Foundation Board and Staff James Blair Executive Director, Director of College Advancement | DVC Foundation Thomas Martin Development Officer | DVC Foundation Charley Daly Alumni Manager | DVC Foundation Christopher Lane Administrative Assistant | DVC Foundation Gianpaolo Aguilar Administrative Assistant | DVC Foundation Peter Zaballos CMO, Authentic Fractional Ryan Buckley Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship | DVC Dr. Stephen Harper Orthodontist | Martinez and Walnut Creek Anthony Redondo Vice President, Global Accounting Operations and Treasury | Blackhawk Network Steve Fernando Regional Sales Manager | Cisco Meraki Mino Sastry Chief Executive Officer | Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley Monica Chahal President | DVC Brandon Brookshire Relationship Credit Manager, Commercial Lending | Heritage Bank Beth Unland Principal Customer Success Manager | Workday Sandra Quevedo Ratcliff Regional Sales Leader | Cisco SLED Pacific Tyson Sullivan Financial Services Professional | NYLIFE Securities Alexia Reed Director of Marketing Communications | Blackhawk Network Itzel Gutierrez San Jose State Alumni Hubert Ma Former Executive Member of 10+ Non-Profit Boards | Founder of HUBRAYMA

Dr. Monica Chahal Board Member | President at Diablo Valley College Dr. Chahal serves on the Board of Directors for the Diablo Valley College Foundation in her capacity as the President of Diablo Valley College. A dedicated educational leader with over 25 years of experience, she previously served as the Vice President of Instruction at Clovis Community College and Dean of Instruction at Woodland Community College. Monica holds a Doctorate in Education from UC Davis and specializes in curriculum design, instructional strategy, and institutional growth. deeply rooted in the classroom as a former professor, she is passionate about academic excellence and creating equitable pathways for student success. <- Back to Roster

< Back Celebrating the Ongoing Impact of the DVC Retirees' Association August, 2025 Learn about the DVC Retirees' Association! 11 scholarships. 11 stories of Perseverance, Purpose, and Promise. For decades, the Diablo Valley College Retirees Association has led the way in funding scholarships that help students pursue their educational dreams. Through their sustained generosity, they have consistently provided more scholarship support than any other individual, endowment, or organization at DVC. This year, 11 students received scholarships from the Retirees Association—each one a powerful expression of belief in student potential. These scholarships don’t just pay tuition or cover books. They affirm, they motivate, and they remind students that someone believes in them. Here are just a few of the voices whose lives have been impacted: “DVC and the Umoja community have helped me better understand my identity, history, and the power of education. This scholarship reminds me that my efforts are seen and supported—and encourages me to keep pushing forward.” - Edward “Through my battle with addiction, I found the strength to change and a deep passion to help others do the same. Your support is helping me become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker—so I can show others that transformation is possible.” -Julien “I'm finally going to be able to grow my education and transfer to a four-year college” -Bruna “This scholarship has allowed me to dedicate more time to both my studies and my community. As the first in my family to attend college, I am grateful for the opportunity to keep pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse practitioner.” -Justin To the members of the DVC Retirees Association: your legacy grows with every student you uplift. Thank you for continuing to believe in our students—and for making it possible for them to believe in themselves. Let's continue to support our students. Visit the DVCRA in "Directed Giving" to support our cause! Previous Next

See Planned Giving Leave a Legacy Beyond Your Life

Mino Sastry Board Member | CEO at Stanford Helth Care Tri-Valley Mino serves on the Board of Directors for the Diablo Valley College Foundation and is the Chief Administrative Officer at Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley. An accomplished executive with a Master’s in Public Health, he brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, business development, and hospital administration. Mino has led transformative initiatives such as the launch of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement program and the expansion of the Stanford Medicine Ambulatory Network. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a dedicated community advocate who served as Chairperson of the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, working to foster local growth and connection. <- Back to Roster

Support student success with The DVC Foundation, empowering lives online since 1974. You Make More Possible Since 1974, the DVC Foundation has been a heartfelt partner in the lives of Diablo Valley College students. As a nonprofit organization, we’re here to uplift students not just in the classroom, but in every part of their journey — from basic needs to big dreams. With the support of our generous community, we provide scholarships, emergency aid, and resources that make a real difference. Together, we’re helping students thrive, one story at a time. Featured Stories Honoring the Legacy of Michael "Mickey" Ganitch Read More DVC Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Brookshire Journey Read More Campus Corners: The Student Veteran's Resource Center (SVRC) Read More Fall Giving: A Season of Momentum and Meaning Read More “I work two jobs and go to school full-time. This scholarship gave me the chance to take a breath—and keep going.” “I used to wonder if I belonged here. Now I know I do—and I have a whole community cheering me on.” “I’m the first in my family to go to college. Thanks to this support, I won’t be the last.” “This scholarship reminded me that someone believes in me, even when I have a hard time believing in myself.” Student Success Programs You make it possible for students from historically underrepresented communities to connect, belong, and thrive. From college to throughout careers, programs like Diamante, EOPS, and Puente are changing paths and opening up possibilites Experimental Learning From Project-Based Learning to the Viking Ensemble and paid internships, your support brings learning to life. It prepares our students not just for graduation, but for the world beyond it. Scholarships Because of you, more than 225 students received scholarships this year. These awards do more than ease the burden- they tell students that someone believes in them. Basic & Emergency Needs Gas, groceries, rent, child care- your generosity helps students stay in school when life tries to pull them away. This year, over $35,000 in emergency grants provided immediate help when it mattered most! Empower Dreams. Bridge Gaps. Create Opportunity. Change Lives. Every donation helps us empower students at Diablo Valley College to stay in school, access vital resources, and build brighter futures. Whether it’s helping with tuition, textbooks, transportation, or emergency support, your gift directly bridges the gaps that hold students back. Together, we can create opportunity , inspire hope, and most of all --- change lives . Donate "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela “I have been through some turbulent times before applying to DVC, but my time here has changed me as a person. I used to be shy and did not see myself capable of achieving much… Your support allows me to dedicate more time to my studies, ensuring that I’ll achieve the goals that I have set forth for myself.” Bryan A., Continuing Student

