenges, dedicating the last 8 years of her career to supporting student success at Imperial Valley College. Throughout her career, she has also worked closely with student equity programs to promote access, inclusion, and success for all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Elizabeth is committed to supporting IVC Students by building upon the resources that
can help our students thrive. You can contact her atelizabeth.sanchez@imperial.edu
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Natalia Pacheco Zuno grew up in the Imperial Valley and is a proud first-generation college graduate. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where her love for learning and passion for education continued to grow. Natalia began her career in education as a tutor with the Expanded Learning Program at Calexico Unified School District, supporting elementary students in staying academically on track while fostering interpersonal growth through Social and Emotional Learning. She also helped facilitate enrichment activities in the visual and performing arts, STEAM, and sports—creating engaging and well-rounded learning experiences for students. Driven by her own experiences as a first-generation student, Natalia transitioned into higher education with a strong desire to guide and support students on their academic journeys. She stepped into a temporary role as a Program Specialist for Student Equity and Achievement, where she found purpose in helping coordinate meaningful, community-centered events, supporting equity-driven initiatives, and assisting students as they navigated Imperial Valley College. Natalia now proudly serves as the Administrative Assistant III for the Associate Dean of Student Equity and Achievement and is excited to continue supporting the department, division, and the IVC community. You can contact her at natalia.pacheco@imperial.edu |
Susie Luna began working at Imperial Valley College in 2008. Throughout her career, she has provided clerical and office assistant support across several grant-funded programs. Currently, she works with the Student Housing Program, where she assists with daily office operations, supports student services, and helps address students’ needs. Susie enjoys and loves working closely with students and contributing to a supportive and welcoming housing environment. |
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Clarissa Chipress is an Outreach Specialist for Student Equity & Achievement. She began her journey at Imperial Valley College in September 2021. Clarissa was born and raised here in Imperial Valley and graduated from Calexico Highschool in 2013. She is an alumna from Imperial Valley College Class of 2015 and from San Diego State University-IV Campus Class of 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Clarissa currently graduated from San Diego State University-San Diego with her Master's degree in Education with a focus in Counseling and with two certificates in Restorative Justice practices and Trauma-informed care. Clarissa is here to serve students and support them in their academic journey here at Imperial Valley College. You can contact her at clarissa.chipress@imperial.edu |
Sara is an Outreach Specialist for the Student Equity and Achievement Department. Sara has been with us since 2015. She has worked at the Counseling Center and the DSPS program in addition to collaborating and assisting other IVC departments. Sara grew up in Mexicali and knows the struggles of someone living on the border. She understands the need for resources and the importance of support to underserved populations. She is an alumna of IVC, received her Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Columbia College and is currently working on her MSW at Western New Mexico University. She loves helping students and staff overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. You can contact her atsara.gonzalez@imperial.edu |
John is a SEA Specialist in Student Equity and Achievement. His primary focus is the Basic Needs Center, which supports students experiencing challenges ranging from homelessness and food insecurity to lack of access to technology and textbooks. John has been in this position for the past three years. John graduated with his Associate's Degree in Psychology from Imperial Valley College. He then went on to earn his Bachelors Degree in Psychology; and most recently a Master's of Social Work (MSW) from San Diego State University. Go Aztecs!!! As a Specialist in the Basic Needs Center, John strives to understand every students' unique situation and challenges; and seeks to creatively and promptly assist the student in resolving the issues at hand. Do not hesitate to stop him if you see him on campus. He is committed to the success of the diverse student population that he works with every day. You can reach out to john atjohn.moreno@imperial.edu |
Alejandra Diaz, an alumna of Imperial Valley College, is deeply committed to empowering students at every stage of their academic journey. She is passionate about guiding new and continuing students toward the programs, services, and opportunities that support their educational success. A sincere dedication to student achievement and a strong belief in the transformative power of accessible resources and personalized support drive Alejandra's work. With a keen interest in data and reporting, Alejandra approaches her role with a blend of analytical skill and compassion. She values understanding each student’s unique circumstances and works diligently to provide guidance tailored to their needs. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Alejandra enjoys spending time with her family and loves desserts. Her genuine care for students, combined with her enthusiasm for continuous learning and improvement, defines her commitment to the IVC community. |
Guadalupe (Lupe) Ruby is a Program Specialist for Student Equity & Achievement at Imperial Valley College. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work, driven by a deep passion for helping others and supporting student success. In her role, Lupe is committed to empowering students, advocating for equity, and helping them accomplish their academic and personal goals. She strongly believes that all students deserve an opportunity to pursue higher education and feels honored to be part of each student’s academic journey. Lupe works closely with the Student Housing Program and provides support for the Lotus Living Community, offering wraparound services that promote stability, well-being, and academic persistence. Students may contact Lupe Ruby at guadalupe.ruby@imperial.edu. |
Ana Paulina Bustamante is committed to supporting students by connecting them with
essential basic needs resources that promote stability and academic success. Through
her work with Student Equity initiatives and the IVC Kitchen, she helps ensure students
have access to food and support services that allow them to focus on their educational
goals.
Ana Paulina values a compassionate, student-centered approach and strives to meet
students where they are, providing guidance tailored to their individual needs. Her
dedication to care, advocacy, and access reflects her commitment to fostering a supportive
campus environment.
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Natalia Pacheco Zuno, Administrative Assistant III, Student Equity & Achievement 
Clarissa Chipress, M.Ed.Outreach Specialist - Student Equity and Achievement
Alejandra Diaz, Outreach Specialist, Student Equity and Achievement
Guadalupe Ruby, Program Specialist, Student Equity & Achievement
Ana Paulina Bustamante