What is the Texas Community College Student Advisory Council?

This collaborative initiative, supported by Young Invincibles, EdTrust in Texas and Breakthrough Central Texas, empowers student leaders to drive policy change in community college education.

The Council’s student members are a diverse group, including first-generation college students, student-parents, student government leaders, and individuals from various races, ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds. They’ll convene regularly throughout the year to advocate for student-centric policies.

Their dedication will continue to pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for community college students in Texas.

 

Chelsea Talley (She / Her)

Chelsea is a first-generation college student pursuing an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies at Tarrant County College in Texas. As a parent, she is passionate about advocating for students and families in her community. Chelsea’s experiences navigating education as a mother have motivated her leadership and advocacy work. She currently serves as the Student Government President at her college campus, representing 15,000+ students and as secretary for the Black Student Union. Chelsea joined the Young Invincibles program to gain knowledge and skills regarding equity-oriente policy solutions, mobilization and activation of other young people impacted by current and future policies. Her advocacy focuses on issues like homelessness, mental health resources and support for impoverished students and families. Chelsea is specifically working to establish a scholarship for homeless students in Tarrant County. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys community outreach and finding new ways to enact positive change for marginalized groups. Through her role on the Board of Trustees for Helen’s Place, Chelsea aims to continue impacting her local community and building a legacy of advocacy.

 

Myles “MLC” Lopez-Cepero (He / Him)

Myles, an economics student at Austin Community College, brings a diverse background and a passion for community engagement to his academic pursuits. Born in Austin and raised in Oklahoma, Myles returned to Austin in 2021 to pursue his college education. Before starting college in 2022, he gained valuable experience working various jobs, including retail, Social Security contracting and TV production. At ACC, Myles is an active member of the Honors Student Organization, serving as treasurer and leading fundraising efforts. He also coordinates the ACC Honors Lyceum, promoting learning beyond the classroom through discussion events. Engaged in student government, Myles advocates for his peers, particularly in initiatives such as expanding access to menstrual care products. He represents students on committees addressing student rights, responsibilities and curriculum. Myles desires to create a positive legacy and empower others, drawing from his experiences balancing work, school and family obligations. With a background in economics, he aspires to advise economic policy and address economic inequality in Texas. In his free time, Myles enjoys sudoku, reading and playing piano.

 

Desteny  Espinoza (She / Her)

Desteny Espinoza is a Mexican American First-Generation Latina currently attending San Antonio College. Desteny is the current President of the Student Government Association at her campus and serves as the Chairperson for the Student District Council at the Alamo Colleges. Desteny was also elected to serve as the San Antonio College representative at the Texas Junior College Student Government Association and is former president of the National Society of Leadership and Success Chapter at SAC. She is passionate about student leadership and engagement. Her academic goals are to graduate from SAC and work her way up to earning her PhD in Education Leadership and work with future student leaders.

 

 

Chrischen Thompson (He / Him)

Chrischen Thompson is a driven student at the University of Texas at Austin (UT), majoring in International Relations and Global Studies with a minor in International Business Law. As a first-generation college student, Chrischen’s journey is marked by ambition and resilience, fueled by his desire to serve his country through the Department of State in the Foreign Service, focusing on international security and private sectors overseas. Chrischen’s commitment to equity and access in education led him to join the State Authorization Network (formerly WCET), where he delves into understanding the challenges and barriers faced by individuals seeking post-secondary education, particularly those recently incarcerated. Driven by his experiences as a non-traditional student, Chrischen is dedicated to reshaping the education system to support all learners equally, irrespective of their backgrounds. His passion lies in making education accessible and affordable to everyone who seeks it. Beyond his academic pursuits, Chrischen finds solace in the kitchen, enjoying the art of cooking, and finds escapism in the enchanting world of the Harry Potter series through binge-watching sessions.

Montoya “Toya” Thomas (She / Her)

Montoya “Toya” Thomas was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Lone Star College – University Park in Houston, Texas, with a degree in Communications and plans to continue her education in Public Relations. She began her journey as a secretary in the Black Student Union Club, where Montoya’s dedication and unwavering commitment paved the path to her eventual presidency of the organization. Montoya enjoys traveling, volunteering in the community, and advocating for foster youth in the justice system. Through her public speaking skills and her journey in foster care, Montoya intends to advocate for other community college students.

