Alumni Profiles

What made SCC the right fit for you?

SCC was, and is, the perfect place to learn how to be a wise and thoughtful student. The qualities of a good student may not be measured in just test scores and GPA. It is, however, the wise student who learns how to articulate who they are and what they want from their education.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

My initial experience at SCC, from summer 2015 to fall 2017, was a potent mix of anxiety and excitement; being able to see so many possible paths in front of me was overwhelming as much as it was a motivation to step out of my adolescent bubble.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

This will sound strange, but please bear with me. My favorite memory of SCC comes from my time taking one of our excellent nutrition classes with Professor Donnenfield. I had been drinking water from a used water bottle time and again. Professor Donnenfield stepped in assertively, yet respectfully, to tell me how this could lead to poor health. There are plenty of memories that stand out and live with me every day from my time at SCC, but the most impactful ones pushed me to be a better, thoughtful, critical thinker, and to follow curiosity.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

Opportunities for reflection and growth. I credit SCC for being the only school where I felt safe enough to "fail softly" and rebuild my confidence, and to see lessons as even more important than the corresponding grades.

Tell us which degrees or certificates you earned or which types of classes you completed at SCC.

I completed an Associate of Arts in 2017, and I am currently nearly finished with a certificate of completion within the accelerated Commercial Baking and Pastry Arts program.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start, and where are you now?

After graduating from SCC, I started my Bachelor's in Film Making Practices at ASU. Then, in January of my last semester, the pandemic shattered our collective reality. I worked as a freelance remote video editor between 2020 and 2024, holding various retail and odd jobs to support myself. Not satisfied with what film and editing could be for me, I pivoted to a culinary degree at SCC. And now, I'm investigating what a career in behavioral health and counseling could look like.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey?

Your time is precious and valuable. Take risks by investigating all your interests. A degree can open so many doors, but it's how you feel walking through the threshold that will matter decades later.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

At the time, I was being raised by a single father, and our resources were tight. I was seeking a space that would provide a solid education and that was within our budget. Although, at the time, I lived in Mesa, after visiting the SCC campus and speaking with several of the instructors and current students, it felt like a better fit for me than other options I explored.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

While I was at SCC, I focused on my core curriculum, like English, math, language, and some classes that brought me great joy in both history and art history. Those art history classes were the first I had ever taken, and they transformed me in a way I can’t adequately articulate. Now, working in an Arts organization, I can look back and see that some of those classes were instrumental in instilling in me a love of art and the importance of art within the scope of our humanity. I did eventually transfer to complete my bachelor's degree at Arizona State University.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

Ahh, this is a silly memory, but at the time there were some ground owls on the campus. I had a particularly rough day and happened upon them from a distance. I recall sitting down on the ground and just observing those owls for what feels like an exorbitant period of time. Owls, out in the middle of the day, and on the ground? What sorcery was that? At the time it felt that they appeared just for me, and in a moment when I needed to see something magical and unexpected. Those owls were exactly what I needed that day, and I returned often hoping to see them and brighten my days. I hope they are still on campus and living a good life. If they are, and you see them, please tell them hello for me.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

SCC allowed me to jump start my education with affordable classes which eventually took me to ASU for my bachelor’s and eventually my masters degree in HR Management, and now as Chief Administrative Officer/Chief People Officer (CAO/CPO) for Scottsdale Arts.

Tell us about your involvement at SCC. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

I did not participate in extracurricular activities. Like many paying their way through school, I had to hold down several part-time jobs while attending classes, which limited my availability.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

I don’t believe I earned an AA through SCC, although I did transfer straight to ASU to finish up the last couple of years toward my BA. As I mentioned above, the art history classes were a particular favorite of mine.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start and where are you now?

After SCC, I transferred to ASU, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in History, with an emphasis in Medieval Russia. Upon graduation, I transitioned into the workforce and looked toward pursuing a law degree. I applied and was accepted into law school but then decided to shift direction to Human Resources when I met my husband and we decided to start a family. I obtained my master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Catholic University in America in Washington, D.C. I explored the field of HR in the private sector for many years and was recently hired as HR Manager for Scottsdale Arts in 2021. In 2023, I was promoted to CAO/CPO. It has been a gift to be able to serve the employees of Scottsdale Arts.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? 

