Staff
- Diana Parra-Villaseñor - Director
- Victor Bass - Senior Advisor
- Joanna Alvarado - Advisor
- Javier Garcia - Advisor
- Aurora Soto - Advisor
- Yolanda Salazar-Garcia - Advisor
- Oscar Mendoza - Advisor
- Diane Abundabar - Office Manager
DIANA PARRA-VILLASEÑOR, DIRECTOR
" I know first-hand the importance of educational programs and the positive impact they can have on a student's life. I am extremely committed to my students and they know I am genuine when I tell them I'll be here to help them in any way I can!"
Who I am
My family is from Chihuahua, Mexico. My parents migrated to Northern California to give me and my two brothers the educational opportunities that weren't available to them in Mexico. I value my culture and family dearly - we get together at least once a week, traditionally on Sundays. I am married and we are blessed to have three little angels. They have added more joy and love to our lives than I ever imagined! I am a Gridley High alumnae and I am also the ETS advisor there. I am also the advisor at Live Oak High, Hamilton Elementary, and Hamilton High School. I am a Founding Mother of Sigma Omega Phi, a multi-cultural sorority, and I am now their advisor. I graduated from California State University, Chico with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Chicano Studies. In November of 1994, I began working for Educational Talent Search and I love it! The different programs I have worked for (ETS, Migrant Education, the Educational Opportunity Program and the Admissions Office) have given me the opportunity of meeting and helping wonderful students and their families.
What my interests are
I love to spend quality time with the special people in my life - family, sorority sisters and friends. The students in the program are part of my "family" and time with them is also truly rewarding. I love to take pictures and have them around me to keep my happy and remind me of good times. Traveling, appreciating nature, reading, dancing and celebrating holidays (like Christmas) are also very important to me.
Why Educational Talent Search is important to me
I was a first generation college student, from a family who couldn't provide the financial support necessary for a postsecondary education. Being the only daughter in a traditional Mexican family, I wasn't pushed to continue my education, and I had a lot of unanswered questions. While I was in high school, I participated in the Upward Bound program at CSU, Chico, which helped make my dream of attending a university a reality. I know first hand the importance of educational programs and the positive impact they can have on a student's life. My background parallels what a majority of the ETS students are going through in junior high and high school. I am extremely committed to my students and they know I am genuine when I tell them I'll be here to help them in any way I can!
VICTOR BASS, SENIOR ADVISOR
"TRIO has become an important ingredient in my life and a major contributor to my achievements. As an Adviser with Educational Talent Search, I am able to continue to assist TRIO students who are seeking admission into college after high school."
Who I am
I come from a small farming town known as Hamilton City, California. After graduating from high school, I enrolled at California State University, Chico as a full-time student. Along with my twin sister Vikki, who received degrees from Sonoma State University, we were the first in our family to attend and graduate from a university. We owe all of our accomplishments to our very supportive mother, Gloria and the TRIO Upward Bound Program at CSU, Chico. I have a beautiful family that consists of my wife Tonya, and our identical twins, Jalon and Javon. They enjoy playing soccer, catching bugs and spending time with their cousins. I am also a dedicated alumni brother of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Incorporated, Kappa Psi Chapter at CSU, Chico.
What my interests are
Coming from a large family, I enjoy annual family traditions. The highlights of gatherings embrace family reunions and Sunday barbeques. I enjoy reading, music and am fascinated by education and the power of learning. My passion is the outdoors which includes mountain bike riding, fishing, hunting, and my dogs. I also like to participate in a variety of sports such as football, basketball and running. I am currently the chapter advisor to the fraternity and enjoy aiding as a resource to the undergraduates, assisting them in fulfilling their achievements.
Why Educational Talent Search is important to me
In high school I participated in CSU, Chico's TRIO Upward Bound Program. Without Upward Bound I don't think I would have attended college. After reaching my junior year in college, I was able to work for Upward Bound as Resident Advisor. I maintained the R.A. position during the summer component for 5 years. TRIO became an important ingredient in my life and a major contributor to my achievements, and still is. As Senior Advisor with Educational Talent Search, I am able to continue to assist TRIO students who are seeking postsecondary enrollment and success. My education and experience has assisted me in continuing the mission and purpose of the Educational Talent Search Program and overall service to TRIO.
