Meet the Staff

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Roxane Maiko Byrne, PhD

Roxane Maiko Byrne, PhD
Director of Student Equity and Engagement Programs
(805) 730-4199
rmbyrne@sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts: I am a multiracial, multicultural, daughter of immigrants. My mother was born in Japan and I spent most summers going back to Japan to visit my extended family.  I am a mom, step mom, auntie and mentor to many young people. The two kiddos that I birthed are 25 years apart! I look forward to sharing the world with my kids through travel and exposure to various cultures. Aside from visiting family in Japan, my favorite place I have visited is Istanbul, Turkiye.  I love hearing the call to prayer and feeling the peace that falls over me throughout the day.

Degree and Important work experience: I have a PhD in Human Development with a focus on racial identity and belonging in higher education and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara.  

How long I have been at SBCC: I was a student at SBCC in the 90’s and have been working here in various roles from faculty to counselor to administrator since 2006.

Hometown: I was born in Pasadena, California and grew up all over the San Gabriel Valley until I moved to Santa Barbara in the 90’s.

Interests and Specialties: I love reading about race, culture, identity, and belonging.  I love swing dancing, watching period pieces, collaging, meeting new people, and learning something new each day!

Languages I speak: English, some Japanese

Which center I work in: I oversee the Centers for Equity and Social Justice which include the CESJ, Umoja Village, Basic Needs Centers, and Dream Center.  

Why I love working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice: I love working at Centers for Equity and Social Justice because I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of students, staff and faculty at SBCC in my day to day interactions with people and because I can effect change on a more structural level.

What I can do for students: I can help make SBCC a place of belonging and inclusion for all students at SBCC, but especially those who have felt excluded and shut out.  I can listen, partner, advocate, and work to create systemic change at SBCC and help you achieve your goals.

Lelia Richardson

Lelia Richardson, B.A.
Umoja Student Program Advisor
(805) 965-0581 ext. 4345
lnrichardson@pipeline.sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts

Degree and Important work experience: B.A Ethnic Studies, Comparative Ethnic Studies concentration from Cal State University East Bay, Certified Health and Wellness Educator, Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Full Spectrum Doula

How long I have been at SBCC: Back in the day, I attended SBCC and graduated from Ventura College. I returned to Santa Barbara after living in the Bay Area for 20 years and have been the Umoja Student Program Advisor since Fall 2022.

Hometown: SB Baby!

Interests and Specialties: Beekeeper, inspiring herbalist, and jewelry maker. I enjoy hiking, reading, and listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. I practice a little bit of yoga and meditation

Languages I speak: English and conversational Spanish

Which center I work in: The Umoja Center aka the Umoja Village Space

Why I love working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice: I love working at CESJ because of all the different experiences and perspectives available to me as a lifelong learner. I love the sense of belonging and active pursuit of inclusion!

What I can do for students: I can listen. I can be a connector, an ally, and an accomplice! I can be a thought partner and a collaborator in the pursuit of their personal and academic goals.

Alondra Lazaro Gonzalez

Alondra Lazaro Gonzalez, B.A.
Basic Needs Center Student Program Advisor
(805) 965-0581 ext. 3066
alazarogonzalez@pipeline.sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts: I am a Chicana, first generation student, a mother, and proud daughter of immigrant parents. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara attending local schools. I love my family and enjoy family get-togethers, rooting for the Raiders football team, and eating my mom's homemade pozole and enchiladas.

Degree and Important work experience: B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Chicana/o Studies in 2019. Recipient of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship from California State University of Channel Islands in 2018 focusing on The Criminalization of Mexican Indigenous Migrants in Ventura County. At this time, I was also interning with 805 Undocu Fund, where I assisted to case-managed, and distributed aid to victims of the Thomas, Hill, and Woolsey wildfires; Montecito mudslides.

How long I have been at SBCC: I have worked at SBCC for the last twelve years in various departments both as a student and professional staff. I Graduated from SBCC in 2016 earning six associate degrees.

Hometown: Made in Mexico with deep roots in Guanajuato and Guerrero, but born and raised in Santa Barbara, California.

Interests and Specialties: I have a passion to advocate for underrepresented communities and children. As a mother, it is easy for me to care for others and treat them with compassion.

Languages I speak: I am fluent in both Spanish and English.

Which center I work in and why I love working there: I am the Student Program Advisor for the Basic Needs Center where I coordinate the everyday operations of the Food Pantry, CalFresh, and Loves Closet. I always knew I wanted to work helping others. During the start of the COVID pandemic I became quickly aware of what the barriers for so many of our students are: having their basic needs met. I repeatedly observe how the additional resources and support can make the difference in the persistence of our students and the actual goal, which is student success.