Education is a gift that you give to yourself, whether that be in pursuit of education for education's sake or to advance in your career. There is no metric for the correct way to pursue your education. I advise you to find the space that supports your dreams, and gives you a path forward. Community colleges are a great way to get started on that journey; to explore what interests you, to discover what you don’t like, and to find deep connections with peers and educators. I recommend SCC as such a space for people of any age and any background to explore their interests and discover a deeper part of themselves.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

Initially, I was not afforded the opportunity to continue to play basketball while attending college. After contacting the head coach at SCC, I was invited to walk on in the fall of 1986 and try out for the team. The team had an abundance of sophomores and was well-established, yet I impressed the staff enough to be offered to attend school, receive a fee waiver, and redshirt while still practicing with the team. During my second year, I suffered an injury that limited my ability for much of the season. However, the next season, 1988-89, I was the team leader both on and off the court. I led the team in scoring and shooting percentage, and was named a conference all-star. The challenges I worked through led to my success in my final year at SCC.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

SCC allowed me to play college basketball and attend school.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

Memories are not always completely positive. In a holiday tournament game hosted by SCC, we played the #2 team in the nation from Illinois. We, the Runnin’ ‘Chokes at the time with the colors red, white, and blue, played the best game we could play and took the #2 team to overtime. Although we lost the game, the experience was unforgettable.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

SCC provided the core education and values for the future.

Please describe your involvement at SCC. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

I was a member of the Artichokes basketball team for two seasons from 1987-89.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

I earned an Associate of Arts in 1989.

List any scholarship(s) you received while attending SCC.

I received a scholarship/fee waiver from SCC from 1986-89.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start, and where are you now?

Following my graduation from SCC, I remained deeply connected to the Scottsdale community. My professional career began in 1989 as the manager of the newly established and nationally recognized United Artists movie theater at the Scottsdale Pavilions, where I served through the 1990s.

I then transitioned to public service, dedicating more than 26 years to the City of Scottsdale. During this time, I managed multiple sports complexes and community centers, including both of the city’s award-winning USTA tennis centers. I am particularly proud of the work my team and I accomplished in enhancing community recreation and expanding recreational opportunities for residents—most notably by helping bring much-needed pickleball courts to Scottsdale.

In addition, my background in basketball and my connection with the City of Scottsdale opened the door to a rewarding officiating career. I’ve been officiating women’s college basketball for 25 years and Arizona high school basketball for 28 years — experiences that have allowed me to stay connected to the game I love while contributing to the sport’s growth at multiple levels.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

My son is currently a high school senior and is in the process of applying to multiple universities. One's next step in education is something we have been discussing for months and years. Everyone’s potential journey is different. I believe that it is important to do your research and obtain as much information as possible to determine the best fit for the individual. Each person should make the best choice for themselves, which may be a university, community college, trade school, or starting a career without a college education. Communicate with family and friends, do your homework, and find the best fit for you. Patient, educated decisions made with your heart will always be the right choice.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I have always loved creating music, so in 2017, I decided to enroll in SCC’s Audio Production Technologies Program. The program includes a great balance of music business, music theory, electronic music and studio recording classes, and all of the professors are really qualified and supportive, so I always looked forward to attending classes! It was also great to meet so many like-minded peers who also had a passion for music production. I always enjoyed attending SCC concerts, and I was fortunate to perform in the 2018 George Benson Showcase where I was presented with the Oscar Mayer Scholarship. After taking 21 units in the Fall and 28 units in the Spring, I was happy to receive my Audio Production Technologies Certificate of Completion in May 2018.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

The flexibility of SCC’s programs made it the perfect fit for me! I attended SCC during my senior year of high school, so even though I had not received my high school diploma yet, I was still able to take as many SCC classes as I could every afternoon in the Fall of 2017 and the Spring of 2018. My professors and peers were always really supportive, which made SCC not only a great place to learn, but also a great place to build community and collaborate with people who had similar interests.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

Like many things in life, education is what one makes of it. I was fortunate that I was able to utilize my time at SCC not only to learn all about audio production and to meet like-minded people, but also to shape my time management and organization skills. Taking a variety of classes at SCC while being a senior in high school allowed me to prepare my time management skills and organization skills so that once I began school at the University of Southern California, I was able to utilize my time management skills by taking the maximum amount of units while interning each semester.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory of SCC was knowing that each week I would have the opportunity to take audio production and music classes that I was passionate about with a great community of students and professors. I enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to learn so many useful skills and concepts in each of my classes.

What are you doing now and for whom?

