2026 CCPA Leadership Board
President
Samantha Bautista
California State University, Fresno
Samantha Bautista is a dedicated higher education professional with a passion for student success. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Criminology, and a Master’s degree in Counseling, option in Student Affairs and College Counseling from California State University, Fresno (Fresno State). In her current role, as the Start Program Director, she leads an advising program aimed at enhancing student success through holistic advising practices at Fresno State. With over six years of experience working with students from diverse backgrounds, she is committed to providing personalized support to help students navigate their college journey. In her leadership roles, she has actively served as the CCPA Director of Communications (2023–2024), and CCPA Publicity & Marketing Co-Chair for the CCPA Fall Institutes (2023-2024), which she has supported communication efforts on newsletters and social media platforms. Additionally, Samantha began her three-year term as the CCPA President (2025 – Present). Outside of work, Samantha enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She is passionate about serving students, seeking professional development opportunities, and building meaningful connections within the higher education community.
Past-President
Dennis McIver, PhD
University of California Office of the President
A professional with more than 15 years of experience, Dennis McIver currently works for the University of California Office of the President as EDIB Program Manager. His award-winning background in higher education includes advising, athletic compliance, admissions, academic records and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dennis has significant experience as a staff leader and advocate. As 2022-23 Chair of the Council of UC Staff Assemblies, the CUCSA delegation explored employee retention through three lenses, expanded its outreach throughout the University of California, and developed a five-year strategic plan. Dennis’ previous service includes being a past President of University of California Riverside (UCR) Staff Assembly and past Chair of UCR’s Black Faculty And Staff Association (BFASA). He is also a Co-Founder of the Black Leadership Alliance Council at the University of California (BLAC@UC). Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Dennis earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies from California Baptist University. Dennis also earned master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County where he was a Phi Kappa Phi inductee, and the University of Baltimore. Dennis earned his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland where he was an inaugural recipient of the Geppi-Aikens award, and member of the Green & Grey Society.
President-Elect
Vacant
Vacant
Director of Professional Development
Ashley Gutierrez
University of California, Merced
Ashley currently serves as an Academic Advisor for the School of Engineering at the University of California, Merced. In this role, she helps students navigate the complexities of university systems while supporting their academic and professional goals in engineering. Her work focuses on fostering student success by leveraging my expertise in interpersonal skills and community outreach, particularly by bridging a gap between the higher education and nonprofit sector. Ashley began her journey in CCPA in 2022 when she attended their annual fall institute hosted at UC Berkeley. Since then, she has served on CCPA’s board as the Grad Student Liaison, the Member-at-Large Chair for Central CA, and for the past two years as the Director of Professional Development. Previously, she has contributed to student development and engagement across the Central Valley rural communities in the Merced, Fresno, and Tulare counties through roles such as Internship Coordinator at Arte Américas, Program Manager at Youth Leadership Institute, and Counselor/Coordinator for Dual Enrollment at Reedley College. Ashley’s professional background is grounded in empowering students, particularly in underserved communities, to achieve their academic and personal aspirations.
Director of Communications
Andrew Blanco
California State University, Los Angeles
I am a Los Angeles grown student affairs professional who started their journey in 2019 as a student Orientation Leader and Program Assistant. Since 2022, I have started working professionally as a coordinator for first-year retention programs where I work with our Peer mentor program for our black student population, our men of color success program, and our University’s first year cohort program.
Director of Membership
Monique Lynch
University of California, San Diego
Monique Lynch, M.S. is a Community Director at the University of San Diego. She received her Bachelors in Ethnic Studies with a Concentration in African American Studies from California State University East Bay. During her tenure at CSUEB, Monique studied abroad for one year in Jaén, Spain where she was able to travel the world and learn Spanish. She went on to receive her Masters in Education with a Concentration in Higher Education from California State University Fullerton. While she is currently working in Residential Life, Monique has had the opportunity to work in various functional areas within Higher Education including Academic Advising, Identity Resource Centers, Transfer Resource Centers, Admissions, Outreach and Orientation, and International Education. She is passionate about encouraging, supporting and working with Black students. She is also passionate about generally helping students navigate through their college journey and understanding that college parallels the real world. Her mantra is a quote from Malcolm X, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”. Monique will start her “Journey to Dr. Mo” in the Fall 2025 at the University of San Francisco. As a student of the International & Multicultural Education program, she will combine two of her passions (international travel and working with Black students) to research Black students and their study abroad experiences.