What I can do for students: I assist students interested in the CalFresh food assistance program by being an advocate through their application process, I assist in students who want to apply for low cost home internet and car insurance, I will refer students to services and programs of SBCC and the community. I am an advocate to meet students' basic needs and a voice for those who feel unheard.

Leslie Marin

Leslie Marin, B.A.
Dream Center Student Program Advisor
(805) 965-0581 ext. 4378
lpmarin@pipeline.sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts: I am a current DACA recipient and the first in my family to graduate from college and a four-year university. I enjoy being outdoors, traveling, having coffee, good food, and hanging out with family or friends! My dream vacations are to one day visit Greece or Paris.

Degree and Important work experience: Sociology, B.A.

How long I have been at SBCC: 7 years (2016-2023)

Hometown: León, Guanajuato Mexico

Interests and Specialties: My specialties include creating an inclusive environment and supportive community for undocumented students and their families. In addition to increasing access and opportunities by creating focused workshops to increase academic success and make navigating higher education a little bit easier.

Languages I speak: English and Spanish

Which center I work in and why I love working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice: I work in the Dream Center directly supporting undocumented and mixed-status students. I enjoy working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice because it is a very unique and welcoming space where all our most marginalized student communities feel a sense of belonging.

What I can do for students: I provide FREE legal immigration services, academic assistance, financial assistance, and community resources to undocumented scholars.

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Roxane Maiko Byrne, PhD

Roxane Maiko Byrne, PhD
Dorector of Student Equity and Engagement Programs
(805) 730-4199
rmbyrne@sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts: I am a multiracial, multicultural, daughter of immigrants. My mother was born in Japan and I spent most summers going back to Japan to visit my extended family.  I am a mom, step mom, auntie and mentor to many young people. The two kiddos that I birthed are 25 years apart! I look forward to sharing the world with my kids through travel and exposure to various cultures. Aside from visiting family in Japan, my favorite place I have visited is Istanbul, Turkiye.  I love hearing the call to prayer and feeling the peace that falls over me throughout the day.

Degree and Important work experience: I have a PhD in Human Development with a focus on racial identity and belonging in higher education and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara.  

How long I have been at SBCC: I was a student at SBCC in the 90’s and have been working here in various roles from faculty to counselor to administrator since 2006.

Hometown: I was born in Pasadena, California and grew up all over the San Gabriel Valley until I moved to Santa Barbara in the 90’s.

Interests and Specialties: I love reading about race, culture, identity, and belonging.  I love swing dancing, watching period pieces, collaging, meeting new people, and learning something new each day!

Languages I speak: English, some Japanese

Which center I work in: I oversee the Centers for Equity and Social Justice which include the CESJ, Umoja Village, Basic Needs Centers, and Dream Center.  

Why I love working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice: I love working at Centers for Equity and Social Justice because I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of students, staff and faculty at SBCC in my day to day interactions with people and because I can effect change on a more structural level.

What I can do for students: I can help make SBCC a place of belonging and inclusion for all students at SBCC, but especially those who have felt excluded and shut out.  I can listen, partner, advocate, and work to create systemic change at SBCC and help you achieve your goals.

Lelia Richardson

Lelia Richardson, B.A.
Umoja Student Program Advisor
(805) 965-0581 ext. 4345
lnrichardson@pipeline.sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts

Degree and Important work experience: B.A Ethnic Studies, Comparative Ethnic Studies concentration from Cal State University East Bay, Certified Health and Wellness Educator, Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Full Spectrum Doula

How long I have been at SBCC: Back in the day, I attended SBCC and graduated from Ventura College. I returned to Santa Barbara after living in the Bay Area for 20 years and have been the Umoja Student Program Advisor since Fall 2022.

Hometown: SB Baby!

Interests and Specialties: Beekeeper, inspiring herbalist, and jewelry maker. I enjoy hiking, reading, and listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. I practice a little bit of yoga and meditation

Languages I speak: English and conversational Spanish

Which center I work in: The Umoja Center aka the Umoja Village Space

Why I love working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice: I love working at CESJ because of all the different experiences and perspectives available to me as a lifelong learner. I love the sense of belonging and active pursuit of inclusion!

What I can do for students: I can listen. I can be a connector, an ally, and an accomplice! I can be a thought partner and a collaborator in the pursuit of their personal and academic goals.