As of Fall 2020, I am currently a Senior at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. In addition to taking class, I am also an A & R Scout at APB, which is a joint venture with Atlantic Records. I enjoy discovering and pitching a variety of artists, writers and producers to the A&R (artists and repertoire) team which is responsible for signing and nurturing talent. I am also completing an internship at SiriusXM, where I work with the Music Programming , Music Library, and Archive teams to assist with research and channel builds. I also enjoy writing and producing original songs for my artist project, Serapha, and assisting friends with their artist projects through my artist services startup, Palm Court Drive. I am looking forward to continuing to pursue a career in the music industry to inspire people through the power of music.

How did SCC influence your success?

How does it not?! To this day, I use all the skills I learned in the program. Anywhere from teaching, choreographing, photography, video editing, tech needs, injury prevention/rebuilding, directing, professionalism, networking, etc.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

When I first started, it was the schedule and the fact that they accepted students under 18. I was 15 when I first attended SCC because I was homeschooled and started to complete my dual credits and general education requirements at an early age. SCC continued to be a good fit because of the amazing dance program.

What do you do now and for whom?

I am a studio business owner with my husband and friends. We own and operate Elektro Dance Academy which includes all ages, all levels, and all styles. I also have my own photography business on the side.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory has to be the fact that I met my husband at SCC. We both took a summer ballet class taught by Angela Rosenkrans. That was such a fun and magical summer packed with many core memories.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

When I talk to others about attending SCC, I tell them that the dance program is one of the best and shaped me into who I am today.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

My time at SCC has been one of the best experiences I hold close to my heart. Because I started in the dance program at SCC at a young age, it significantly shaped me into the artist I am today. I took my time completing my degree due to other opportunities that slowed my degree flow down... But there were opportunities I wouldn’t have had or felt confident doing if not for my time at SCC and what I learned there. I created lifelong bonds with people. Angela Rosenkrans was my mentor and still is someone I go to for life talks and heart-to-heart advice.

I learned and worked with many working professionals nationwide from different dance companies. I got to travel with my teams for college dance festivals. I presented my award-winning choreographic work in competitions, and college festivals, and even got to perform my job at SCC’s fall/spring shows. I learned technology skills such as music editing, video work/editing, photography, etc. I also gained hands-on experience putting on a full-stage production. We learned how to create a light plot, properly set up the stage, hang lights, stage manage, call cues, and work the light board and soundboard, etc.

My time at SCC has also helped structure how I teach dance today because of the courses about dance history, somatics, and injury prevention, you learn how to anatomically approach your technique which helps you better understand internally what is going on for a healthy career and future in dance, and so much more. I could go on and on about the program and my time there because I have built much of my career and what I do now on the knowledge and experiences I have gained from SCC. The dance program is designed to help you have a great academic or professional career after your time there.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

Yes! I am honored and proud to say that I am now on faculty at SCC and teach Jazz and Modern every week and I do the photography for their teams and spring and fall performances. It’s a wild and fun full-circle moment. All my professors created such a memorable experience for me as an SCC student, so I aspire to do the same for the next generations of dancers.

Tell us the ways that SCC prepared you for additional education and/or your career.

Before college, I didn’t fully apply myself to learning. Enrolling at SCC ignited my drive to learn and gave me the confidence to pursue my goals because I had chosen to be there and was personally investing in my education. I was surrounded by professors who were deeply invested in my success, as well as fellow students who were equally passionate about their futures—especially those returning to school after pursuing careers and seeking a new direction. I felt part of a community that genuinely supported me in my endeavors.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start, and where are you now?

After two years at SCC focusing on film studies, I transferred to Arizona State University, where I graduated summa cum laude with dual Bachelor's Degrees in Sustainability and Political Science. My career began at the City of Phoenix, where I served as a Program Facilitator in the Office of the City Manager before being recruited by the Mayor’s Office as a Program Manager, leading sustainability and climate resilience initiatives. When former Mayor Greg Stanton was elected to the U.S. Congress, I moved to Washington, D.C., to serve as his Director of Operations & Digital Media.

Following several years in government roles, I transitioned to New York City to join the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), the nonprofit founded by Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty, where I played a key role in advancing climate, education, and emergency response programs across the U.S. and the Caribbean. 

My current role is Director of Creative Communications and Campaigns for Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative). CETI is pioneering the most ambitious, technology-driven effort to decode and communicate with another species—sperm whales—by leveraging cutting-edge machine learning and advanced robotics. In this role, I manage our partnership with the National Geographic Society, collaborate with CETI’s communications and production teams to develop compelling video content strategies, and spearhead new partnerships to expand the reach of our mission.