 

Dane Adams (He / Him)

As an honors student, passionate advocate and community leader, Dane has dedicated himself to advancing the interests of East Texas both locally and regionally. Despite a non-traditional path through higher education, Dane’s journey has been rich with experiences that have shaped his professional development. Beginning at Trinity Valley Community College, Dane immersed himself in scholarly research, presenting his market analysis of Athens, Texas, during the Academic Learning Symposium. At Tyler Junior College, his commitment to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society led to projects addressing the needs of first-generation students and establishing an International Relations organization. Transitioning to The University of Texas at Tyler, Dane continued his service through leadership roles in various student organizations. These experiences have deepened his understanding of East Texas and fueled his aspirations for urban and regional development. Throughout his academic journey, Dane remains grateful for the opportunities afforded by community colleges and is committed to uplifting others in East Texas while pursuing his career goals.

 

Sofia Jimenez (She / Her)

Sofia Jimenez is a dedicated healthcare professional and community leader from Aransas Pass, Texas, known for her exceptional commitment to service and advocacy. After graduating with honors from Del Mar College’s Vocational Nursing Program in 2004, she worked as a geriatric and pediatric nurse. She has since expanded her expertise, earning a psychology associate from Del Mar College in 2021. Sofia is passionate about giving back both on and off campus. She served as President of the Student Government Association and advocated for mental health awareness as a National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) facilitator. Her dedication extends beyond academia, as she is involved with various non-profits and community boards. In 2022, she was inducted into Del Mar College’s Hall of Fame. Sofia’s commitment to inclusivity and advocacy for underrepresented individuals has earned her recognition and respect throughout the Coastal Bend region. Now, as a member of the 2024 Student Advisory Council Program, Sofia continues her mission to enact positive change and improve educational opportunities for all.

Igor Lucic (He / Him)

Igor Lucic is a refugee from the Yugoslavian Civil War who is currently studying Artificial Intelligence at Houston Community College. Shaped by his difficult upbringing, Igor is passionate about breaking down barriers and connecting people from all walks of life. You can see this in his past work. He has helped battle food insecurity with the nonprofit ‘OpenMeal’ by harnessing tech and targeting the most at-risk members of society. He is committed to leveraging AI and education to bridge gaps between communities and foster a world where technology transcends borders, connecting people and elevating the human experience for all.

 

Courtney Paige (She / Her)

Courtney Paige hails from Wichita, KS, but she wasted no time finding her way to Dallas. There, she seamlessly integrated into the local culture and became a beloved community figure. She is a first-generation graduate from Dallas College and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Leadership at the HBCU Fisk. Courtney is a seasoned Relationship Manager who skillfully connects leaders in both corporate and non-profit sectors. Passionate about cultivating impactful collaborations, she excels in constructing strategic relationships that bring positive change. Courtney focuses on skills-based hiring and empowers organizations to identify and utilize talent effectively. Her dedication to aligning skills with organizational goals has established her as a trusted advisor in talent acquisition, shaping dynamic partnerships that drive success for individuals and the organizations she serves. Beyond her professional achievements, Courtney is a well-known traveler in the blogging community, having explored 47 countries. Regardless of her location, you can catch her belting out karaoke tunes or gracefully ballroom dancing. Living life to the fullest, she’s making the most of every adventure.

Skye Kern (She / Her)

Skye Kern is a first-generation student at Odessa College and mother of three amazing young men. Skye is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Leadership & Entrepreneurship and Associate degrees in Sociology and Psychology. Skye intends to use her higher education to build a successful business in the Permian Basin and continue giving back to her community. Skye is an active member of Positively OC, the Presidential Scholarship program at Odessa College, serving as a student leader online, on-campus, and in the community. She spends quality time with family and friends in her free time and enjoys camping, hiking, and writing.

 

Joannette Casias (She / Her)

Joannette Casias is a first-generation non-traditional TRIO Sophomore at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas. She is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management Operations and Entrepreneurship. She actively contributes to her college community by engaging in various campus leadership roles and organizations, including serving as a Presidential Ambassador and Vice President of the PAC chapter in Ascender: Catch the Next. Joannette has completed internships with Palo Alto College’s Business Department and the State of Texas Bexar County Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department. Outside of academics, Joannette is a proud native Latina dedicated to her faith, family and community. Involved in church ministries and passionate about art, music, and travel, Joannette strives to positively impact first-generation, non-traditional minority students with her experience, knowledge, and compassion.

Colton Grahmann (He / Him)

Colton Grahmann was born in Cuero, Texas. He graduated from Cuero High School. He is currently in the Odessa College ADN program. Colton plans to pursue a career in healthcare as a mental health nurse. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games with his wife and daughter.