< Back The Viking Ensemble: Making Music and Careers with Experiential Learning September, 2025 Learn about our efforts to create experiential learning for DVC students! This fall, Diablo Valley College is buzzing with more than just students headed to class—it’s alive with music, collaboration, and career preparation, thanks to a unique experiential learning program: the Viking Ensemble Associate Fellow Program. With support from DVC Foundation donors, six music students are selected each academic year to serve as Associate Fellows in this dynamic, student-led performance group. These students aren’t just playing music—they’re building their careers. From planning campus concerts and coordinating logistics with community partners, to rehearsing and performing at local nonprofits and DVC sponsor locations, these Fellows take on real-world responsibilities that mirror the creative and collaborative demands of professional life. Under the guidance of music faculty mentors and seasoned industry professionals, the Viking Ensemble experience blends artistic growth with project management, event planning, and leadership training. Each Fellow receives a stipend—made possible through donor support—that allows them to focus on learning and performing, rather than balancing additional jobs or unrelated work-study roles: “This experience helped me build confidence as a performer and a leader,” shared one participant. “It’s something I never would have had access to without the support of the Foundation and its donors.” The Ensemble performs at least eight events per semester , infusing both the campus and community with live music and demonstrating what’s possible when education is paired with hands-on practice. These performances are more than concerts—they're proof points that student talent, when supported by opportunity, thrives. And that’s exactly what DVC’s experiential learning mission is all about: preparing students for life beyond the classroom with experiences that make them career-ready, community-connected, and creatively inspired. The Viking Ensemble is just one of many programs where your support makes a difference. Thank you for helping DVC students turn passion into purpose. < Previous Next >

TikTok Student Ambassador Award of $XXX upon project completion Become a TikTok Ambassador for the DVC Foundation! We are looking for a creative student(s) to manage our TikTok account and engage with the campus community and alumni. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on social media marketing experience and build your portfolio. Learn more about the role, time commitment, and the valuable skills you'll develop below. *Up to Student(s) Discretion, but a Possible Content Structure could be: A Day in the Life: Showcasing authentic student experiences. Foundation & Resources: Creatively promoting scholarships, events, and support systems. Campus Culture: Highlighting clubs, sports, and DVC traditions. Educational & Informative: Offering quick tips on financial aid, registration, and career prep. Apply Here First name* Last name* Student email* Phone Why do you want this position?* Link to CV/LinkedIn Apply Learning Objectives 1. Increase Brand Awareness: The primary goal is to build a larger and more active TikTok following for the DVC Foundation. The student will be tasked with creating educational and relatable content that resonates with current DVC students and alumni to grow the account's audience, as well as informative infographics. 2. Drive Student Engagement: The student will be responsible for actively promoting the Foundation's initiatives and support services. This means creating a steady stream of videos that highlight key resources like: Scholarship opportunities Campus events Workshops 3. Gain Real-World Experience (Experiential Learning): A key goal for the student personally is to gain valuable, hands-on experience. Their success in this area will be measured by their ability to complete the learning objectives outlined in their agreement, which they will detail in a final report at the end of the term. <- Back to Projects

< Back Alumni Pulse: Networking, Networking, Networking! November, 2025 Learn about the Alumni Association's recent networking event! Fall always feels like a fresh start. New classes, new faces, and a campus full of people trying to find their footing. It’s the perfect time to talk about something I’ve believed in for decades—networking. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been visiting classrooms and student clubs to run Fun with Networking, a workshop built from forty years of experience. Nothing complicated. Just honest stories, simple tools, and a lot of practice. Students usually start off quiet and unsure. But by the end, they’re talking, laughing, and meeting people they didn’t know an hour earlier. Half the time, I have trouble getting them to stop so we can wrap up. This fall, we took it one step further and held a full networking session on campus. The point was to give students a real place to prAround 50 people joined us. A great mix of alumni and students, light refreshments, and a room full of conversations. Students tried out the skills they learned, and alumni stepped in with encouragement and advice. That’s exactly why these sessions matter: students learn how to network, and alumni get to inspire the next group coming up behind them.actice and to connect them with DVC alumni working in all kinds of fields. When students meet alumni who sat in the same classrooms and walked the same halls, it changes how they see their own path. It shows them what’s possible—and it gives them real examples of how successful people built their careers. Around 50 people joined us. A great mix of alumni and students, light refreshments, and a room full of conversations. Students tried out the skills they learned, and alumni stepped in with encouragement and advice. That’s exactly why these sessions matter: students learn how to network, and alumni get to inspire the next group coming up behind them. We’ll do it again in the spring. I hope to see even more of you there! < Previous Next >