Please describe your involvement at SCC, including extracurricular and co-curricular activities such as clubs, organizations, programs, honors, and athletic teams.

While at SCC, I was a President's Honors student and member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey?

My advice to those beginning their college journey is to stay passionate, curious, and persistent. There are many paths to reaching your dream career, so pursue what genuinely excites you with dedication and a strong work ethic—opportunities will follow.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

While at SCC, I pursued a certificate in screenwriting through the SCC Film program, in addition to taking general courses that I needed to eventually transfer and complete a Bachelor's Degree.

List any scholarship(s) you received while attending SCC.

I received the President's Honors Scholarship.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Scottsdale Community College was the right fit for me for many reasons, mostly centered around the fact that SCC felt like a warm place to call my second home. Even before I attended SCC, I had very welcoming and encouraging experiences with them. SCC did many outreach activities at my high school. I took dual enrollment courses at Saguaro High School through SCC – AP US History, AP English, AP Government, and AP Economics. They were all extremely effective programs and some of the best classes I have ever taken. I met Sarah Galarza, a former School of Film+Theatre staff member, who convinced me that SCC was the place for those who wanted to explore the film world. My family and I grew up watching movies together, so naturally, I wanted to learn how to make movies at such a beautiful and convenient campus! I enjoyed all my classes and have many memories from my three years there.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I came into myself and became a much more confident and content version of myself. I completed all my General Education classes and two tracks in the film school – an Associate of Arts in Film Production and a Certificate in Screenwriting. SCC is such fun, and it didn't feel like school. All of my General Education, Film, and Screenwriting professors were unique, fun, memorable, kind, intelligent, and interesting. My fellow students were also incredible people, I remain close friends with many of them. The film classes were the most challenging and fun – getting our hands on film equipment and making movies was so rewarding. I will always remember the people I met and the classes taken together.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memories were those involving the varied classes, the unique professors, and the community of peers and friends I made while I was there. A month-long stretch of film classes with a group of students stands out. I would get to campus early, and leave late at night to spend more time with my peers, inside and out of class. Sarah Galarza was the instructor of our capstone class. This class consisted of multiple hours of hands-on instruction, interviews with people who worked in the film industry, and different lessons every day of class. I would dream of being on campus because I was so in the moment, and couldn't believe how lucky I was. A few classes gave me that feeling – Professor Aragona's Mythology class, Professor McDonell's short-story class, Professor True's Screenwriting class, and Professor Tutnik's Biology class. These were excellent classes with awesome students.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

SCC made a huge impression on me with a high-quality and realistic learning standard that set me up for success. With school and jobs, taking your time and ensuring you are doing what you want is important. SCC has reminded me to appreciate where you are in life and to find a balance between enjoying the moment and preparing for the future. Emotionally, I started at SCC as a teenager but left as an adult. I have friends I will have forever and memories of teachers who took their time and allowed us to explore who we were. As a teacher, I strive to bring that atmosphere to my students.

Tell us about your involvement at SCC: list extracurricular and co-curricular affiliations such as clubs, organizations, programs, honors, and athletic teams. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

I was mainly involved with the School of Film and Theater's capstone films as extra-curricular activities. These capstone films are student-funded short films that involve full crews consisting of 40-60 people, 5-6 12-hour days of shooting, with students occupying actual positions as jobs. These long, challenging days tested our patience but were extremely fun. You help make the movie for 12 hours, pack up, go home, come back, and do it all over again. I made lasting friendships. By taking advantage of extracurricular activities and connecting with those around you, you may make career and personal connections that will last forever.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

I earned an Associate's Degree in Film Production and a Certificate in Screenwriting. I also earned all of my General Education credits, which I highly recommend getting at SCC due to the unique and fun professors who do a great job teaching at a level of excellence.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start and where are you now?