Director of Equity & Social Justice
Nicole Belisle, PhD
Palomar College
Dr. Belisle has a BA in Sociology with a minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz. After taking some time to work with elementary youth in the Bay Area, she went on to pursue her MA from Teachers College, Columbia University in Sociology and Education with an emphasis in Education Policy. She also graduated with her Ph.D. from the joint program at San Diego State University and Claremont Graduate University in Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs and Higher Education. She has over nine years’ experience working in higher education and over fifteen years’ experience in education overall. In her current role, she serves as the Chief Diversity Officer, supporting diversity, equity, inclusion accessibility and antiracism initiatives throughout the community college district she works in. Dr. Belisle’s research interests extend to supporting all marginalized students whether through multicultural education and other diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and/or through effective collaboration across and within academic and student affairs.
Historian
Julia Stanton
Loyola Marymount University
Julia Stanton received her master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University and has worked in orientation, first-year experience programs, residential life, student conduct, and student activities. After moving to California, Julia got involved with CCPA in 2013, supporting the annual CCPA Institute planning. In 2017, she won the award for Outstanding Service to the Association, served as CCPA’s Director of Professional Development from 2017-2018, and most recently served as President of CCPA from 2019-2021. She has worked for three different universities in California and currently works as the Director of Orientation Programs at Loyola Marymount University.
Member at Large – NorCal
Heather French, PhD
San Jose State University
Dr. Heather French currently serves as Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at San Jose State University. In her role she oversees several campus departments that offer services to support students outside of the classroom, and provides advocacy and engagement opportunities. Previously Dr. French has held Dean and Vice President roles at University of California, Merced, Fontbonne University and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, and at Holy Names University in Oakland. Dr. French sees great value in participating in and giving back to the professional associations of both CCPA and NASPA, having held volunteer leadership roles in both organizations. One of her proudest achievements was in June 2018 when she partnered with CCPA Leadership and NASPA Northern California leadership as she chaired the joint NASPA NorCal/CCPA Drive-In Conference at Holy Names University. In addition to presenting at several CCPA Fall Institutes in recent years, Dr. French also served the association as the CCPA Director of Professional Development in 2024 and Chaired the CCPA Fall Institute at UC Merced in October 2024, bringing the conference to the Central Valley for the first time in the organization’s history. Dr. French received her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California, her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Humboldt State University and her B.A. in Human Studies from Bradford College. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her wife, Angela, grown-up kiddo Espy, and three pets.
Member at Large – CenCal
Eulyses Lopez
California State University, Fresno
Eulyses Lopez (he/him/his) is a trailblazing first-generation Latino Student Affairs Professional. Having earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Deaf Studies and M.S in Counseling from Fresno State, Eulyses hails from the rural town of Corcoran in the heart of the Central Valley. Eulyses’ journey in higher education began after returning back to in-person classes in the Fall of 2021 where he became a Neighborhood Ambassador for the Off-Campus Student Life Program. In this role, he assisted commuter students in finding community on campus while providing them with resources to help navigate the college environment. He also held the role of being an Academic Coach for Academic Success Coaching under the Fresno State Learning Center. His duties involved supporting academic probation students holistically while providing student success strategies such as time management, study skills, and self-care. Eulyses also previously served as a Graduate Assistant for the Fresno State College Corps program where he orchestrated and facilitated program events and projects, all while serving as a mentor to fellows. His passion lies in forging meaningful connections with students, cherishing the opportunity to get to know them on a profound level. He previously served as one of the Graduate Representatives for CCPA. Eulyses currently serves as an Educational Outreach Counselor for the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center at Fresno State, where he supports low-income, first-generation, non-traditional students in navigating back into education.
Member at Large – SoCal
Erica Alcantara Aros, PhD
San Diego State University
Dr. Erica Aros brings more than 15 years of leadership in student affairs and higher education. Early in her career, she worked at the University of California, Riverside as a resident director, life sciences academic advisor, and transition academic advisor. At San Diego State University, she helped grow commuter life programs as the assistant director of Student Life and Leadership, followed by five years at Student Disability Services, first as the associate director, then as the director, leading the team through the COVID-19 pandemic. She currently serves as the director of the Office of Employee Engagement for the Division of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity, a department she created over three years ago after advocating for more employee professional development and community connection efforts. In her role, she designs and leads programs that foster employee engagement and leadership development for the division, and contributes to SDSU’s strategic goal of inclusive campus communities through the management of SDSU employee resource groups. She also teaches as a Leadership Studies lecturer in the College of Education. Erica’s Ph.D. research focused on how professional mentorships impact career advancement for women of color working in student affairs. She is deeply committed to building inclusive campus environments, mentoring emerging staff, and driving engagement through strategic programming. Erica’s work reflects a dedication to equity-centered leadership, community building, and professional growth — qualities she hopes to bring to the CCPA board.