JOANNA ALVARADO, ADVISOR
"I am a strong advocate for what I believe in. TRIO contributed so much to my success, and I always said that I would give my students the best High School to College transition just as TRIO has given me."
Who I am
I was raised in Live Oak, California and my husband Steve and I have decided to stay in Live Oak near our families to raise our two amazing kids, Baylee and Baby Esteban III. In 1999 I graduated from Live Oak High School. I have always had a passion for education however my High School Counselor helped influence my decision to pursue a career in School Counseling and Advising. In May 2005 I graduated from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a double-minor in Health Science and Women’s Studies. I am currently in graduate school working towards a Masters degree in Educational Counseling and a school PPS credential. I love being a student just as much as I love being a mother. I am the oldest of four and it’s important that I show my brothers and sisters how important it is to earn an education.
What my interests are
My interests consist of the most important things in life for me. I need to be around my family and friends. I love to shop! Shopping has become a hobby for me. I have a great passion for food and The Food Network is my favorite show. Religion is very important to me and my family. I also really enjoy music and dancing.
Why Educational Talent Search is important to me
I am a strong advocate for what I believe in. TRIO contributed so much to my success, and I always said that I would give my students the best High School to College transition just as TRIO has given me. As alumni of Educational Talent Search I am happy to be back as an Advisor. What matters to me most is that students know that I am willing to work hard with them and be an advocate for them. Educational Talent Search is a neat program and I advise students to take full advantage of all the great things we have to offer them.
JAVIER GARCIA , ADVISOR
"I encourage every student to pursue their life dreams and challenges - to be proud of who you are and what you are capable of accomplishing. I look forward to helping each student and I am committed to their success."
Who I am
I was born and raised in San Jose, California where most of my family still resides. I come from a family of five children and my parents Jesus and Maria Garcia who migrated here from Guadalajara, Mexico. I am eternally grateful to my parents for giving us the opportunities that they never had then and now. I am very close to my family and feel very fortunate to have my own. I'm married to Roxanne; we have two wonderful active children Gabriel and Miya. I transferred to CSU, Chico from West Valley College in the fall 1993, with an athletic scholarship to play soccer.
What my interests are
I look forward to spending time with my family and our group of friends which we've met here attending CSU, Chico. I enjoy following and playing soccer as well as, getting outdoors and fishing, hiking, playing golf and watching football on Sundays, GO SEAHAWKS!
Why Educational Talent Search is important to me
I am a first generational college student whose parents sacrificed and gave up a lot to provide a better opportunity of life for their children. Living and experiencing this first hand has passed down morals and a belief system that is based on perseverance and hard work. Although, my life goals are common and found in many ETS students my experiences and aspirations are personally mine. I encourage every student to pursue their life dreams and challenges. To be proud of who you are and what you are capable of accomplishing. I look forward to helping each student and I am committed to their success.
YOLANDA SALAZAR-GARCIA, ADVISOR
"ETS showed me the way and have been a part of my academic career since I was in the 7th grade. Without this great program I probably would have never come this far."
Who I am
I have lived in Oroville since I was six. I attended Las Plumas High School. I’m an only child but have always wanted to have lots of brothers and sisters so I surround myself with cousins and friends. I graduated from CSU, Chico in 2005 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. I am married and have two
What my interests are
Spending time with my family! I love watching movies, reading a great book, dancing, listening to music, spending time with my dogs and husband. I also enjoy always being there for my friends and students in anyway possible.
Why Educational Talent Search is important to me
I am a first generation college graduate and have not only my parents to thank but also ETS who prepared me for college and help me get where I am today. I had always had the support of my family but never knew where to begin researching college information. ETS showed me the way and have been a part of my academic career since I was in the 7th grade. Without this great program I probably would have never come this far. Having been a part of the ETS program, I owe my success to all of the awesome staff. It’s an honor to be a part of something that helped me and that I know really changes students lives and gives them opportunities to attend college.
