With a passion for her community, one Oxnard College faculty member motivates low-income OC students through her own experiences and fights for her program to stay alive.

Ana Maria Valle, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) coordinator, continues in her struggle to educate people on this program.

“It’s difficult … to have to remind legislators and others that EOPS students are also Oxnard College students, first and foremost,” said Valle. “But there are rewards when the program is recognized.”

Born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Mexico then raised in Chicago, Valle was the first in her family to attend college. She attended the University of Illinois and later relocated to California to finish her education.

“My father would always say, ‘I want more for you’,” said Valle. “My father was a farm worker in Mexico and ultimately came here [U.S.] to try to make a living so that we could go to school and get an education.”

Valle was continuously involved in student activism at California State University, Northridge and participated in M.E.Ch.A. as a committed secretary.

She later became a teacher and worked in the seventh largest school in the Los Angeles Unified School District.  After pursuing her Master’s degree in Counseling at California Lutheran University, she found a new passion for helping students in whole separate spectrum.

“Teaching was my first love and then counseling,” said Valle. “I am about social justice and helping students that are low-income.”

Currently, Valle has been the EOPS coordinator for 12 years and she is responsible for ensuring that student needs are met through means of financial aid, registration, counseling, educational plans and more.

Everardo Rivera, EOPS Counselor at OC, believes that Valle leads by example.

“She is a great mentor to have,” said Rivera. “She is passionate for her students and her fighting character in regards to advocating for students, is powerful.”

Despite Valle’s personal struggles and hardships, her voice within the campus community resonates loudly in hopes that no one is left behind.

Carlos Gonzalez, OC’s M.E.Ch.A. vice president, has been positively influenced by Valle throughout his time at Oxnard College.

“She has kept me focused and advised me, which is all positive reinforcement for me,” said Gonzalez. “She goes above and beyond any counselor here at OC to help you out and it hasn’t just been with me but with several of my colleagues.”

It is isn’t everyday that students can find themselves feeling completely comfortable in talking to their advisers in college, but for EOPS students, having Valle to represent them is a plus.

Dr. Karen Engelsen, Dean of Student Services, speaks highly of Valle.

“Ana demonstrates her commitment to the Oxnard community every day,” said Engelsen. “Her focus is to ensure that every student has the information and support they need, not only for their academic success, but also to include support for the non-academic challenges that can affect a student’s progress.”

Engelsen also stated that Valle is truly committed to student success and that she is a staunch advocate for underrepresented students.

Valle enjoys helping both her community and the students of Oxnard College and appreciates the impact that she has on students that she was once like.

Israel Celis, a 21-year-old sociology major, appreciates the role that Valle plays in his education.

“Ana Maria has put together a great team of counselors and she has made EOPS a friendly place to go when you need help,” said Celis. “She’s a very helpful, determined individual. Many people would not be where they are today, including me, if it weren’t for Ana Maria and the hard work of the counselors at EOPS.”

For Valle, being able to see the smiles, the thank you’s and the role that she has played in the success of her students, is the best gift she can receive.

“Working with other students and families like my family, inspires me,” said Valle. “I want to help others like myself, to reach success and have an education.”

Valle has helped many students reach their goals through her own tenacity and encouragement. Years ago, she was inspired by her family to want more and succeed and now she is paying it forward.

“When I counsel students, I hope to inspire students to believe that there are no barriers and that anything is a possible,” said Valle. “I hope to help students realize their dreams, more than anything.”