After graduating from SCC, I worked in the film industry for a while. I then decided to return to school and continue my education through my interest in storytelling. I attended ASU and received my BA and MA in English Literature, which was made easier since my GenEd classes carried over and translated easily. I have held several teaching jobs and internships, including Read Better Be Better, ASU Global Launch, and Brophy College Prep. Upon graduating in December 2022, I accepted a teaching position at Veritas Preparatory Academy. Currently, I am living in Old Town Scottsdale about 10 minutes away from SCC, and now my sights are set to return to the place of my favorite and exciting second home, hopefully as an instructor, rather than a student this time around. It is my dream job to work at SCC.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

Get your General Education courses done at SCC! It's also a great campus to experiment with courses, you may be surprised and take a course that helps you find a new interest, hobby, or even career choice. Also, walk around the campus, because it's a great way to enjoy nature and think. SCC is a great place to slow down and find yourself at your own pace. Also, take advantage of internship opportunities and work-study programs – there are many to choose from, and may help you discover what you want and build your resume.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I had college credits from high school, and when I found out how affordable SCC was compared to ASU, I knew it was the place for me.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I had a great time at SCC, even though I was only in-person for 6 years. I met a lot of people who were either ending their journey or just starting. I took classes that I never had the chance to take while in high school. Being at SCC helped me fill in what I was missing out on. When COVID happened, I was forced to be online for the remaining classes.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory was showing up to class early so I could do the Artie walk.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

Knowing that I earned my Associate's in Arts degree at an affordable price.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

I earned my Associate's in Arts degree. I’m currently working on my certification.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start, and where are you now?

When I started my journey at SCC, I was already working as a para educator for Scottsdale Unified School District. One of the perks of my job is tuition reimbursement. This made all of the classes that I needed even more affordable. Now that I have earned my degree, I am still working as a para educator for a self-contained class that is strictly for those who have autism or any other learning disability, whether it’s neurological or physical. I am continuing my education at SCC. This time, I am working on my certification to become a certified teacher, as I plan to run my own classroom at Desert Mountains as a Special Education teacher.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

If you are looking to continue your education without breaking the bank, consider attending SCC. It’s affordable.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

SCC taught me how to adapt. I learned how to deal with studio situations that wouldn't come up for most music industry people until after school is done and they are in the workplace. A studio teacher might change the Protools session timing on purpose and let you and your classmates figure out the issue. Having gone through many different kinds of troubleshooting for problems in the classroom, I was very prepared for the professional studio settings even when something went wrong.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

The teachers are what made SCC the right fit for me. The SCC Music Department is full of teachers and instructors who genuinely care about your future in music. They build strong technical foundations as well as provide wise business and life guidance. If you do the work and put the effort in, they will support you 100%. Experiencing this versus what some of my colleagues have gone through for their music training is a huge blessing.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I had a very unique time at SCC. I started in 2011 after high school, taking an even class load. After the first semester, I focused mostly on the music classes. I loved every day I got to come into the music department. I was in music business, studio classes, electronic music, and DJ classes. There was great energy in that building. I remember how close all the students got. We would see each other outside of school as much as inside. We all really got to grow together. After the first year and a half, I started taking only 2 or 3 classes a year. I was working more in the industry so I decided that focusing on the classes that would help me at the moment was my best option. I ended up moving to California for music (and weather) and took a few semesters off from school. I came back to AZ for a few months and took a few music classes at SCC, then packed up my speakers and moved to Brooklyn for 3 years. With only a science and English class left to complete my degree, I finished online in NYC in 2019 to finally get my Degree in Audio Production Technology.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

SCC taught me how to adapt. Taught me a lot about how to deal with studio situations that wouldn't come up for most music industry people until after school is done and they are in the workplace. A studio teacher might change the Protools session timing on purpose and let you and your classmates figure out the issue. Having gone through many different kinds of troubleshooting for problems in the classroom, I was very prepared for the professional studio settings even when something went wrong.

Ron said something in music business class that always stuck with me, "You have to have multiple streams of income, you have to diversify." This comment really got my brain in motion to think of creative ways to create music, promote, and monetize my music skills. This way of thinking has allowed me to be creative and flexible when working on my own music and working with clients or other musicians. Being able to adapt and diversify in the music industry is key. I currently produce instrumentals, manage several recording artists, own a record label, am a recording engineer, DJ, and own a rolling paper company that's backed by the record label. Knowing after the first day of class that I would need to be able to wear many hats in the industry to be able to live off music alone made making a plan to do so very important. I would be doing everything I am today without Ron & Craig encouraging me to go after these different lanes in the music industry.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory of SCC is when I was an hour early for a morning music class and somehow found my way into the drum room next to the studio. We had just gotten a new electronic drum kit and I may or may not have "found" the code. I went in and connected my iPod to the set and jammed out for what I thought was the hour before class. I ended up missing class by over an hour. I made the good decision to go back to the drum room for the rest of the day. I was finally kicked out by the cleaning staff.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

I would say that SCC is a place where you can work hard and the people around you really have your back. I'm still great friends with several teachers. To this day I can call Craig and talk for hours about a studio build or a performance. The knowledge and support I got from the music department is something I wouldn't trade for anything.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

The last time I was at SCC I got to come back and teach some current students about beat making and the music industry. We made a few beats, I let the students show me their skills and a few of my good rap friends from town stopped by to give out some game. I love coming back to share some of the things I've learned since leaving school. Always great to see Ron and Craig. And they let me bang around in the drum room for a bit. Great day.

