Meet the Office of Student Life Team

nicky.damania@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Nicky Damania began his career at Bakersfield College in August 2014. He hails from the rocky mountain state, Colorado. He attended Colorado College where he doubled majored in biology (emphasis in pre-med and electron microscopy) and drama (emphasis in technical theatre and directing). He earned his Master's Degree in Career and Technology Education, Training and Development of College Students, at Bowling Green State University in Ohio and completed his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, Research, and Policy at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. His focus areas are on developing student leadership and creating effective and efficient student organizations. Other than long hikes in the mountains, he enjoys college life and everything that life has to offer him. He lives his life by a motto that was shared with him in high school, "Once the flame of one's desires touches your heart, it will never go away. So let your heart be your guide."

leonardo.ayala@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Leonardo Ayala joins Bakersfield College after serving 10+ years across the K-20 pipeline. Growing up in Southern California (San Fernando Valley and the Antelope Valley, Leonardo Ayala attended the University of California at Santa Barbara where he double majored in Sociology and Chicana/o Studies and minored in Education Studies. He continued his studies at Colorado State University, Fort Collins earning his Master's in Student Affairs in Higher Education. Through this time, Leo has worked in Student Housing, Student Conduct, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Academic Counseling, Student Retention, and as a K-12 Instructional Lead. He believes schools and colleges allow students to unearth and discover their best version of themselves. His focus is creating the conditions for students to do just that. When he's not in the office, you can find him cooking, running, biking or hiking with his loving partner and their dog.

nicole.alvarez@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Nicole Alvarez started working at BC in 2020. Nicole was born and raised in Bakersfield, moved away for 10 years, and returned home for good in 2018 (Bakersfield has that effect on natives). Nicole earned an Associate's Degree in Dental Assisting from San Joaquin Valley College and got her start in higher education by teaching dental assisting. As she transitioned from faculty to administration, Nicole earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration & Leadership. Being a lifelong learner, Nicole hopes to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership in the near future. Outside of the college, Nicole is a wife and mother. She enjoys spending time with her family and watching all the Bravo reality shows she can fit in! Nicole's passion is being of service to the students. Nicole always offers the following quote as advice and motivation to students who may be struggling through classes “Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself” -John Dewey

caitlin.davidson@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Caitlin Davidson was born and raised in Bakersfield. After many years of being away she is excited to return home and join the Bakersfield College family serving as the Program Manager for Basic Needs. Caitlin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northern Arizona University and her master's degree in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. As a first-generation college student, Caitlin experienced first-hand the transformative power of higher education and now works to provide meaningful support to students through their own educational journeys. When she is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with family, discovering new hobbies, and exploring new places.

kimy.salazar@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Kimy Salazar began her higher education at Bakersfield College and transferred to California State University, Bakersfield where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a double minor in Sociology and Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies. She earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Southern California. Kimy started working at Bakersfield College with the Office of Student Life in August 2021 as a member of the Students of Concern Team where she helps address student concerns, refers students to on- and off-campus resources, and provides mental health services. Kimy is currently pursuing licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is passionate about serving others and seeing them reach their full potential. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and loved ones, watching true crime documentaries, and attending concerts or sporting events

arisve.pimentel@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Arisve Pimentel graduated from California State University, Bakersfield in 2009 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Arisve started working at Bakersfield College with the Office of Student Life in May 2015. She handles all of the budgeting and contracts for the office. She has an identical twin sister who is also her business partner for Pimentel Delights. She has a huge passion for traveling and providing the best customer service to the Renegade community.

leah.prendez@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Leah Prendez began working at Bakersfield College in February 2018. Raised in Shafter California, she went on to attend Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo graduating with a degree in Liberal Studies and minor in Psychology. When she is not working, Leah enjoys spending time with family and friends, enjoying nature, cooking, watching documentaries and balancing that out with Bravo reality TV shows. She is passionate about helping and encouraging others to be who they are and making all BC events a success.

