Deanne Liu
Interim Coordinator of Intercultural Programs
Professional and Educational background: I am a proud alum of Westmont College, class of 2003. After studying in San Francisco, I graduated early and worked professionally in the non-profit world as a fundraiser and event planner. After moving ot Seattle and re-reading Parker Palmer's Let Your LIfe Speak, I discovered my passion for Student Development and pursued my masters at Seattle University in Student Development Administration. I worked at Seattle University's Commuter and Transfer Student Services as the Coordinator of the McGoldrick Collegium which serves Veterans, Non-Traditional Undergrads, and Graduate Students. Finding my vocation in higher education has been a long time dream marrying my passion for the underserved and ministry.
Role in the office - I work with students to provide support of their academic success through creating community targeted for students of color and third culture kids. I oversee, program, collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to welcome people of various identities, perspectives, and attitudes to campus. I do this by encouraging student groups, bringing art and film to campus, and inviting speakers to campus who can help us creatively dialogue about topics on race, gender, and any other oppressed identities.
What I like most about my work at Westmont - I love everything about it. It's challenging to talk about some of the issues we face, but so important to find Community inside of these challenges. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by students who are not only learning about themselves and their ethnic and cultural identities, but also how those identities intersect with the larger world. It is so exciting to see transformation happen before your eyes.
Julissa Delgado
jdelgado@westmont.edu
Intercultural Programs Coordinator
Professional and Educational background-: I am a proud Santa Barbara native. I attended Bishop Garcia Diego High, Santa Barbara City College and
UC Santa Barbara. I have an Associate Degree in English from City College and a Bachelor's degree from UCSB in U.S. and Mexican History. Since my late teens I have been actively involved in church life having facilitated youth groups, community outreach programs, hospitality, children's church and women's ministries. I have worked in the Santa Barbara area my entire adult life. My career path has taken me from pharmacy clerk to escrow/title processor to first year programs assistant to the Intercultural Programs Office. I have to say it has been an exciting informative journey! More than anything I enjoy spending time with my student friends and sharing in their college experience!
Role in the office- I get the opportunity to co-advise our Intercultural Organization along with Deanne or other faculty advisors. I actively participate in the programming that we provide as a department both on and off campus. I am responsible for managing our department budget and maintaining our department website. I see myself as a resource to students. I enjoy helping them navigate their college journey by offering support, information and most importantly friendship.
What I like most about my work at Westmont- The students of course! I have made tremendous long lasting friendship with several students over the ten years that I have been at Westmont. I find that I am energized by their presence, ideas, personalities and life goals. I couldn't imagine not working closely with students and constantly look for opportunities to develop relationships with our student body.
Tina Valencia
tvalencia@westmont.edu
Intercultural Programs Assistant
Professional and Educational background-: I am a second generation Santa Barbara native with a long family history within the Santa Barbara community. I attended Santa Barbara City College to earn my certificate as an Administrative Assistant. My whole adult life I have been working on raising my three children with my husband Raymond. That is where I received my degree in life, being a full time mom for ten years.Over the past twenty years we have served in various capacities in our local church as Youth leaders, Marriage & Family Counseling, Worship Ministry and Small group leaders.
Role in the office-I get to work closely with the students while I assist the Campus Life Office and Intercultural Programs.Working with the various student groups and organizations brings great joy as I get to help students enjoy their time here at Westmont and grow in their Faith.
What I like most about my work at Westmont-I love that I get to be surrounded by students and young adults who are seeking Christ and learning how to walk with him through their educational journey.It is so awesome to see a community of students who want to make a difference in the world through the love of Christ.
Office Hours and Locations
The staff of the Intercultural Programs Office can be found in either Kerr Student Center in the Campus Life Office or in Voskuyl Library 3rd Floor Room 303A. Feel free and stop by for visit with any one of us!