Alondra Lazaro Gonzalez

Alondra Lazaro Gonzalez, B.A.
Basic Needs Center Student Program Advisor
(805) 965-0581 ext. 3066
alazarogonzalez@pipeline.sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts: I am a Chicana, first generation student, a mother, and proud daughter of immigrant parents. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara attending local schools. I love my family and enjoy family get-togethers, rooting for the Raiders football team, and eating my mom's homemade pozole and enchiladas.

Degree and Important work experience: B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Chicana/o Studies in 2019. Recipient of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship from California State University of Channel Islands in 2018 focusing on The Criminalization of Mexican Indigenous Migrants in Ventura County. At this time, I was also interning with 805 Undocu Fund, where I assisted to case-managed, and distributed aid to victims of the Thomas, Hill, and Woolsey wildfires; Montecito mudslides.

How long I have been at SBCC: I have worked at SBCC for the last twelve years in various departments both as a student and professional staff. I Graduated from SBCC in 2016 earning six associate degrees.

Hometown: Made in Mexico with deep roots in Guanajuato and Guerrero, but born and raised in Santa Barbara, California.

Interests and Specialties: I have a passion to advocate for underrepresented communities and children. As a mother, it is easy for me to care for others and treat them with compassion.

Languages I speak: I am fluent in both Spanish and English.

Which center I work in and why I love working there: I am the Student Program Advisor for the Basic Needs Center where I coordinate the everyday operations of the Food Pantry, CalFresh, and Loves Closet. I always knew I wanted to work helping others. During the start of the COVID pandemic I became quickly aware of what the barriers for so many of our students are: having their basic needs met. I repeatedly observe how the additional resources and support can make the difference in the persistence of our students and the actual goal, which is student success.

What I can do for students: I assist students interested in the CalFresh food assistance program by being an advocate through their application process, I assist in students who want to apply for low cost home internet and car insurance, I will refer students to services and programs of SBCC and the community. I am an advocate to meet students' basic needs and a voice for those who feel unheard.

Leslie Marin

Leslie Marin, B.A.
Dream Center Student Program Advisor
(805) 965-0581 ext. 4378
lpmarin@pipeline.sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts: I am a current DACA recipient and the first in my family to graduate from college and a four-year university. I enjoy being outdoors, traveling, having coffee, good food, and hanging out with family or friends! My dream vacations are to one day visit Greece or Paris.

Degree and Important work experience: Sociology, B.A.

How long I have been at SBCC: 7 years (2016-2023)

Hometown: León, Guanajuato Mexico

Interests and Specialties: My specialties include creating an inclusive environment and supportive community for undocumented students and their families. In addition to increasing access and opportunities by creating focused workshops to increase academic success and make navigating higher education a little bit easier.

Languages I speak: English and Spanish

Which center I work in and why I love working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice: I work in the Dream Center directly supporting undocumented and mixed-status students. I enjoy working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice because it is a very unique and welcoming space where all our most marginalized student communities feel a sense of belonging.

What I can do for students: I provide FREE legal immigration services, academic assistance, financial assistance, and community resources to undocumented scholars.

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Roxane Maiko Byrne, PhD

Roxane Maiko Byrne, PhD
Coordinator of Equity, Diversity and Cultural Competency
(805) 730-4199
rmbyrne@sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts: I am a multiracial, multicultural, daughter of immigrants. My mother was born in Japan and I spent most summers going back to Japan to visit my extended family.  I am a mom, step mom, auntie and mentor to many young people. The two kiddos that I birthed are 25 years apart! I look forward to sharing the world with my kids through travel and exposure to various cultures. Aside from visiting family in Japan, my favorite place I have visited is Istanbul, Turkiye.  I love hearing the call to prayer and feeling the peace that falls over me throughout the day.

Degree and Important work experience: I have a PhD in Human Development with a focus on racial identity and belonging in higher education and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara.  

How long I have been at SBCC: I was a student at SBCC in the 90’s and have been working here in various roles from faculty to counselor to administrator since 2006.

Hometown: I was born in Pasadena, California and grew up all over the San Gabriel Valley until I moved to Santa Barbara in the 90’s.

Interests and Specialties: I love reading about race, culture, identity, and belonging.  I love swing dancing, watching period pieces, collaging, meeting new people, and learning something new each day!

Languages I speak: English, some Japanese

Which center I work in: I oversee the Centers for Equity and Social Justice which include the CESJ, Umoja Village, Basic Needs Centers, and Dream Center.  

Why I love working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice: I love working at Centers for Equity and Social Justice because I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of students, staff and faculty at SBCC in my day to day interactions with people and because I can effect change on a more structural level.

