2019 Northern California Puente Transfer Conference Agenda

welcome

Julia Vergara Co-Executive Director of Puente

Julia Vergara’s relationship with the Puente Project began in 1995, when she and Jane Alsopp piloted the Hayward Unified School District program. Four years later, they were hired to serve as statewide coordinators. Julia is the proud daughter of immigrant parents from El Salvador, and is a first- generation college-going student who graduated from California State University, San Jose. She has devoted her professional life to working with underserved communities and, under her leadership, the Puente Community College Program has grown from 34 sites to 60 sites.

Charles Nies Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at UC Merced

Charles Nies has worked in higher education for more than 20 years in a variety of roles. He was the dean of students at a small private college, a program director for a minor in leadership studies and an assistant dean of an interdisciplinary school at a large public university. As an instructor, he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership theory, organizational theory, student development and social identity development. He has served as a consultant to a number of universities, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies. His area of research is leadership and social change. Nies earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas as a double major in psychology and theology. He received an M.A. degree in counseling psychology and a Ph.D. in educational leadership/leadership theory from Washington State University. Alejandro Delgadillo Associate Director of Educational Equity & Access Programs at UC Merced Alejandro S. Delgadillo is the Associate Director of the Calvin E. Bright Success Center overseeing Services for Undocumented Students, the Fiat Lux Scholars Program, the Guardian Scholars Program, and Community Partnerships. Previously, Delgadillo served for nearly seven years as the Associate Director of Admissions at UC Merced. He attended UCLA, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and later received his master’s degree from Michigan State University in College and University Administration.