Graduate Representative
Charles Barjon
California State University, Fullerton
Charles Barjon began his journey in higher education as an undergraduate student at an HBCU in Louisiana. He organized student groups around environmental activism and grew in love with the idea of inclusivity and equity for all. Barjon after returning home to California has spent years in the K-12 field pouring into youth and is completing his masters in High Education at Cal State University Fullerton. He aspires to be a beacon of hope and is determined to work hard to ensure every student feels comfortable and safe at their university home.
Graduate Representative
Alan Mercado
California State University, Fullerton
Alan Mercado is a graduate student in the Master of Science in Higher Education program at California State University, Fullerton. A proud product of the CSU system, Alan earned his Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Ethnic Studies, Chicanx Studies at CSUF, graduating cum laude and consistently appearing on the Dean’s Honors List. His undergraduate experience, grounded in strong mentorship and culturally sustaining support, shaped his passion for equity, access, and student advocacy. Throughout his graduate journey, Alan has taken on multiple leadership roles that reflect his dedication to student success. He currently serves as the Director of Event Planning for the Education Inter-Club Council, where he coordinates community-centered and professional development programming for students in the College of Education. He is also the Coordinator of Professional Development for HELO, supporting graduate students in their growth as emerging higher education professionals. Professionally, Alan works as a graduate student researcher with the Male Success Initiative – Fullerton, contributing to research and programming that uplift men of color in higher education. He will begin his required fieldwork in Spring 2026. Alan is deeply committed to ensuring that students do not fall through the cracks, especially graduate students who often experience a decline in resources, belonging, and institutional support compared to their undergraduate years. While he is still exploring specific career paths within higher education, his purpose remains clear: to advocate for equitable practices and to uplift students who have historically been overlooked.
Graduate Representative
Erick Yanez
California State University, Fullerton
Erick’s path into working in higher education began when he became involved with various student organizations and campus resources at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). He took advantage of volunteer opportunities to strengthen his sense of belonging at UCR. He became an active participant in different events that introduced him to the world of Student Affairs. Through the work and community he formed, he gained meaningful connections that became mentors, encouraging him to consider a career in higher education. Shortly after graduating, Erick started working at UCR, helping with first-year programming for students. This programming includes academic support, peer mentoring services, and workshops that help students with their personal development. He also tutored students at a local Community College and found his passion in supporting students as they navigate higher education. Erick’s passion for lifelong learning encouraged him to participate in various professional development opportunities at UCR, including earning different certificates and attending conferences. These experiences have led him to his new endeavor at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), where he is now pursuing an M.S. in Higher Education. These have been enriching experiences that Erick views as continued growth opportunities within the field of Student Affairs. He also recognizes the importance of being part of a community that supports this growth as he strives to be a leader in this field. The community within CCPA will further hone his commitment to creating equitable and inclusive student services in his current role and beyond.
Graduate Representative
Bret Charles Delgado
University of San Diego
Charlie Delgado is a queer, low-income professional from Los Angeles, California. He received his Bachelor’s in Sociology with a concentration in Global Information Social Enterprise Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). He recently moved down to San Diego in 2023 to transition back into higher education as a professional. Before that, he worked at the Athletics and Recreation Center as a Building Operations Manager, Residential Assistant for Oakes College, and as an Everett Program Fellow Coordinator, working to bridge the gap between social justice and technology. He currently serves as the Program Coordinator for Community Leadership and Development at the University of San Diego. In this role, he has hosted various presentations such as empathetic listening, first-gen student presentations, commuter community meetings, and an investing/budgeting workshop for first-years. He has also brought several collaborations to his department, such as the United Front Multicultural Center, US Bank, Learning Living Communities, the Center for Health and Wellness Promotion, LGBTQ+ and Allies Commons, and Study Abroad. He has worked on several internal committees at the University of San Diego, including student leader recruitment and training, Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards Committee, first-gen action team, and various search committees. He appreciates all of the lessons he learns from getting to interact and be integrated into diverse communities and shared experiences. In his time at the University of San Diego, he has also started his M.A. in Peace and Justice.