Class of 2021 Spotlights: Family & Consumer Sciences
When we asked graduating seniors why they choose to pursue a career in health and human services, their answers all had one thing in common: CHHS students have a desire to give back to their community.
The department of Family & Consumer Sciences is currently the largest department at CSULB, so it comes as no surprise that the graduating seniors of 2021 within the department have advocated for and served the community across a broad spectrum of organizations, companies, educational institutions, and government entities. In their mission to prepare leaders for the family and consumer sciences professions, the department focuses on teaching, scholarship, and service to and about individuals, families, and communities in a diverse, dynamic society.
While all CHHS graduates are worth celebrating, here are a few graduates whose stories stand out because of their courage to overcome challenges, follow their dreams, and have a positive impact on the lives of others.
Leen Almahdi, Nutrition and Dietetics, Minor in Sociology
"During my first year at CSULB as a freshman, I decided to run for student government because I saw there weren’t many people who looked like me and held the same values within higher leadership positions,” said Nutrition and Dietetics major Leen Almahdi. Soon after being elected, she began her journey to further amplify student voices. She served as a CHHS senator and later as the student body Vice President for a total of four terms. Her efforts centered around creating a more just campus and CSU system, which led her to focus on housing and food insecurity, as well as racial inequality.
One of her claims to fame is leading the initiative to withdraw and move away from CSULB’s former mascot, Prospector Pete, who a few years came under fire for serving as a remnant of Indigenous American genocide. “I worked closely with Indigenous faculty, staff, and students to accurately capture how this mascot was detrimental to many members of our community. After 3 years of collaborating with other campus stakeholders, we were able to disassociate from this racist mascot and hold a referendum for students to choose the new mascot. I was even able to institutionalize Land Acknowledgment Statements to remember the Tongva people, the original caretakers of the land our university occupies,” said Almahdi.
Now as a Registered Dietician, she hopes to continue to advance racial equity and address health disparities within the healthcare system. During the pandemic, she began working as a diet clerk in underserved communities, where she was able to engage with patients to ensure the best care possible during a period of heightened stress. “It is especially important for members of historically marginalized communities to use the information they attain in higher education and training to better the health and lives of those around them,” she said. “It is our collective responsibility to proactively improve society, and CSULB has provided me with the tools to change the world we live in for the better.”
Yajayra Orozco, Child Development and Family Studies
Yajayra Orozco made the most of her college experience by taking advantage of the resources available on campus and beyond. She was a part of the Better Learning for All Students Today (BLAST) program in Long Beach, and worked at the YMCA/WRAP after-school programs in her spare time. Despite her struggles with the English Language, she was able to develop her skills with help from resources on campus like the Writing Center and tutoring services.
Tiffany Noelle Mackey, Child Development and Family Studies, Family Life Education
During her time at CSULB, Tiffany Noelle Mackey created an experience based learning opportunity for herself by volunteering for a non-profit organization in Long Beach called Families in Focus, where she created an online pamphlet for their art, music, poetry and dance programs.
Mercy Fuentes, Fashion Design & Merchandising
Mercy Fuentes started the Fashion Design program at CSULB with a heart set on Hollywood. "I got into Fashion Design because of my love of movies! Ever since I was a little girl I wondered how superheroes have awesome costumes. I would love to work in the film industry." After graduation, she hopes to fulfill her dream of costume designing through internships for major film companies and connecting with professionals in the industry.
Leann Marie Gelilio, Hospitality Management
Leann Marie Gelilio, who served as a student assistant for the Hospitality Management program, served her community by creating opportunities for her fellow HRM students through fundraising, event planning and guest speaker recruitment, all in academic settings. Her passion for food & beverage has guided her to a dream to open her own restaurant and pioneer a new generation of women of color in the hospitality industry. “In my time at CSULB, I hope to have set a positive example to the other Asian-Americans in my major to take up space. I have also tried my best to represent my Filipino heritage in all that I do. I educate people about the Filipino people, our culture, food, history and traditions,” said Gelilio. “I speak out against racial injustice no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Whether in class, in clubs, in group projects [or in] in my personal life, I start conversations about current events and what we can do about them. Though I am just one person, one person can make a big difference.”
Miles Talley, Fashion Design & Merchandising
Fashion Merchandising major Miles Talley kept busy making masks for his friends and family working on during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. “When I first heard about COVID-19 reaching the US, I immediately knew that I wanted to start sewing masks on my own. So far, I have mainly been making masks for my family, friends, and anyone I know personally that is on the front lines of battling the virus. This includes grocery workers, nurses, and other individuals that are essential workers. They are definitely the people that deserve our help and appreciation the most.” His community efforts are exemplary of how students can put the skills learned in their programs to use in diverse and unexpected ways.
