Staff
Desirae Mallari (they/she)
desirae.mallari@csueastbay.edu
Theme Song: Conceited - Rico Nasty
Fun Fact: I have singlehandedly cleared out an entire claw machine.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Des is the second-born of four children to Filipino immigrants and is a proud first-generation scholar. Des started her journey in higher education at Chabot College to obtain an AA in Liberal Arts with a Concentration in Social & Behavioral Sciences before transferring to UC Riverside and earned a double BA in Education, Society, & Human Development with a Concentration in Community, Leadership, Policy & Social Justice and Asian American Studies. Des would then continue her journey to graduate school at CSU Northridge to pursue a Masters in Public Administration. She is passionate in uplifting youth and facilitating opportunities for students to recognize and refine their capabilities beyond graduation. Des is proud to call their friends and family their biggest support system, forever thankful for their love and support. Outside of work, you can catch them either at home playing video games with their younger siblings, or out gallivanting with friends.
Taryn Vicente (she/her)
taryn.vicente@csueastbay.edu
Theme Song: On My Mama (Christmas Medley) - Victoria Monet
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Taryn was born and raised in San Francisco, and now resides in the East Bay with her family. She received her Bachelor's degree in Communicology (Speech Communication) from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa after having to change her major when her intended major was discontinued. With her learned understanding of communication and an impactful work experience as an advising peer mentor, she returned home to the bay area where she earned her Master's degree in Counseling at San Francisco State University. Since graduating in 2016, Taryn has been supporting first-generation college students through TRIO Student Support Services programs within the CSU system.
Her biggest inspirations for working within education and specifically student support programs, are her maternal grandmother, who only allowed up to a 5th grade education reminded her every visit with her to focus on her studies and how important education is, her mom, who sacrificed her dream schools and job opportunities to support her family in securing better living conditions, and her dad, who as a first-generation college student completed his doctorate in his 70s. For Taryn, they represent the many students she now supports and they also serve as a reminder that there are many different paths to reach your goals and that it is never too late to get started or get going on your goals.
Destine Lamonia (she/her/they)
destine.lamonia@csueastbay.edu
Fun Fact: I have a senior rescue dog named Stella.
Theme Song: Valerie - Amy Winehouse
Hi! I’m a first-generation Latina and a proud alum of SEAS and CSUEB, where I earned my B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. I’m currently finishing up my final semester at SJSU, where I’m pursuing my M.A. in Counseling and Guidance. I love spending quality time with family and friends, discovering new restaurants and boba spots throughout the Bay Area, and watching reality TV with my partner and our dog, Stella. I’m always excited to try a new food spot or chat about the latest reality TV drama!
Anthony Garcia (he/him/his)
anthony.garcia2@csueastbay.edu
Fun Fact: I love coconut water, but do not like coconuts.
Theme Song: Return of the Mack - Mark Morrison
My name is Anthony, and I am one of the counselors for EXCEL!
I got my bachelor's from UC Davis and my Masters from San Jose State. I am an avid life-long learner who strives to be a little better every day. I am always trying to find ways to grow my skill set both in and out of work whether through books or projects.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, playing video games, cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am also very big on trying all types of food, so if you have any recommendations to try either in or around the Bay Area, let me know!
As a counselor, I do my best to make sure all of my students have what they need in order to succeed on their educational journey. As a first-generation student from a low-income background, I know navigating the system is tough. So, if I am able to make the journey just a little easier for the next student, then I'll know I have succeeded. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Gerardo Ureno Sotelo (he/him/his)
gerardo.ureno@csueastbay.edu
Hometown: Zacatecas, Mexico
Dr. Ureño earned a B.S. in Information Systems Management from the Instituto Nacional de México, Zacatecas. After completing his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of San Francisco, where he earned a Master of Science in Organization Development and a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Organization and Leadership. His dissertation and research interests focus on the exploration and evaluation of higher education programs and services that support underserved student populations.
