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Alumna Spotlight

Alondra found hope at Hartnell

“I loved being at Hartnell – I am going to miss it here,” said an enthusiastic Alondra Pena Gomez, 20. She just graduated from Hartnell College in May with an AA in Criminal Justice.

Alondra is continuing her educational path at Sonoma State University this fall. Her goal is to continue her education and become a lawyer and advocate for the less fortunate.

But her path to this moment has not been easy. At an early age, her parents divorced, and she ended up moving from Salinas to Chicago with her mom. For a while, she moved to Mexico, and then she realized she needed to be with her dad.

“Salinas felt like home,” she said. “Plus, my dad was there, and he had become my number one support system – he always encouraged me, and I needed to be with him.”

Alondra graduated from Salinas High and registered at Hartnell. At home, her dad did his best, but work was not consistent. She found resources offered to students at the Hartnell College Foundation.

“The Foundation has supported me with everything!” She said. “I learned they were there to help me, and I also learned not to be embarrassed to accept the help.”

That included rent support, gift cards to buy basic necessities, food from the pantry, scholarships, and more.

During her time at Hartnell she worked at the DSPS office, the office of Basic Needs, plus she was a WELI Scholar, and a Salinas Valley Promise Scholar.

“My dad is so proud,” she said. “’Yo sabía que tu podrías lograrlo y solo necesitabas un empujón,’ he said to me.” (I knew you could do it and just needed a little push.)

In the future, Alondra looks forward to traveling, and Italy is in her bucket list. She wants to make sure her dad is taken care of and for him to enjoy his retirement.

“I felt supported at Hartnell and thank all the donors who give of their resources for students like me; like them, I will pay it forward,” she said.

Our Executive Director

Dr. Jackie Cruz receives accolades

At USC’s commencement this year, Hartnell College Foundation Executive Director, Dr. Jackie Cruz, was honored with one of four Dissertations of Distinction. Last year, Dr. Cruz received her EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership with her dissertation titled ‘A gap analysis to find best practices in philanthropy to support California’s Community Colleges and offer potential solutions to close performance gaps.’ 

The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding, Rossier mission-aligned research relevant to organizational change and leadership. Among several, strong nominations received by the USC EdD Program Office, Dr. Cruz stood out and was selected as one of the best. 

On May 6, 2025, Dr. Jackie Cruz was recognized at Latina Action Day by the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality in Sacramento as a Latina Advocate selected by Speaker Robert Rivas. This honor recognized her work to ensure Latinas reach economic and political parity. She was one of 11 selected in California.

Congratulations to Dr. Cruz for representing the Hartnell College Foundation and its community well and for always advocating for students.

Our very best,