Hello everyone! My name is Teddi Perez (Pronouns They/Them) 

I’m a Sociology major focusing mainly in Gender Studies at LAVC. I’m also an alumni of MOC SITE 2019 ( Men of Color ), part of CCCP. As a Transfer student and a Queer POC, one of my many goals that I have set for myself is to empower through education, and self-healing/self-care for my Queer community and community college students, showing how much power we have within by being part of the Queer community and other “different” communities in life.

Desiree Hernandez (she/ her/ hers/ ella) is the coordinator of the QUEST Center at Pasadena City College. She was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles and is a product of the California community college system, having entered Cerritos College as a first-generation college student. She transferred to Cal State Long Beach where she received her bachelor's degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. While at CSULB, she interned at the Women’s Gender and Equity Center where she developed prevention education workshops and organized advocacy events for sexual assault survivors and LGBTQ+ students. Desiree also holds a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Loyola Marymount University. During her graduate program, she served undocumented students at LACC's Dream Resource Center where she supported students with workshops on entrepreneurship, transfer process, and self-care. Desiree is an ally for LGBTQ+ and Undocumented students and is passionate about serving underrepresented students through engagement, support, and empowerment.

Fun Fact: Desiree has a major sweet tooth! Her favorites are boba, banana pudding, and fresas con crema.

Dean Steckman started his journey through higher education at Moreno Valley College (MVC), where he received an A.S. in Math and Science and an A.A. in Social and Behavioral Studies. Dean transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to pursue a B.A. in Psychology, but had a change of heart and switched to Gender Studies, which more closely aligned with his passion for social justice, inclusion, equity, and the importance of intersectionality. After receiving a B.A. in Gender Studies from UCLA, Dean went on to pursue his Masters degree at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where he received a M.S. in Counseling, Student Development in Higher Education. Dean plans to pursue a doctorate degree in the future. 

Dean recently solidified a fulltime position and serves as the CalWORKs Counselor/Coordinator at College of the Desert. Dean is a CalWORKs success story and can attest to the impact the CalWORKs program as well as California Community Colleges (CCC) has had on his success. Dean is a single parent of two, who he says are his main source of motivation. Dean identifies as a trans man (female-to-male, FTM), but has been living in stealth. Dean has worked in the CCC system for over eight years and has had the privilege of serving students in many roles. He looks forward to continuing serving students and advocating for social justice and equity for all. 

Transferred from: East Los Angeles College

Major: Philosophy; Gender Studies

Minor: LGBTQ Studies

Why did you join the CCCP QTBIPOC Transfer Experience Planning Committee? 

The moment I heard about the committee and saw the opportunity to join, I knew that I had to because this experience is something that I really would have needed as a community college student. Although it wasn’t around while I was at CC, I am so glad to have participated in planning this webinar because it is important to show students who are QTBIPOC that resources and spaces exist for us, not just to support us, but to provide security and community as well<3 

Transferred from LA City College

Major: Chicanx & Central American Studies

Minor: African American Studies & Gender Studies

I joined the CCCP QTBIPOC Transfer Experience Planning Committee because I wanted to experience working in a space where I can learn more about myself and my experiences, while learning from others and sharing knowledge together 💜 It has been a privilege & honor working with this team! & I’m also super excited to meet other QTBIPOC CC & transfer folks :)

Transferred from: Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC)

Major: Gender studies

Minor: LGBTQ Studies

Why did you join the CCCP QTBIPOC Transfer Experience Planning Committee?  Being a light for myself and for others will help inspire those who may need help to shine.  

UCLA Transfer Student and CCCP Peer Advisor

UCLA LGBTQ Resource Center 

Santiago N. Bernal Melendez

Assistant Director, Center for Community College Partnerships (UCLA)