What are you doing now and for whom?

Currently, I am running Chop Records, a team of 7 producers. Chop producers can be found in MA. NYC, GA, NJ, AZ and CA. I manage the Color 8 Band and VALLEYBOY P. I am also still producing and DJing. My latest venture is a bit outside of music, Chop Rolling Papers. I started making rolling papers as a merchandise item for the 1st Chop Japan tour in 2018. The idea and business has been growing ever since. We are excited to release the rolling papers collaboration with several artists from around the city. My favorite thing to do is to produce music, TV, and commercials. I have worked with Atlantic Records, Sony Records, RCA, ASAP Rocky, Nike, Undefeated, fELT and a few more.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Born and raised in San Diego, I began my culinary journey after college at Arizona State University by attending Culinary Arts classes at Scottsdale Community College.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I spent a year getting my certificate in the Culinary program. I made some fantastic friends and learned some essential skills.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

The first day of classes in the Culinary department was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

SCC has brought knowledge and confidence to my life and career.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

I completed a Culinary certificate.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC.

I took a job with Fox Restaurant Concepts at their flagship restaurant Olive and Ivy, in Scottsdale. Soon after this experience, I moved to New York City where I gained experience at some of the best restaurants: Nugatine, Craft, Danji, Commerce, Collichio and Sons, Il Ristorante Rosi to name a few. I became the Chef de Cuisine at several restaurants before landing my current job as Executive Chef of Terroir in the heart of Tribeca.

My passion for sustainable growers and producers has influenced the menu at Terroir to have a local-first mentality. Always changing with the seasons, the menu at Terroir can now live up to the high expectations the wine program has heralded for many years. I have been here for four years and we plan to expand to other restaurants in the city. 

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey?

Knowledge is everything, it gives you the confidence to take the leap in life.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

My experience at SCC taught me everything from time management to what it really means to be a leader. It also showed me the importance of networking and building lasting relationships. Beyond academics, the life skills I gained while attending SCC truly transformed me and paved the way for me to become the successful professional I am today!

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I began my nutrition career at SCC, taking my very first nutrition course with Robert Martin, whom I am proud to work alongside today as both a colleague and a friend. Robert and the other staff at SCC played a pivotal role in not only motivating me to pursue a career in nutrition, but also to become engaged in campus initiatives, join the Honors program, take on leadership roles, and even work past my fear of public speaking through club activities and unique presentation opportunities at events like the World Hunger Breakfast. During my final year at SCC, I became the President of the Fitness and Nutrition Club, which gave me valuable skills that served me very well after I transferred to ASU and even now, as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My absolute favorite memory at SCC is definitely the time I spent as a member of the Fitness & Nutrition Club. Even before I became the club's president, it was an incredible experience that allowed me to connect with my fellow students and engage in amazing initiatives both on and off campus.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

Not only have I returned to the SCC campus since graduating, but I am now an instructor here! While the classes I currently teach are primarily online, I still get the same great, welcoming feeling when I step on campus today as the very first time I visited! Few campuses are as inviting and beautiful as the SCC campus!

What are you doing now and for whom?

I became inspired to succeed by my time at SCC. I had attended other community colleges out of state, but SCC was different. The staff truly cared and supported me in my goals. There were also opportunities for personal growth that I never experienced at any other college. As I already mentioned, Professor Robert Martin was key to getting me interested in nutrition, but he also motivated me to be a better version of myself and that has had a lasting, positive impact.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

To anyone considering SCC, I would say that you owe it to yourself to see the difference that an education at a smaller, but thriving and forward-thinking campus can make! The staff are wonderful and truly care about your success. The campus is beautiful and has everything you need to learn, study, be social, and even relax between classes! Plus, students are friendly and it's easy to make friends, even life-long connections! There are plenty of opportunities for personal growth and the atmosphere is one of both learning and inspiration. If I had to do my education over again, SCC would still be my top choice!