What I can do for students: I can help make SBCC a place of belonging and inclusion for all students at SBCC, but especially those who have felt excluded and shut out.  I can listen, partner, advocate, and work to create systemic change at SBCC and help you achieve your goals.

Lelia Richardson

Lelia Richardson, B.A.
Umoja Student Program Advisor
(805) 965-0581 ext. 4345
lnrichardson@pipeline.sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts

Degree and Important work experience: B.A Ethnic Studies, Comparative Ethnic Studies concentration from Cal State University East Bay, Certified Health and Wellness Educator, Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Full Spectrum Doula

How long I have been at SBCC: Back in the day, I attended SBCC and graduated from Ventura College. I returned to Santa Barbara after living in the Bay Area for 20 years and have been the Umoja Student Program Advisor since Fall 2022.

Hometown: SB Baby!

Interests and Specialties: Beekeeper, inspiring herbalist, and jewelry maker. I enjoy hiking, reading, and listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. I practice a little bit of yoga and meditation

Languages I speak: English and conversational Spanish

Which center I work in: The Umoja Center aka the Umoja Village Space

Why I love working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice: I love working at CESJ because of all the different experiences and perspectives available to me as a lifelong learner. I love the sense of belonging and active pursuit of inclusion!

What I can do for students: I can listen. I can be a connector, an ally, and an accomplice! I can be a thought partner and a collaborator in the pursuit of their personal and academic goals.

Alondra Lazaro Gonzalez

Alondra Lazaro Gonzalez, B.A.
Basic Needs Center Student Program Advisor
(805) 965-0581 ext. 3066
alazarogonzalez@pipeline.sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts: I am a Chicana, first generation student, a mother, and proud daughter of immigrant parents. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara attending local schools. I love my family and enjoy family get-togethers, rooting for the Raiders football team, and eating my mom's homemade pozole and enchiladas.

Degree and Important work experience: B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Chicana/o Studies in 2019. Recipient of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship from California State University of Channel Islands in 2018 focusing on The Criminalization of Mexican Indigenous Migrants in Ventura County. At this time, I was also interning with 805 Undocu Fund, where I assisted to case-managed, and distributed aid to victims of the Thomas, Hill, and Woolsey wildfires; Montecito mudslides.

How long I have been at SBCC: I have worked at SBCC for the last twelve years in various departments both as a student and professional staff. I Graduated from SBCC in 2016 earning six associate degrees.

Hometown: Made in Mexico with deep roots in Guanajuato and Guerrero, but born and raised in Santa Barbara, California.

Interests and Specialties: I have a passion to advocate for underrepresented communities and children. As a mother, it is easy for me to care for others and treat them with compassion.

Languages I speak: I am fluent in both Spanish and English.

Which center I work in and why I love working there: I am the Student Program Advisor for the Basic Needs Center where I coordinate the everyday operations of the Food Pantry, CalFresh, and Loves Closet. I always knew I wanted to work helping others. During the start of the COVID pandemic I became quickly aware of what the barriers for so many of our students are: having their basic needs met. I repeatedly observe how the additional resources and support can make the difference in the persistence of our students and the actual goal, which is student success.

What I can do for students: I assist students interested in the CalFresh food assistance program by being an advocate through their application process, I assist in students who want to apply for low cost home internet and car insurance, I will refer students to services and programs of SBCC and the community. I am an advocate to meet students' basic needs and a voice for those who feel unheard.

Leslie Marin

Leslie Marin, B.A.
Dream Center Student Program Advisor
(805) 965-0581 ext. 4378
lpmarin@pipeline.sbcc.edu

About Me and Fun Facts: I am a current DACA recipient and the first in my family to graduate from college and a four-year university. I enjoy being outdoors, traveling, having coffee, good food, and hanging out with family or friends! My dream vacations are to one day visit Greece or Paris.

Degree and Important work experience: Sociology, B.A.

How long I have been at SBCC: 7 years (2016-2023)

Hometown: León, Guanajuato Mexico

Interests and Specialties: My specialties include creating an inclusive environment and supportive community for undocumented students and their families. In addition to increasing access and opportunities by creating focused workshops to increase academic success and make navigating higher education a little bit easier.

Languages I speak: English and Spanish

Which center I work in and why I love working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice: I work in the Dream Center directly supporting undocumented and mixed-status students. I enjoy working in the Centers for Equity and Social Justice because it is a very unique and welcoming space where all our most marginalized student communities feel a sense of belonging.

What I can do for students: I provide FREE legal immigration services, academic assistance, financial assistance, and community resources to undocumented scholars.