Dr. Stephen Harper Board Member | Board-Certified Orthodontist Dr. Harper serves on the Board of Directors for the Diablo Valley College Foundation, bringing a deep commitment to community health and educational excellence. A board-certified orthodontist and founder of Harper Orthodontics, he has provided exceptional care to families in Walnut Creek and Martinez for over 14 years. Dr. Harper combines his professional expertise with a passion for supporting local students, believing that access to quality education is vital for a thriving community. His leadership helps guide the Foundation in its mission to create opportunities and foster student success for the next generation. <- Back to Roster

Donate to DVC Supporting the Foundation 99% of our assets are restricted gifts that satisfy program requirements and restrictions. To enable us to be responsive to emergent student needs like new program creation, emergency response, and other unanticipated expenses, we rely on unrestricted gifting! From these funds, we direct a response to where the need is the greatest . Thank you for your continued support! “While I am unsure what will happen after I graduate from a four-year institution, what I do know for sure is that this scholarship and your generosity will be very helpful in assisting me to pay for tuition and living fees next year as transferring to a four-year is a very large financial commitment.” - Nathan M., Continuing Student Donate All Donations are tax-deductible, straightforward to set up, and profoundly meaningful! Empower Dreams. Bridge Gaps. Create Opportunity. Change Lives. Without Unrestricted Gifts ... We Cannot Function. Promote Your Business, Empower Our Students The Benefits of Partnership Enhance Brand Visibilty Showcase your company's commitment to education and community development. We feature our partners on our website, at events, and in our communications. Join a community of leading businesses dedicated to empowering local students. As a DVC Foundation sponsor, you'll gain valuable exposure for your brand by connecting with thousands of students, faculty, and community members. Your tax-deductible contribution directly bridges financial gaps, creates opportunity, and changes the lives of students right here in our community! Become a Sponsor Today! View Our Packages Below Title Sponsor Named "Title" sponsor of chosen sport, club, or program Receive prominent logo placement on campus, website, and social media VIP tickets to special events Performance by the Viking Ensemble at your company event Preferential access to DVC's premier meeting and event spaces $10,000 $7,500 Patron Sponsor Named "Title" sponsor of chosen sport, club, or program Receive prominent logo placement on campus, website, and social media VIP tickets to special events Performance by the Viking Ensemble at your company event Preferential access to DVC's premier meeting and event spaces $5,000 $3,750 Champion Sponsor Named "Title" sponsor of chosen sport, club, or program Receive prominent logo placement on campus, website, and social media VIP tickets to special events Performance by the Viking Ensemble at your company event Preferential access to DVC's premier meeting and event spaces $3,000 $2,250 Contact us at dvcfoundation@dvc.edu to lock in these deals! Thank You to Our Campus Wide Sponsors for Supporting Student Success! Mail Check The DVC Foundation 321 GOLF CLUB ROAD PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 Gifts of Stock, Bonds, & other Securities The DVC Foundation accepts gifts of stocks, bonds, and other securities. For any inquires or to make this type of gift, please contact us at jblair@dvc.edu Legacy Giving Include the DVC Foundation in your will, life insurance, or other estate planning options. Learn More Electronic Funds Transfer Donations made via electronic fund transfers (EFT) to the DVC Foundation are easy, secure, and fast. Please contact us at dvcfoundation@dvc.edu IRA Giving You may be able to lower the taxes from your IRA's required minimum distribution by making a donation from your IRA to the DVC Foundation. Learn More In-Kind Gifts The DVC Foundation accepts in-kind donations in the form of any product, service, or other non-cash item of monetary value. Please contact us at dvcfoundation@dvc.edu While we encourage donors to give unrestricted gifts as this allows us to focus support fluidly where the need is the greatest, such as when we had to adjust everything we did to assist students during the pandemic, we understand that some donors prefer to direct their giving to personal interests and desires. You can do so through our Directed Giving Menu !

Itzel Gutierrez Board Member | Administrative Assistant in the Student Veterans' Resource Center (SVRC) at DVC Itzel serves on the Board of Directors for the Diablo Valley College Foundation and works as an Administrative Assistant for the Student Veteran Resource Center at DVC. A proud first-generation college graduate and DVC alumna, she earned her B.A. in Communication Studies from San José State University. Itzel is passionate about using communication to inspire change, bringing experience from her roles in marketing and community outreach. As a former Diamante Scholar, she is dedicated to paying it forward by helping students navigate their educational journeys and access vital resources. <- Back to Roster