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I lived in Arizona before being stationed in New York with the Army. I had attended NAU for a couple of years and wanted to get back into the swing of school via community college.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

The extracurricular activities and opportunities offered are among my favorite memories. These provide great opportunities for on-the-job, real-world training and set you up for college and university success.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

The classes and extracurricular opportunities were directly applicable to my career path.

Please describe your involvement at SCC. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

I was very involved in the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife. I also utilized the Veterans Administration (VA) lounge and VA resources. This resource enabled me to connect with other Veterans on campus and offered a quiet place to study.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start, and where are you now?

After graduating from SCC, I completed a degree in Applied Biological Sciences and Visual Photography at ASU. I continued to help out at CNUW while attending ASU. Dr. John Weser, Professor of Biology, Life Sciences Department Chair, and Executive Director of the Center for Native & Urban Wildlife, was a reference when I applied for the position of Education Assistant with the National Audubon Office in Phoenix. My experiences at CNUW were instrumental in securing this job, as I had limited prior work experience with birds. I often returned to SCC when I was leading tours with the National Audubon Society. My next professional experience was as an Education Technician for the National Park Service. I am now an Interpretive Park Ranger at Valles Caldera National Preserve in Jemez Springs, New Mexico. I provide leadership for interpretation, education, and volunteer divisions. The goal is to connect visitors to the materials and resources we have. I enjoy speaking to groups and leading tours and field trips for K-12 and university students. I visit classrooms and talk about the National Park Service in general. The programs I coordinate focus on art, photography, and birding. I have initiated bringing music to the park through concerts. In April, we hosted the first-ever silent disco at a national park. I am the Night Sky Manager, which means I manage volunteers and oversee after-hours programs that offer stargazing, astro photography workshops, and moonlit hikes. I also lead a monthly guided hike, utilizing instant film cameras as a medium to explore the park. Participants learn the basics of photography and compositional recommendations while slowing down and appreciating the surroundings using an instant film camera, all while exploring Valles Caldera.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

SCC offers ready access to your professors and small class sizes, which make for a very engaging educational experience.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I chose SCC because I was specifically looking for Graphic Design courses and heard nothing but great things about their program.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I attended SCC for two years, loading all 4 semesters with as many classes as I could. I loved the program and learned so much from all the great teachers. Every teacher had vast experience in the subject of their course and were there to help us succeed. They did an excellent job teaching not only the skills but how to design a successfully produced product.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

In my position at Prisma Graphic, I often see the work of many designers and sometimes it is a great design in theory but to print and produce is either too costly for the client or the function of it will not work with the designers concept. Taking courses with SCC helps me catch these things before the entire job is set into motion. Therefore, saving our clients time and money in getting things worked out to be functional.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

So many great memories, but one of my favorites would be in my photography class when the instructor, Rick Burress, told us a story of taking a baby to the jungle... No, not a "real" baby and not a "real" Jungle, he was speaking of a photo and using Photoshop to do all your editing. It's a story I'll never forget and you can hear it yourself by taking his class.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

I have gone back several times for IDUG meetings (InDesign User Group).

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

SCC helped me attain my current position with Prisma Graphic. I was part of the SCC Externship program during my final semester and through that position helped determine what career I wanted to continue with. I applied for and was offered a full time position as an Account Manager with Prisma Graphic upon graduation.

I met so many wonderful people through SCC and being an Alumni that works in the business, I continue to meet others. It is like our own little family of great creative people. I can always count on them to answer my call if I need them.

What are you doing now and for whom?

I’ve been with Prisma for 4 years now. I am a team lead in the Account Management department and work with a great group of people. My team works with a wide range of clients but has a special focus on Hospitality and Healthcare. We are responsible for successfully initiating, planning, controlling, executing and monitoring many projects to be sure they are completed to meet our clients expectations. Beyond Prisma, I still do some design work on the side along with my hobby of training detection dogs for a local company that provides dogs and training to police agencies across the country.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

You will not find any greater pool of knowledge for designing in the real world than the group of instructors in the program at SCC.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

SCC first trained me in my career as a teacher, and has enhanced my life, mainly in music.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

SCC was a small school where the professors knew us personally.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I played in numerous concert bands, jazz bands, and trombone choirs, even long after I graduated.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

I played in the band at football games. The football team still called themselves the "Drovers" at that time. When we yelled "Go, Go, Artichokes Go!" The football team vehemently disapproved. After the first game, we yelled "Go, Go, Scottsdale Go!" instead.

