School Counseling Ambassadors

Each year, students with strong school counselor identities and academic achievements are awarded the Dr. Benjamin G. and Marion Kremen Academic Endowment. Awardees are promising graduate students who understand the importance of service all K-12 students and families and present a desire to serve the community in the capacity of the school counselor role, including through advocacy and presenting an equity lens.

This group of students have the opportunity to volunteer as ambassadors for the program in multiple capacities, including assisting with recruitment, peer consulting and branding the program.

Alejandra Garcia

Alejandra is a dedicated future school counselor, originally from Los Angeles and raised in Fresno, California. She earned her B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on International Business from Fresno State in 2017. With a passion for education, Alejandra has worked as a substitute teacher, where she recognized the importance of nurturing positive relationships between students and educators. A proud first-generation Latina, she aims to support underserved students in diverse communities, helping them navigate academic, emotional, and behavioral challenges. In her free time, Alejandra enjoys exploring lakes in her kayak and cherishes her large family, which includes 20 aunts and uncles.

Allyson Bautista

Allyson is a first-generation student currently pursuing her Master’s in School Counseling. Raised in Selma, California, she has a deep connection to her faith and enjoys spending time in nature to recharge. Her journey has been shaped by overcoming challenges, with the support of key figures like counselors inspiring her to help others. A TRIO alumni, Allyson has traveled through the Balkans and Italy, engaging in cross-cultural exchanges, and has held leadership roles as a TRIO Peer Mentor and Resident Advisor. Currently interning at Hoover High School, she is dedicated to advocating for underserved students, helping them discover their potential and achieve their goals.

Armando Aguilar

Armando is a proud first-generation college graduate from Sanger, California, where his upbringing inspired his commitment to education. He has spent three years as a substitute teacher, working across five school districts in the Central Valley, and is currently completing his master’s program in School Counseling. A passionate advocate for marginalized students, Armando strives to create a safe and inclusive environment that promotes personal growth and academic success. He is also an avid collector of antique currency, reflecting his love for historical treasures. Outside of his professional pursuits, Armando enjoys being a proud homeowner in Reedley, California, and has named his eldest daughter Khaleesi, inspired by the iconic character from Game of Thrones.

Chuye Yang

Chuye, originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is a dedicated advocate for students in Clovis, California. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Hmong Studies from Fresno State in Spring 2023 and is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Counseling. As a boys' volleyball coach at Clovis High and Tsunami Volleyball Club, Chuye fosters teamwork and leadership skills in young athletes. Drawing from his experiences growing up in a low-income Hmong household, he is passionate about providing social, emotional, and academic support to students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. Inspired by his mentors, Chuye aims to be a role model and a beacon of light for Southeast Asian students navigating similar challenges.

Citlalli Rendón Guzmán

Citlalli, born in Nayarit, Mexico, is a dedicated advocate for education and support for underserved students in the Central Valley. As the oldest of five and a first-generation, undocumented student, she earned her B.A. in Sociology from Fresno State in 2022. Citlalli has worked in various educational roles since high school, including internships and volunteering to assist families with college applications, all while leveraging her fluency in Spanish. Her experience also includes conducting research for a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on the experiences of undocumented students. Inspired by her own journey and the support she received from a college counselor, Citlalli aspires to empower students through career readiness, academic support, and social-emotional guidance as a school counselor.

Danny Ceballos

Daniel, a first-generation student from Dinuba, California, is on a mission to create inclusive educational environments. As the eldest of five, he has witnessed the sacrifices of his parents, which instilled in him a strong sense of resilience. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from Fresno State in Fall 2021 and is currently pursuing a Master's in Counseling. With over eight years of coaching swimming, Daniel has developed a passion for teaching and empowering the next generation of scholars. He believes in the transformative power of advocacy and aims to ensure equitable opportunities for all students, fostering their personal growth and potential.

Eliana Martinez

Eliana is a dedicated education professional from Sanger, California, with a deep commitment to supporting students in her community. As a former high school Spanish teacher, she spent four years inspiring students in the same town where she grew up, gaining valuable insights into the academic and social dynamics they face. Eliana is a proud mother of two and will be the first in her family to graduate with a master’s degree, currently pursuing her studies in school counseling. With seven siblings and a background rooted in resilience, she aims to empower students to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Eliana is excited to make a positive impact in her role as a school counselor, advocating for student success and personal growth.

