Students

Graduate Student Ambassador Program

Graduate Student Ambassador Program

Our Graduate Student Ambassadors represent the diverse and vibrant graduate community at Cal State East Bay. These students come from various academic disciplines and backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives and experiences to share with prospective and current graduate students.Whether through mentorship, outreach, or sharing their personal journeys, our ambassadors are dedicated to supporting and inspiring others in their graduate education.If you are proud of your work in your graduate program and would like to share your enthusiasm with the campus, you would make a great graduate student ambassador.

  • Below is the list of our Spring 2025 Graduate Student Ambassadors, along with their respective degree programs. Stay tuned as we continue updating this section with their photos and stories!

     

    Ambassador Name Degree Program Reason for Becoming an Ambassador
    Violet Becerra Master’s in History (Public History concentration)

    I am a first generation Latina studying Public History at 黑料福利网. As a second year MA student I have become heavily involved within the campus and the surrounding East Bay community. Along with being a Graduate Student Ambassador, I am also the Vice President for the Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society East Bay Chapter, and a Graduate Student Assistant for a U.S. History undergraduate survey course. I am a curator and docent who assists with museum operations at the California Historical Radio Society on Alameda Island. This fall I will also become involved with the museum on campus.

    An essay I wrote on the novel The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood was published in the most recent edition of East Bay Historia- the academic journal for the History and Global Cultures Department. My thesis is based on the social and cultural impact that the growth of freeway infrastructure had on the Mexican-American neighborhoods of East Los Angeles. In Spring 2026 I will be debuting a museum display related to this topic.
    In my free time I enjoy reading and collecting books, walking around Lake Merritt and Southshore Beach, playing roller derby with Bay Area Derby, and hanging out with my two cats.

     

    David Cox

    Master of Business  Administration (MBA)

     

     

     

    David Cox is an MBA student with a concentration in general business at 黑料福利网, having earned his Bachelor's in Finance from the university. He values 黑料福利网’s diverse and inclusive community, which has provided him with opportunities for academic and professional growth. As a student assistant, tutor, and representative on various committees, he has supported student success and engagement. His experience as a Synopsys Internal Audit Intern and involvement with the Student Investment Fund have further strengthened his leadership and mentorship skills. As a Graduate Student Ambassador, he hopes to showcase the transformative opportunities at 黑料福利网 and inspire others to pursue their academic and professional goals

     
    Karla Valdez Educational Technology

     

     

    Karla is a first-generation college graduate and a proud mother of four, currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Technology at 黑料福利网. As an adult learner balancing family and career, she teaches Spanish at a charter school in Vacaville, instructing students across three levels. Her journey from being a high school dropout to earning a BA in Spanish, a teaching credential, and now a master’s degree is a testament to her resilience and dedication to education. Grateful for the support of her professors, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their academic goals, no matter their stage in life.

     

    Phuong Uyen Nguyen

    		 Health Care Administration MS

     

    Phuong Uyen Nguyen is a graduate student in the Health Care Administration MS program at 黑料福利网 who values building a strong and supportive community within the graduate program. Phuong aims to serve as a bridge between students, faculty, and the university, creating opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. 

     
    Ketaki Shinde Construction Management

     

     

    Ketaki is a graduate student and international student at 黑料福利网, passionate about supporting and guiding fellow students through their academic journey. With active involvement in various campus organizations, she understands the challenges and opportunities graduate students face. She values inclusivity, mentorship, and helping others navigate university resources. As a Graduate Student Ambassador, she aims to bridge the gap between students and campus support while developing her leadership and communication skills. She looks forward to giving back to the university and inspiring others to make the most of their graduate education.

     
    Klara Gutierrez Masters in Social Work

     

     

    Klara Gutierrez is a graduate student in the MSW program at 黑料福利网 with a strong commitment to social justice and community empowerment. As a Graduate Student Ambassador, she aims to support and connect with students while highlighting the program’s emphasis on advocacy, community engagement, and student success. Through this role, she looks forward to fostering an inclusive environment and enhancing her leadership and communication skills.

     
    Divya Bhavani Veligandla MS in Business Analytics

     

     

    Divya Veligandla is a graduate student at 黑料福利网 who previously served as an International Student Ambassador at IAO, sharing her experiences and insights with others. She is passionate about supporting students and believes in the opportunities and advantages that 黑料福利网 offers. As a Graduate Student Ambassador, she looks forward to using her experiences to help prospective and current students navigate their academic journey and make the most of their time at the university.

     
    Shashidhar Shankar Chowgle MS in Marketing Analytics

     

     

    Shashidhar is a graduate student in the MS in Marketing Analytics (MSMA) program at 黑料福利网, passionate about promoting and representing the program. With a strong academic background , he brings valuable insights to new graduate students. He has over four years of industry experience in marketing and has previously completed an MBA in Marketing and a Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing. His expertise bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application. As a Graduate Student Ambassador, he looks forward to contributing to student engagement, mentorship, and showcasing the opportunities available at 黑料福利网.

     
    Katherine Mendoza Online Master of Science in Educational Leadership

     

     

    Katherine is an online graduate student balancing full-time work and academics, which can sometimes feel isolating. She is eager to build connections within the 黑料福利网 community, meet fellow graduate students and staff, and engage with others who understand the challenges of graduate school. As a Graduate Student Ambassador, she hopes to create a sense of connection, provide motivation, and support others navigating similar experiences in their academic journey.

     
    Saijyoti Meti MS in Computer Science

     

     

    Sai is passionate about creating a platform for graduate students to connect and grow at 黑料福利网. As a Graduate Student Ambassador, she hopes to share her experiences, highlight valuable university resources, and inspire others to make the most of the opportunities available. She sees this role as a way to contribute to the graduate student community while also gaining leadership experience and fostering connections that support both personal and academic growth.

  • If you serve as a Graduate Student Ambassador, you will receive the following benefits:

    • You and your work will be featured on the Office of Graduate Studies website and social media channels.
    • You'll receive a free customized Graduate Student Ambassador 黑料福利网 sweatshirt.
    • You can provide input to the Graduate Advisory Council, the group made up of the coordinators of all the graduate programs on campus.

  • If you are selected as a Graduate Student Ambassador, you will be asked to:

    • Attend at least 2 graduate student events each semester (ex. Graduate Student Welcome event, Grad Slam competition, End of year celebration.)
    • Help to promote Grad Studies events and programs by posting on your own social media channels.
    • Agree to complete a video interview that can be posted on the Grad Studies website.

  • To be eligible to serve as a Graduate Student Ambassador, you should:

    • Be enrolled in a graduate program (Master's, Doctoral, Credential, or Certificate) at Cal State East Bay.
    • Plan to graduate no sooner than Fall 2025.
    • Be available to start serving as Graduate Student Ambassador early in Spring 2025.

    If you are interested in serving as a Graduate Student Ambassador, please complete .

    We hope to have our ambassadors in place by the beginning of third week of classes.

    Thank you for supporting the Office of Graduate Studies and your own graduate programs!