Meet the Team

Title: Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development
Andrea Vizenor brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience in industry and education. She began her career with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, developing her management skills before moving into education. There, Andrea served as a high school teacher, adjunct faculty member, regional director, director, and dean. At Skyline College, she led the Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development division, creating a dual enrollment program for nearly 10,000 high school students and founding the Racial Justice Training Forum. Since July 2022, Andrea has been the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development at College of San Mateo. She spearheaded the Coast to College initiative, establishing the college’s first off-campus location in Half Moon Bay to increase community access to education. Andrea also organizes major events like the Block Party and Back to School Bash and chairs CSM’s President’s Advocacy Council, managing its first fundraising dinner. She holds an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and a B.A. in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco.

Title: Administrative Assistant
Renee currently serves as the Administrative Assistant on the Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development team at CSM. She earned her B.S. in Managerial Economics from UC Davis and began her career at Skyline College, where she supported the Career Readiness and Job Placement team. She is passionate about supporting initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for students and the community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring nature.

Title: Program Services Coordinator
Ibuki currently serves as the Program Services Coordinator in the Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development unit at CSM, leading community engagement initiatives like the Block Party and Back to School Bash, connecting over 1000 students and community members each semester. She has fostered partnerships with local employers through the Paid Internship program since fall of 2023. With extensive experience in sales, marketing, and international event management, she has a strong background in client relationship building and marketing strategy. As a first-gen immigrant from Japan and former international student, she understands the complexities immigrants and second-language English speakers face.

Title: Director, High School Transition & Dual Enrollment
Linda currently serves as the Director of High School Transition and Dual Enrollment in the Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development unit at CSM. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from San Francisco State University and is currently working on her Master’s in Business Administration through the Graduate School of Management at UC Davis. She started in SMCCCD back in 2016 and previously held roles as the Office Assistant II for the Bay Area Entrepreneur Center of Skyline College, the Program Services Coordinator for Dual Enrollment at Skyline College, and the Project Director of Dual Enrollment at Skyline College. Before coming to SMCCCD, she was an Accounting Clerk for the Accounts Payable Customer Service Team at Wells Fargo Bank’s Corporate Properties Group. Linda is very excited to continue growing and developing CSM’s Dual Enrollment Program, building and maintaining strong relationships with the local high school districts in San Mateo County, and creating opportunities and increasing access for underrepresented high school students.

Title: Program Services Coordinator, CSM Adjunct Counselor - Dual Enrollment
Patricia currently serves as the Program Services Coordinator for Dual Enrollment as part of the Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development team, as well as an Adjunct Counselor at CSM. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from UC Riverside and upon graduation she moved back to the Bay Area and worked for the Solano County Office of Education before returning to school and earning her M.A. in Counseling from San Jose State University. After spending time in a non-profit, Patricia found herself working as a College and Career Counselor at a high school in San Jose. While at the high school Patricia also enjoyed being an assistant coach in the girls basketball program as well as a badminton coach. Her time at the high school gave her the opportunity to help students on various postsecondary pathways but felt herself pulled to the community college pathway. She supported Dual Enrollment students at the high school and was inspired to make the transition to a community college. Patricia is excited to be a part of a program that works to remove barriers and provide access and opportunities for historically underrepresented students. As a first-generation college grad, Patricia has found purpose and joy in helping young people find their path and voice.

Title: Substitute Retention Specialist - Dual Enrollment
David currently serves as the Substitute Retention Specialist for Dual Enrollment in the Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development (SIED) unit at CSM. In this role he supports the onboarding and retention of over 500 Dual Enrollment students across seven different high schools, working both in-person and virtually. David collaborates closely with Dual Enrollment teachers and high school staff to ensure student success and contributes to various initiatives within the SIED team. David, a proud first-generation college graduate, began his academic journey at the San Mateo County Community College District, attending all three sister campuses: Cañada College, Skyline College, and College of San Mateo. He then transferred to UCLA, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Connecticut, to complete an AmeriCorps service year at Great Oaks Bridgeport. There, he gained valuable teaching experience and honed his skills in supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.  David is deeply passionate about expanding access to higher education for low-income and underrepresented students. When he’s not working on retention efforts or supporting his colleagues, you can find him enjoying trips to Costco or attending concerts.

Title: Program Services Coordinator - Workforce Development
Nate currently serves as the Program Services Coordinator in the Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development unit at CSM, connecting students to professional opportunities through partnerships with companies, internships, and career readiness workshops. He organizes workplace tours with major firms like Genentech, Ernst & Young, Moss Adams, and Oracle. With a background in Social Sciences, Nate is passionate about fostering community relationships and inspiring students to pursue higher education. Outside of work, he enjoys football, staying active, traveling, and exploring new foods.

Title: Transition Coordinator - Adult Transition
Kailani currently serves as the Transition Coordinator in the Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development unit at CSM.  She earned her associate degree at Canada College before transferring to UC Davis through the TAG program. At UC Davis, she earned her B.S. in Human Development with a minor in Psychology. Following her graduation, she devoted her time to serving with City Year, AmeriCorps, where she worked with high school students in Eastside San Jose. After completing her year of service, she began serving as a Transition Coordinator within the Strategic Initiative and Economic Development team at CSM. Raised by her parents and her Nana, a non-native English speaker and Filipinx immigrant, Kailani finds inspiration in supporting students from local adult schools, such as San Mateo Adult School and La Costa Adult School in Half Moon Bay.

Title: Program Services Coordinator - ESL
Ara currently serves as the Program Services Coordinator for ESL at CSM where she is dedicated to supporting the multilingual community in connecting with ESL classes and college resources. She also works closely with the coastside community of Half Moon Bay, helping expand awareness of CSM’s new Coastside Center and the educational opportunities available. With over 10 years of experience in the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCD), Ara's journey began as a student at Cañada College before transferring to San José State University, where she earned a BFA in Graphic Design. After graduation, she spent seven years at Cañada College, working in graphic design, serving as a Puente mentor, and playing a key role in establishing the DREAM Center (now UCC)—from designing its logo to advocating for undocumented students. Ara later joined Skyline College’s Middle College Program as an office assistant, where she worked closely with high school students, supporting their academic success and persistence. Now, at the College of San Mateo, Ara is continuing her mission of supporting the multilingual community in pursuing higher education while serving as an example that anything is possible.

Title: College Recruiter
Sione currently serves as College Recruiter at CSM, leading outreach and recruitment efforts to connect with thousands of prospective students across the Bay Area, including the Peninsula, San Francisco, and East Bay. Since Spring 2024, Sione has coordinated on-campus recruitment activities such as campus visits, student panels, college presentations, and skill-building workshops. He also oversees off-campus outreach and the high school transition Concurrent Enrollment program, which creates a pathway to early college access, retention, and completion. Sione guides students through the enrollment and application process and leads a team of student ambassadors, serving as the first point of contact for on-campus and virtual support.