Emma Schneider

Emma is a passionate advocate for student well-being, currently pursuing her M.S. in School Counseling with a PPS Credential, set to graduate in May 2025. Born and raised in Fresno, California, she earned her B.A. in Psychology from Fresno State in 2023, where she also served as Secretary of Psi Chi, the psychology honors society. Emma has experience working as a manager at Jamba, an AVID tutor, and a substitute teacher in the Fresno Unified School District. A lover of music, she enjoys singing and playing guitar in her free time, along with traveling to places like Texas, Georgia, and Washington D.C. With a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all students, Emma is dedicated to supporting their academic and social-emotional needs, ensuring they feel empowered to achieve their goals.

John Paramo

Born and raised in Kerman, California, John served as youth director at his local church, overseeing forty students from grades seven through twelve while earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in management from the Craig School of Business at Fresno State. Through this experience, he has gained a greater understanding of students and their needs outside of the classroom. Currently in the last year of his program, John will earn the M.S. in School Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in May.

Kassandra Cordova

Kassandra was born in Peru and raised in California, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Fresno State, graduating summa cum laude in May 2020. Currently interning at Reagan Educational Center, the high school she graduated from, Kassandra is dedicated to supporting students as they navigate their academic and personal challenges. She has experience as a Substitute Teacher for two school districts in Fresno County and has served as a Resident Advisor for the Upward Bound Summer program. Passionate about education, she believes in providing equal access to quality learning for all students, especially in the wake of challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. A devoted Taylor Swift fan, Kassandra attended the Eras Tour in August 2023, blending her love for music with her commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Luis Felix

Luis is a Central Valley native, born and raised in Earlimart, CA. He graduated from Fresno State with a bachelor's degree in Psychology in Spring 2020. A first-generation student, Luis is passionate about music, often creating playlists and attending live events, as well as enjoying baking and cooking in his spare time. He is dedicated to school counseling, aiming to support students in achieving their full potential, particularly in academic success and social-emotional development. Inspired by those who recognized his potential growing up, Luis is committed to advocating for all students, ensuring they have the support and inspiration he once received.

Maria Hernandez

Maria is a dedicated educator from Firebaugh, California, originally born in Guanajuato, Mexico. A first-generation college student, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Devry University in 2009 and is currently pursuing a Master’s in School Counseling. With over 15 years of experience working with youth, including roles supporting the homeless and at-risk students, Maria now works at Mendota High School, focusing on student attendance and engagement. She has also served as a Police Dispatcher for a decade, participating in community initiatives like the Police Activities League and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Maria is passionate about promoting social-emotional support and helping students explore college and career opportunities, inspired by her own journey and the lessons learned from her immigrant family.

Melina Peters

Melina is a graduate student from Visalia, California, currently pursuing her Master of Science in Counseling at Fresno State, where she will also earn her Pupil Personnel Services Credential in Spring 2025. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Armenian Studies in Spring 2023 and has a strong commitment to serving her community. Melina’s passion for helping others was ignited during a service trip to Armenia in 2019, where she volunteered at orphanages and assisted in rebuilding schools. She is currently interning at Wawona K-8 Middle School, where she supports students socially, emotionally, and academically. With a love for event planning and a strong sense of family rooted in her Armenian heritage, Melina is excited to make a positive impact on future generations as a school counselor.

Victoria Villanueva

Victoria Villanueva is a dedicated mother of five and a passionate advocate for education, born and raised in Fresno, California. As the first in her family to attend college, she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Fresno Pacific University in 2021. After years of working as a paralegal in immigration and criminal law, Victoria shifted her focus to school counseling, motivated by her own experiences growing up in a financially disadvantaged home. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in School Counseling at Fresno State, where she is committed to serving students from similar backgrounds and ensuring they have the support she wished she had. With aspirations to eventually become a principal at her childhood elementary school, Victoria is determined to make a positive impact in her community.

Yaritza Guzman Hernandez

Yaritza is a proud first-generation Latina from Porterville, California, with a B.S. in Child Development from Fresno State. She has extensive experience in education, having worked as a preschool teacher, tutor, substitute teacher, and college counselor, which has deepened her understanding of students' needs beyond academics. Inspired by the support she received from her EOP counselors during her own college journey, Yaritza is determined to pursue a career in school counseling to create a safe and welcoming environment for students. She is committed to promoting equity and accessibility, particularly for the Spanish-speaking community in the Central Valley. Yaritza's goal is to make a lasting impact on students' lives, helping them succeed in their academic and personal endeavors.