ES Our Alumni Netowrk team is here to help Reality Changers college students & graduates! Whether you’re looking for a scholarship or looking for your next career move, we’ll make sure you have the support you need. We’re excited to share that Michelle A. Tillman has joined our team as the Director of the Alumni Network, Daizy De La Torre has joined as the Graduate Engagement & Outreach Manager, and Bri Gumbs is continuing as the College & Career Initiatives Manager.
Get to know Us
Michelle A. Tillman
Director, Alumni Network
Where did you attend college & what did you study?
I am a double alumna of the University of San Diego! I attained a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a Specialization in Marketing & Minor in Spanish and a Master of Arts in Counseling, with a Specialization in Career Counseling. I am also a Certified Career Counselor through the National Career Development Association.
How did college make a difference in your life?
College opened up doors of opportunity that I didn’t have access to otherwise.
What’s your favorite thing about working with first-gen students & graduates?
Being able to help them to launch in their early careers, building community, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I love to dance – hip hop, salsa, bachata, and now line dancing!
Bri Gumbs
Manager, College & Career Initiatives
Where did you attend college & what did you study?
I earned my AA Degree at Southwestern College in Psychology and then transferred to SDSU where I obtained my BA Degree in Psychology with a minor in Counseling and Social Change. I also have a Masters from SDSU in Student Affairs.
How did college make a difference in your life?
I learned that I was a lot stronger than I thought I was. I worked towards my undergraduate degree for 7 years. I was always a full-time student and I never stopped attending college. I had to build up from college remedial courses, to college transferable courses, to my degree. At the time, I didn’t know that I was neurodiverse.
What’s your favorite thing about working with first-gen students & graduates?
I love hearing about your experiences, your passions, your creativity, your curiosities and your care for others. If I am able to share or offer at least one thing that brought you joy, validation, connection or confidence; then I know that I have done meaningful work.
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Hmmmm… my quick wit! I love that no matter the situation, place, time, or environment, I can make any person laugh. That quick thinking also shows up when I identify fast solutions to challenges that come up. I can identify a good and helpful solution, I can advocate for myself and others no matter how hard or difficult the topic is, and I can make folks laugh.
Daizy De La Torre
Manager, Graduate Engagement & Outreach
Where did you attend college & what did you study?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare at UC Berkeley. Go Bears! I also have a Certified College Counseling certificate from UC San Diego Extended Studies.
How did college make a difference in your life?
College changed the trajectory of my life. It educated me on topics beyond typical academia: like nutrition, sleep, and societal structures. It expanded my knowledge in ways that I could never imagine. It is one of my proudest achievements. I even learned about how to build credit in college through an elective finance class. As a first-gen student, this class was crucial!
What’s your favorite thing about working with first-gen students & graduates?
I love giving advice and support to them. As a former first-gen college student, I wish that I had a first-gen mentor while navigating higher ed. There is strength in community and in knowing that you have someone you can talk to about anything. Also, seeing alumni grow and build confidence is so rewarding. I celebrate any and all of my mentees’ accomplishments!
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
My hidden talent would be cooking! I started cooking in college and have grown to make so many yummy recipes. I recently mastered a sugar-free pumpkin spice tres leches cake!