jade.adams@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Jade Adams works as the CalFresh Coordinator at the Office of Student Life. She recently graduated Bakersfield College with her AA-T in psychology, and is continuing her education at CSUB. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and trying new things. Jade wants to become a psychologist to help people learn how to cope, grow, and heal. 

adrianna.oceguera@intern.bakersfieldcollege.edu

Adrianna Oceguera (she/they) started working as Campus Prevention Specialist in November of 2019, and they became the lead of the LGBTQ+ Initiatives in Fall of 2022. Adrianna grew up in Mojave CA and moved to Bakersfield when they graduated high school. She is a BC alumnus where she received her AS in American Sign Language. They continued their education at the University of La Verne where they earned their Bachelors of Science degree in Organizational Management with a minor in Human Resources. Adrianna is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Public Administration. When they finish school, they would like to go into Higher Ed to support LGBTQ+ students or the director of a nonprofit that advocates for human rights; she also plans to be an expert consultant for diversity, equity, and inclusion. When Adrianna is not at work or school, they enjoy spending time with their family, co-facilitating a Native American/Indigenous talking circle, and hanging out with friends.

bcoslstud01@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Liliana Linares started working at Bakersfield College in 2019 and has been attending BC since the summer of 2018. She is attending Bakersfield College to get an AA in early childhood education. She strives to achieve her dream job of being a teacher. She is originally from Oxnard but moved to Bakersfield in 2016. When she is not attending school and working she loves to spend time with her family, bake, cook, and working on her side business. "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh.

bcoslstud03@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Selena Gasca started her journey at Bakersfield College and the Office of Student Life back in 2016. She has an Administrative Assistant Associate of Art and is currently working on the Allied Health Radiologic Technologist program at BC. She plans to graduate in May 2024 with her Associate of Science. Besides studying and working at BC, she enjoys her free time by going on adventures, hiking, visiting the beach, reading, and hanging out with family/friends. 

bcoslstud04@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Bleau Faz recently started working in the Office of Student Life in 2021. She has been a student at Bakersfield College since 2020. She plans to graduate with an AA-T in Studio Arts with a certificate in Media Arts specializing in Animation. Aside from working in the Office of Student Life, she is pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, she currently volunteers as a foster for animals in need, and she is a Bakersfield College Renegade Cheerleader. When off campus, Bleau enjoys reading, drawing, doing CrossFit, and spending time with her friends, family, and her cats.

bcoslstud10@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Javier Gutierrez has been a student at Bakersfield College since fall of 2021, currently working on AA in Liberal Arts. He joined the office in November of 2021 as a spirit floater for the Office of Student Life. In his spare time some of his hobbies consist of football, spending time with his family, playing video games, and lifting weights. 

bcoslpan01@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Donald Briones started school at BC in the the spring of 2020, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Automation. He began working in the Office of Student Life Spring 2022. Donald was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He moved to Bakersfield in the summer of 2006 and is proud to call it his new home. Besides working at the pantry, here at BC, Donald moonlights as security staff at Mechanics Arena, and delivers for Door Dash. When he is not working or studying, he enjoys bbqing with family and friends.

bcoslpan03@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Danny is majoring in plant science at Bakersfield College. Danny became part of the pantry team in May of 2022. Prior to working in the pantry he was member of BCSGA, serving as BCSGA Vice President, Director of Student Organizations, and Student Senator.

bcoslpan05@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Christian Briseno is currently working on his AA in History so that he can have a secondary career option under his belt. He was born in Bakersfield but grew up in Delano and Tulare for the majority of his life until he moved to Bakersfield in 2020. He joined OSL in April of 2022 in the pursuit of a new experience working around students. In his spare time, he likes to cook and have a good time with friends/family. 

bcoslpan06@bakersfieldcollege.edu  

Carlos started school at Bakersfield College during the Fall of 2021 and began working with the Renegade Pantry and Office of Student Life during the Spring of 2022. He spent most of his childhood in Los Angeles before moving to Bakersfield in 2011. He is now attending the Bakersfield College STEM program in hopes of obtaining a degree in Computer Science. When he is not working he enjoys cooking, traveling and playing tabletop games.