OSCAR MENDOZA, ADVISOR
"ETS gives students the motivation, knowledge and the encouragement to achieve what ever their educational goals may be."
Who I am
I was born and raised in Tototlan Jalisco, Mexico. I came to the United States at the young age of 10. My father migrated to the United States at a young age and spent most of the year in the United States, while the rest of the family waited for him back in Mexico. My father brought my brothers and I to the United States so that we could succeed academically. I came to the small town of Arbuckle, California, where I lived until I moved to Sacramento to begin my college education. I am the youngest of eight siblings and the first and only to graduate from a University. I am also a proud brother of Nu Alpha Kappa, Latino-based Fraternity. I am tremendously proud of my family, especially my brothers and sisters who have helped shape who I now am. I have nine nephews and eight nieces, which makes my family extremely important to me. I graduated from the California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelors degree in Sociology and a minor in Spanish - go Hornets! I am currently the Educational Talent Search advisor for CK Price Middle, Gridley High, Hamilton Elementary, Hamilton High and Red Bluff High. Although I am the newest member of this dynamic team, my previous experience in such programs as the Educational Opportunity Program and the College Assistance Migrant Program, both at CSU, Sacramento, have given me the opportunity to assist college bound students and their families, achieve their goals in higher education.
What my interests are
I really enjoy the time I spend with my family, fraternity brothers and friends in general. I love to take trips to visit family and friends in Los Angeles, San Diego and most of all, in Mexico. I enjoy learning, both in and out of the classroom. I enjoy working with graphics with the little time I have for myself.
Why Educational Talent Search is important to me
I was not fortunate to have such a great program as Educational Talent Search growing up. Being the first in my family to attend a four-year university seemed out of reach. Not having the guidance of someone who knew what to expect or who could guide me in the frightening world of living away from home made it a bit challenging. Fortunately, during my senior year in high school, I met a representative from the College Assistance Migrant Program, CAMP, who helped me with the process of applying for the university and for financial aid. If I had the opportunity to be in a program like Educational Talent Search early on, I would have been ready to face the university with no fears, and maybe I would have ventured into a UC, or even attended a university further away. Overall a program like ETS gives students the motivation, knowledge and the encouragement to achieve what ever their educational goals may be.
DIANE ABUNDABAR, OFFICE MANAGER
"There are many obstacles that junior high and high school students face, but I believe that anyone can make it if they put their mind to it and take action. Educational Talent Search opens many doors for its students and makes a big difference in their lives. ETS give students access to the tools and routes to be successful in college and their adult life."
Who I am
My parents immigrated from the Philippines to the Bay Area in the late 60’s in search of better opportunity for their family. Growing up in Hayward, then Vallejo, I was taught that I can achieve anything if I truly put my mind to it and put in the effort. After graduating from Hogan High School in Vallejo in 1996, my parents weren’t able to finance my college education. Through research, I was able to put together financial aid, scholarships and work-study to put myself through college and graduated in 2001 from CSU, Chico with a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts (TV/Film/Radio). During my years at CSUC, I was active in the Filipino American Student Organization (serving as President and Secretary) and Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. I currently serve as Delta Xi Phi’s National Executive Board President, which has enabled me to experience the diversity of campuses and communities across the country.
What my interests are
I enjoy traveling and learning about other cultures. I had an incredible time traveling to Manila, London, Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin. I also enjoy dancing, from Hula/Tahitian to freestyle/hip-hop. I also dabble in web design and really like happy pop music. Most of all, I love to spend time with my family, who live in Chico and the Bay Area.
Why Educational Talent Search is important to me
I feel that I am very fortunate to have finished college, and I have a heart-felt desire to help others reach their full potential. There are many obstacles that junior high and high school students face, but I believe that anyone can make it if they put their mind to it and take action. Educational Talent Search opens many doors for its students and makes a big difference in their lives. ETS give students access to the tools and routes to be successful in college and their adult life.