Puente Team

Alejandro Gonzalez, Student Services Specialist

Alejandro Gonzalez is originally from Los Angeles California, specifically, South Central Los Angeles. He received an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from East Los Angeles College and transferred to the University of California at Berkeley, where he double majored in Chicana/Chicano Studies and Sociology. Alejandro comes to College of Alameda with nearly ten years of experience working in higher education, including five years with UC Berkeley’s Academic Achievement Programs (TRIO Programs) and nearly five years with Peralta Community College District (PCCD), working at Berkeley City College and most recently at Laney College. He has extensive experience working with college-bound programs that support low-income, first-generation-to college, and underrepresented students. Moreover, Alejandro comes with a strong skillset in budgetary processes, grants reporting, data collection and tracking, and direct student support.

Danna Chavez Baquero, PUENTE/ACCESO Counselor

Danna Chavez Baquero was born and raised in Cali, Colombia. At age of 15, she moved to California. Danna started her education at Cuesta Community College. As an immigrant with limited English and resources, she enrolled in college. Danna’s mentors where there to supported her and guide her through her educational pathway. After completing her Associates of Arts in General and Transfer Studies, Danna transferred to Cal Poly University San Luis Obispo and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Later, Danna earned her Masters in Art in Education with Specialization in Counseling and Guidance from California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo.

Danna’s work experience started at Cuesta College where she worked for 10+ years in many departments including Transfer Center, Admissions and Records, English as a Second Language, and Student Support and Services Programs. She also worked at Los Medanos College for 2 years as a Transfer and Career Services Program Coordinator, helping students discover their career pathway as well as exploring their transfer possibilities to the four-year university. In addition, Danna taught Academic Career and Success Courses at Los Medanos College. Before Danna came to College of Alameda, she was a Career Technical Programs Counselor for Contra Costa College.

Danna has a strong passion to help students achieve their goals and to transfer to 4-year universities. She has worked with a diverse student population and understands the importance in cultural values influences students’ careers. She wants to help students succeed in their careers because she believes that investing in education is key to success.

Teresa Castro, PUENTE/ACCESO Counselor
Teresa Castro was born and raised in San Jose, CA of Mexican immigrants. She began her educational journey at De Anza College where she was a part of the Puente Program. Puente gave her a community and support to reach higher education through mentors and counselors that guided her to transfer. After completing her Associates of Arts in English and Liberal Arts, Teresa transferred to the University of California, Berkeley and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Because of the impact that community college and Puente made on her journey she earned her Master’s of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from San Jose State University to become a counselor and serve community college students. Teresa’s work experience began at De Anza College where she interned with the Puente Program, worked full-time with the Office of Outreach, and part-time with International Student Programs. She thrives helping first- generation and underrepresented students reach their educational goals.