Kaylyn Combs, Nutrition and Dietetics
During her time at CSULB, Nutrition and Dietetics student Kaylyn Combs became an accomplished community volunteer for a variety of organizations, starting as an officer for the Student Dietetic Association. “Collaborating with Dietetic professionals, while fostering community amongst students was enlightening,” said Combs. She also volunteered her time at the Fueling Station, which helped feed student athletes, led an after school program at Los Alamitos Elementary and held nutrition assemblies at St. Joseph’s Elementary School. “Amongst classes and homework I found myself hiking, swimming in the ocean, and exploring the Lord's beautiful nature with friends. These amazing experiences helped shaped my aspirations, and allowed me to meet the most amazing people,” said Combs. Prior to the pandemic she had served her community as a nutritional leader within elementary schools, giving them a lifetime of tips and lessons in proper nutrition. During the pandemic, however, she had to switch gears to safely distribute sack lunches in a time where the need had increased. “It was apparent how essential schools were in proving meals for children in the surrounding community. Delivering these meals with an exuberant spirit gave the students a laugh and a smile that was impressionable,” she said.
Miriam Romero, Hospitality Management
Miriam Romero prides herself in conquering her struggles in school, despite being a first-generation college student navigating an unknown territory. Learning the ins and outs of financial aid, developing healthy study habits and maintaining a good academic standing were all aspects of the college experience that she needed to manage. After taking a leave of absence from school, she didn’t think she would come back to CSULB. “I am now more involved on campus and in my department than I ever thought possible - I even made it past academic warning and earned a spot on the Dean's & President's Honors List! Through my own will and dedication, as well as the support of my family, friends, and faculty of the university I am just a few months away from graduating with a degree in a field I am so passionate about!” In her last year at CSULB she maximized her academic career by planning events, implementing programs, and building community in a virtual setting in order to forge connection with students during a difficult time.
Maria Zometa, Hospitality Management
Hospitality major Maria Zometa was a fully integrated member of the campus community during her four years at CSULB, working at the 49er shops, participating in TRIO SSP, making coffee at the UDP Starbucks and working in concessions at the Walter Pyramid. She was also part of the Society of Advancement of Management (SAM) for 2 years. After struggling with her course load in late fall 2019 due to family issues, she kept an ethic of hard work and time management to not only support her academics but also support her family through a difficult time. “It was my best semester school wise. I even ended up getting presidents honor roll,” said Zometa. Her community engagement continued through her work with SAM, where she would participate in monthly beach cleanups, advocating for safe and clean beaches in Long Beach.
Rebecca Marie Sanchez, Child Development and Family Consumer Science
When Rebecca Marie Sanchez first came to CSULB, the pandemic had just begun to take hold of our community, so she had to adapt and, like many students, overcome the challenges presented by online learning. “I was sad, but I am glad I was able to complete my courses and now have a degree awaiting me!” said Sanchez, who during her time at CSULB took Korean language courses and even received her TEFL certification, a required course for teaching English abroad. Along with her worldly interests, she was able to serve parents in the LAUSD community as a teacher, distributing meals for those in need. “[I was able to] contribute and help a child feel like their education wasn’t coming to and end,” said Sanchez.
Jasmin Olmos, Child Development
As a first-year student, Jasmin Olmos felt confused in her journey to choosing a major and program that she wanted to pursue while at CSULB. After talking to her advisors, visiting the career center on campus and discussing options with her professors and peers, she was able to find something she truly wanted and declared Child Development as her professional calling. “I want to thank my family and the CSULB family for helping me get to where I am now because it was not easy coming into a huge campus filled with many opportunities and feeling lost.”
Samuel Van Gundy, Nutrition and Dietetics
Samuel Van Gundy is another graduating senior and active member of the CSULB campus community. As a volunteer for the Fueling Station at Walter Pyramid, an Academic Tutor for student athletes in the Bickerstaff Academic Center, and a Program Assistant for CSULB-ISPP Dietetic Internship program, he contributed the skills from his program’s coursework and implemented them within different organizations on campus.
His community engagement work continued through the San Diego Food Bank along with various elementary schools in the San Diego area, where he helped increase food availability by sorting produce, bagging lunches, and directing traffic. His hobbies included working with church youth, surfing, hiking and reading.
