Desiree Hernandez, M.A.

Center Coordinator
Email: dhernandez212@pasadena.edu

Desiree Hernandez (she/her) is the coordinator of the Dream Resource Center at Pasadena City College. Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, her unwavering dedication for supporting marginalized communities is rooted in her personal experiences as a first-generation, system-impacted individual with a mixed-status family. Desiree proudly credits the California Community College system for her educational journey, which began at Cerritos College, where she earned an associate's degree in Sociology before transferring to Cal State Long Beach. There, she obtained a bachelor's degree in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies while actively engaging in Students for Quality Education (SQE), a student club dedicated to advocating for quality education and equitable opportunities for all students. Desiree also holds a master's degree in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University. During her graduate program, she served undocumented students at LACC's Dream Resource Center, organizing advocacy events, developing academic success activities, and providing advising services. Now, her mission at PCC is to cultivate an inclusive and empowering environment where all students can achieve their dreams, regardless of their immigration status. Alongside her dedication to supporting undocumented students, Desiree is deeply passionate about championing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated students, and parenting students. 

Fun Fact: Desiree is an avid reader who immerses herself in 1-2 books per week, enjoying the convenience of her Kindle for digital reading and embracing Audible during her commutes for a listening experience.

 

Laura Jurado

Counselor
lanayajurado@pasadena.edu

Laura Anaya Jurado (she, ella) is an Undocu-Scholar and a proud DACA recipient. She is a proud daughter of immigrant parents and in a mixed-status home. She was born in Mexico City and raised in El Monte, CA. She attended Rio Hondo College right after graduating from Mountain View High School. She was proud EOP&S alumni and earned by ADT in Sociology. She transferred to Cal State Los Angeles to earn her bachelor’s in Social Work while working at her high alma mater at the College and Career Center for the Cal-SOAP program. After taking a gap year to explore graduate programs, she started her Masters in Social Work at Cal State Long Beach. She returned to work at Rio Hondo College as a graduate student to support undocumented students through navigating various campus policies at the Student Success and Dream Center. She is a former International Completion Success Coach at PCC and worked in various community colleges. Laura values providing students with mentorship, community building, and discussing the importance of mental health to immigration-impacted families.

Fun fact: Laura has traveled to New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Portland. She enjoys traveling to new places and visiting new restaurants.

 

Jennifer Hernandez Delgado

Resource Advocate
Email: jhernandezdelgad@pasadena.edu

Jennifer Hernandez (she/her) is a resource advocate at the Dream Resource Center at Pasadena City College. She was born in Guatemala and moved to the US when she was 15. She attended Santa Monica Community College where she majored in mathematics. After taking a few years off, she transferred to Fresno Pacific University where she completed her BA in 2012. The same year, Jennifer started her graduate studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. It was during grad school that she embarked on her higher education career as an academic advisor. As a first-generation and undocumented student navigating community college, four-year university, and graduate school, she understands the many obstacles undocumented students face in higher education. That’s one of the reasons she’s passionate about supporting students and empowering them with the necessary resources to successfully achieve their educational goals. She’s very excited to be working at the DCR and is looking forward to getting to know students and supporting them during their time at PCC and beyond.

Fun fact: Jennifer enjoys watching tv-shows and movies. She’s currently obsessed with Star Wars but her ultimate favorite show is Reservation Dogs. She also enjoys hiking and visiting national parks.

 
 

Kenia Garcia

Resource Advocate
Email: kgarcia178@pasadena.edu  

Kenia Garcia (she/her/hers/ella) is a resource advocate at the Dream Resource Center at Pasadena City College. She comes from a mixed status family and is a first-generation college student. She is an LA native; born and raised in MacArthur Park/Koreatown. She attended UCLA and graduated with a B.A in Latin American Studies. During her time there, she was part of an advocacy group supporting undocumented students on campus and was a key organizer of the Immigrant Youth Empowerment Conference at UCLA. Shortly after graduating, she worked with high school youth in MacArthur Park helping students achieve academic success. Most recently, Kenia has worked with students in higher education and has gained experience connecting immigrant students with legal resources. She is very passionate about helping students achieve their goals and is happy to be a part of the PCC family!

Fun fact: Kenia loves thrifting, especially when she comes across a good vintage cookbook!