Please describe your involvement at SCC, including extracurricular and co-curricular activities such as clubs, organizations, programs, honors, and athletic teams.

I played in numerous bands at football games, concerts, plays, and graduation ceremonies.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

I earned an Associate's Degree in Music, and later, took several Mathematics classes and music classes.

List any scholarship(s) you received while attending SCC.

During my full-time years as a student, I earned a $50 scholarship each semester to play in bands, and that is about what it cost to be a full-time student at the time.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start, and where are you now?

I graduated from Grand Canyon University. I taught middle school Band and then high school Mathematics.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

Do the very best you can, more than what is expected.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I started SCC as a home-schooled, dual-enrolled high schooler. SCC was a convenient and accessible institution that would enable me to become embedded in a college environment. With its small class sizes, variety of degree options, and sense of community, this would be the perfect place to begin my college experience

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I was actively involved in student life, from leading the campus newspaper to presiding over the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter (Psi Gamma). During these experiences, I enjoyed sharing stories of various campus community members, collaborating with colleagues in staging educational programming and feeling engaged in the evolution of our campus. I loved getting to know many faculty members and staff who supported my journey

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

The most significant memory during my time at SCC unfolded on the very last day when I delivered my student commencement speech during graduation. I was beyond thrilled (and anxious) to have the opportunity to be selected for this role, and it represented a "defining moment" for me, as I used that space to publicly share for the first time about how autism had shaped my life and academic journey. I finally felt comfortable being vulnerable about a part of me that I had long kept hidden and, more importantly, pride over the structural challenges I had battled to succeed in life. I was extremely touched to be met by a standing ovation and many individuals coming to me after the speech to discuss their connections to autism. This night remains perhaps one of the most important of my entire life

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and career?

On a personal note, many of the friends I made 12-15 years ago as an SCC student remain core individuals in my life; they were there for my doctoral graduation and will continue to support me as I embrace additional opportunities. Similarly, several of the faculty and staff have remained core connections of mine, people who I still consult for advice and share experiences. As for how SCC shaped my career direction, it was through interviewing various community members that I built my foundation of learning about academia and the people who belong to these educational institutions. Though I was pursuing a journalism degree at the time, as I wrapped up my Bachelor's at ASU, I realized that I sought to have a career where academia would be the centerpiece. Consequently, I ultimately attained my master's and doctorate in higher education, in which I conducted research about, among other topics, community college student transfer pathways. I also engage in scholarship around autism in higher education, for which most people in my space associate me. SCC continues to be a piece of my academic pride; most colleagues are aware that I went to the school with Artie the Artichoke as a mascot and see my associate degree hanging on my wall alongside my doctoral degree.

Tell us about your involvement at SCC. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

I led two student organizations: the Green Club (focused on environmental issues) and the Psi Gamma chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Theta Kappa. I also worked across all levels of the student newspaper for over two years. I was actively engaged in the honors program and various student life efforts. These spaces allowed me to connect with many individuals and contribute to the campus community.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication.

List any scholarship(s) you received while attending SCC.

Honors Program Scholarship

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start and where are you now? 

I pursued graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in its leading Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis department. There I took courses around issues in higher education and conducted numerous research projects around issues on community college transfer, LGBTQ+ campus climate, and autism and disability in higher education. During this time I also joined the leadership team of College Autism Network, a nonprofit organization centered on advocacy, research, and training in higher education. After receiving my doctorate in 2021, I served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University and then as an Assistant Professor of Adult and Lifelong Learning at the University of Arkansas. In Fall 2024, I will make another institutional transition as I embark on a new chapter as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Career highlights include being named a K. Patricia Cross Future Leader from the American Association of Colleges & Universities and an ECMC Foundation Career and Technical Education Postsecondary Research Fellow. Most notably, reflecting my engagement in research on autism in higher education, I was thrilled to receive, with my colleague Dr. Bradley E. Cox, a $500,000 grant from the Spencer Foundation as we make sense of autistic college student success. This research study is allowing us to study, at a national level for the first time, the experiences of autistic undergraduate college students and what matters to them in terms of feeling successful (e.g., mental health, friendship, graduation, employment).

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

SCC represents a "community" in the truest sense of the word. Everyone enters college from various vantage points. SCC honors that spirit by creating opportunities that foster comfort, friendship, and academic possibilities for students across numerous life experiences and entry points.