Alumni Success

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.