Coaches
Title: Peer Success Coach
Email: [email protected]
Field of Interest: Computer and Information Technology - Computer Science
Bio:
Hello, my name is Kevin and I am a computer science major here at Glendale Community College. My goal is to graduate with my associate degree and transfer to ASU, where I plan to earn my bachelor's and then a master's degree.
A fun fact about me is that I am trilingual: I am fluent in Spanish and English, and I'm at an intermediate level in Portuguese.
As an immigrant, first-generation student, and student worker, I understand many of the struggles students face while navigating higher education. I am dedicated to helping you succeed by offering support with things like time management, scholarship applications, professional development, communication skills, and study tips. I am a TheDream.US scholarship recipient and have also interned with a non-profit organization that works to support the communities within Arizona, so beyond my professional goals, I also have made a personal commitment to support my community in any way I can and with my role here as a Peer Success Coach that extends to the students, I interact with every day like you!
Campus Affiliations:
- Phi Theta Kappa
- HSI Excellence
Title: Peer Success Coach
Email: [email protected]
Field of Interest: Computer Information Technology - Applied Computing
Bio:
Hello! I am an empathic peer coach who is passionate about enhancing student success. I earned an Associate's degree in Applied Computing and am pursuing a Bachelor's in Computer Science at ASU. I leverage my extensive academic background, knowledge about GCC, and personal commitment to guide students toward achieving their educational and personal goals. As a Peer Success Coach, my role allows me to improve student retention rates by developing and implementing effective academic and personal support strategies. My exceptional dedication to student well-being and achievement was recognized by GCC, receiving the 2023 Gaucho Globe Innovation of the Year Award, further validating my commitment to this field.
Campus Affiliation:
- Honors Program
- Phi Theta Kappa
Title: Peer Success Coach
Email: [email protected]
Field of Interest: Health Sciences - Nursing | Behavioral Science and Human Services
Bio:
BIO: Hi there :D ! My name is Valeria, but I usually just go by vale! (Think of when Pitbull says 'dale' but with a v) I am currently a student at NAU majoring in Applied Human Behaviors, and graduated from GCC in the Spring of 2025 with my Applied Associates in the Behavioral Health Sciences with a Specialization in Early Infant and Childhood Mental Health. I was awarded certificates for the Foundations of Behavioral Sciences, Advanced Behavioral Sciences, my Associate in Arts, as well as invited to join Phi Theta Kappa and am a proud member of the organization.
As a second-generation immigrant and the first person in my family to graduate from college, I am extremely proud to say that I wouldn't have been able to do it without the support of my family! Since I am currently balancing my academic, social, and professional life; I definitely understand how busy things can get and can provide some tips for time-management, staying balanced, and overall feeling more prepared to reach your academic goals!
Thanks to my background I've been able to help students navigate the confusion of college life and all of the stressors that come with it- so hopefully I can support you too :D
Title: Peer Success Coach
Email: [email protected]
Field of Interest: Visual and Performing Arts; Behavioral Science and Human Services
Bio:
Peace & Blessings Everyone!
My name is Mena (Mee-nah) Muhammad, and I am completing my AAS in Behavioral Health Sciences with an emphasis in Criminal Justice here at GCC!
I currently serve as President of the Associated Student Government and previously held the role of President of the Black Student Union, where I remain an active member. I am passionate about leadership, community work, and creative expression. I continue to help create spaces for connection, empowerment, and growth.
Outside of school, I'm a huge creative at heart. A few of my deep passions are graphics, music, photography, event hosting, and collaborating with artists. I also dedicate time to volunteering, working with the community, and the youth. Making sure to take initiatives that make a difference.
As a Peer Success Coach, my goal is to help you overcome challenges, strengthen your life skills, and step confidently into your future. Though our paths may differ, we can walk alongside one another, learning, growing, and reaching our goals together.
Campus Affiliations:
- President, Associated Student Government
- Former President & Current Member, Black Student Union
Bio:
Bio: Hi y'all!! My name is Rachel, and I graduated from GCC with an AS in Biology in Spring 2025. While at GCC, I was an honors student and PTK member. I was also honored to be a member of the 2025 All-Arizona Academic Team and a Coca-Cola scholar. I'm currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Biology at ASU as a Barrett Honors student. Eventually, I'd like to work in wildlife conservation with a focus on herpetology (reptiles and amphibians).
