2009 Sep 18
For Immediate Release
PC Introduces the Newest Group of Student Leaders
(PHOENIX, AZ; September 17, 2009) - The newest group of leaders known as the Phoenix College (PC) Ambassadors launched their leadership roles at the New Student Orientation in August 2009 after weeks of preparation and recruitment training.
The New Student Orientation, an event that helps new students experience a successful and seamless transition into college, was the first big event the PC Ambassadors were required to help plan, develop and execute. However, their commitment to the Ambassador Program doesn't end there. They are required to serve as PC representatives at college fairs, presentations given to students and parents, campus tours, and community events. Throughout the year, they also hold fundraisers that allow them to attend the national leadership conference along with other college ambassadors in the region.
The PC Ambassadors do not receive college credit for their service hours. The program is designed to provide unique opportunities for students to apply their leadership skills while attending Phoenix College.
"The Ambassador Program gives selected individuals an opportunity to shine as student leaders by recruiting and orienting potential, new and current students to Phoenix College," said PC Ambassador Program Coordinator Diana Martinez. "Anyone who wants to become a leader on campus can benefit from this program."
Students interested in becoming PC Ambassadors must be recommended by a college staff or faculty member and are required to be at least second semester students at Phoenix College. Candidates are later interviewed and selected to be part of the Ambassador Program.
This year, 13 students were selected as the 2009-2010 PC Ambassadors. The group represents different age groups, career interests and backgrounds.
The PC Ambassadors that live in the North Central News area coverage are:
David Jerard Fredericks
Year - Sophomore
Major - Administration of Justice / Evidence Technology
Now beginning his second year as an Ambassador, David Fredericks notes that the program has helped him overcome his shyness. He loves to talk to high school students and encourage them to continue their education. He plans to join the Gila River Police Department and move to their homicide unit.
Alicia Frye
Year - Sophomore
Major - Deaf Studies and Interpreter Preparation
Alicia Frye enjoys spending time with the Deaf community, particularly during Deaf coffee nights. Her involvement in the Deaf community has inspired her to become an interpreter in mainstream schools for Deaf and hard of hearing children.
Kelly Grijalva
Year - Sophomore
Major - Law
Kelly Grijalva aspires to go into pre-law at the University of Arizona and later earn her Jurist Doctorate degree. She wants to become a successful lawyer helping families who have financial debt or file for bankruptcy. She is also considering practicing family law.
Teresa Guerra
Year - Sophomore
Major - American Studies
Teresa Guerra returns to the Ambassador Program for her second year, and has been an inspiration to other students, letting them know that their dreams are important. Last year, she was selected as a Congressional Intern in Washington D.C., and returned with the desire to earn her degree in American Studies and ultimately pursue a Ph.D. in Public Policy.
Meghan Haack
Year - Sophomore
Major - Psychology
Meghan Haack is the artsy girl in the group, and frequently attends First Friday events in Downtown Phoenix. She loves going to concerts, reading, and painting. She likes to learn a little bit of everything, noting that there are many areas of study that interest her.
Janelle Johnson
Year - Sophomore
Major - Administration of Justice
Janelle Johnson loves playing basketball, volleyball and softball. She's secretary of the Native American Student Association Club on campus, and her goal is to stress the importance of higher education to the Native American community. She plans to land a job in corrections or law enforcement.
Stephanie Le
Year - Sophomore
Major - Psychology Therapist
After graduating from PC, Stephanie Le plans to transfer to the University of Arizona to finish her degree as a psychology therapist. She loves reading, listening to music and spending time with her family.
Juan Magaņa
Year - Sophomore
Major - Journalism/Television Broadcasting
An aspiring news broadcaster for Spanish networks Telemundo or Univision, Juan Magaņa plans to attend the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University after graduating from PC. His goal is to become a well-known and respected journalist. He looks forward to help students feel comfortable at Phoenix College.
Veronica Mendez
Year - Sophomore
Major - Undecided
Although Veronica Mendez is an undecided major, she knows that she would like to pursue a career helping her community. She is part of the Young Democrats at Arizona State University, where she helps campaign for Tempe representatives. During the 2008 Presidential Elections, she was one of the few Young Democrats selected to help rally for the Obama Campaign in Las Vegas.
Marie Monroe
Year - Sophomore
Major - Pre-Med
Marie Monroe wants to become a leader among her fellow classmates and lead by example. She encourages students to pursue success and to never give up. Her ultimate goal is to become a medical doctor and work with Doctors Beyond Borders to provide medical service to people who live in remote areas of the world.
Ricardo "Rico" Ortega
Year - Sophomore
Major - General Business
Returning student Ricardo "Rico" Ortega is a big fan of ASU football, the Phoenix Suns, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Arizona Cardinals. He's the father of two teenage daughters, one of whom attends Phoenix College. He has an entrepreneurial spirit, and will one day own his own business. After completing his studies at Phoenix College, he plans to attend Arizona State University or Grand Canyon University.
Kimberly Ririe
Year - Sophomore
Major - Paralegal Studies
Kimberly Ririe, a mother of four children, keeps busy with school and activities off campus. She joined the PC Ambassador Program knowing she'd be a perfect candidate in expressing her passion for learning and sharing information with students. She states that learning is for everyone, and states that if she can do it, anyone can.
Maria Rodriguez
Year - Sophomore
Major - Social Work
After obtaining her degree in social work, Maria Rodriguez visualizes herself owning a non-profit organization that helps and teaches women to become independent. She's a first generation student, and feels proud to be a role model for her siblings and other first generation students.