I also worked at GCC as a Student Ambassador, so I'm very familiar with the resources available on campus. As a coach, I enjoy helping my students plan for their futures and achieve their goals. Navigating college can be challenging, but I'd love to help you on your journey!
Campus Affiliations:
- Honors Program
- Phi Theta Kappa
Title: Peer Success Coach
Email: [email protected]
Office: Student Success Hub - TS3 100
Field of Interest: Education
Bio:
Bio: Hi there! My name is Fawwaz Ali, and I am a Peer Success Coach. I am currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in Secondary Education with an emphasis in History, preparing to transfer to ASU for a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, a major in Black and Afrikana Studies, and a minor in Philosophy. From there, I plan to enroll in a Master's program in Afrikana Studies to become a high school history teacher.
Growing up within the Arizona curriculum inspired me to become the teacher I never had. I am driven to influence the younger generation by teaching values and forming genuine connections with students. My goal is to create a lasting impact while educating students on world history, a mission reflected in my role as a Peer Success Coach and my other leadership positions. I strive to be the mentor students need to successfully navigate their college journey.
As a first-generation college student, I understand the immense pressure many face. The constant drive to succeed can lead to burnout and anxiety if not managed properly. Navigating post-secondary education can be overwhelming, especially without the right guidance. That is why I am here as a Peer Success Coach: to help you navigate the maze of college and support you every step of the way
Campus Affiliations: Black Student Union President
Title: Peer Success Coach
Email: [email protected]
Office: Student Success Hub - TS3-100
Field of Interest: AAS Digital Media Arts
Bio:
Hello!
My name is Samuel Tapia and I am completing my AAS in Digital Media Arts at GCC! In my position as a student worker, I've had the opportunity to positively become ingrained in the GCC community. In the future, I plan on graduating from GCC and pursuing a BA in Graphic Design, on top of becoming a professional graphic designer!
Outside of my position as a Peer Success Coach, my passions are being a musician, a concert photographer, and making art. Through photography, music, and art I've been lucky enough to meet and work with artists that I've admired for many years! As a Peer Success Coach and a student, I understand the fact that navigation of higher education can be full of struggles. Support is just as important as the work a student can put in. I am committed to providing students with a supportive experience by connecting them to resources such as financial aid, counseling, advising, and many more! In addition to that, as a coach I can help improve your skills in time-management, studying tips, and goal setting.
Title: Peer Success Coach
Email: [email protected]
Office: Student Success Hub - TS3-100
Field of Interest: Behavioral Health and Human Services
Bio:
Hi Everyone! My name is Vanessa, and I am one of the coaches for the Peer Success program here at GCC! I am currently pursuing an Associate's degree in Behavioral Science and Human Services; from there, I plan on obtaining my Bachelor's degree through the 2NAU partnership with Maricopa Community Colleges. Pursuing this career will expand my knowledge and unlock many opportunities to work in behavioral health services, allowing me to fulfill many purposes!
As a proud Mexican American with deep roots in both cultures, I am the first woman in my generation to pursue a higher education. The passion that drives me to pursue higher education is to continue blazing the path set here by those before me and for those after me. For more Latinas, Latinos, and Latinx to be in places that only our family members have dreamt of and worked so hard to make a reality for us. For more representation of my community in diversifying the statistics for those holding higher degrees, myself included.
I understand how anxiety-inducing beginning this new chapter of your life can be; I know it was for me. Thankfully, I had a mentor who guided me through it all. That is what we strive to do for you here at Peer Success! Guide you through the hardships of college, connect you to resources, set short-term and long-term goals, and much more! As your Peer Success Coach, I will always do my best to ensure your academic needs are met! I am so excited to work alongside you on your own unique journey! :)
Campus Affiliations: BHS Club
Title: Program Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Bio:
I am a proud first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to pursue higher education, which has deepened my commitment to student success. Having personally navigated the challenges of college, I understand the resilience, determination, and dedication it takes to reach the finish line. I began my journey at GateWay Community College, where I earned an Associate in Arts, a Nursing Assistant Certificate, and a Health Unit Coordinator Certificate. I later completed my Bachelor's degree in Government with an emphasis in Legal Studies from Grand Canyon University.
With this background, I am excited about the opportunity to continue contributing in a collaborative and student-centered environment. I am dedicated to enhancing the student experience by supporting both students and coaches, empowering them to thrive academically and beyond.