DVC Alumni: Where Every Story Inspires the Next!

On this DVC Alumni Podcast episode meet Greg Berkowitz (founder of Berks Beans) and Kiara as they dive into the craft and science of coffee roasting. Greg shares how a hobby roasted in a toaster oven during the pandemic turned into a fresh-roasted business, explains roast levels, processing methods, and why "born on" roast dates matter.

Hear about pour-over and cold brew techniques, sourcing beans, and how freshness and small-batch...

In this episode Charley Daly interviews Maile Collmer about her journey from a shy kid in Hawaii to a dancer with the Concord Blue Devils, a UCLA grad, and a successful realtor and business coach. Maile shares how joining teams, industry associations, and BNI helped her build a resilient, referral-driven business while staying 100% commission-based.

She offers practical networking advice—be intentional, show up, follow up, nurture ...

Join us in this inspiring episode of the DBC Alumni Podcast as we dive into the fascinating journey of Kimberlee Koym-Mureita, a dedicated art and digital media instructor. Discover her transition from growing up in San Antonio, Texas, to becoming a passionate educator and artist with a global perspective. Learn how her experiences across continents, from studying theater design in Austin to exploring the artistic landscapes of Hol...

Join us in this engaging episode as we explore the inspiring journey of Shane Farrell, originally from Walnut Creek, California, who has traversed through the dynamic worlds of music and marketing. Shane shares his unique experiences from being in a band with his brother, performing around Northern California, to establishing a management company in Los Angeles, and eventually transitioning to a marketing career in Miami.

Shane emp...

In this episode of the DVC Alumni Podcast, we welcome Kristy Poindexter, who shares her remarkable journey through life with complex health challenges. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Kristy's story is one of resilience and inspiration, detailing her experiences from childhood illness to becoming a vocal advocate for those with similar medical conditions.

Kristy's candid conversation touches on her early struggles with severe heal...

Welcome to DVC Alumni, where every story inspires the next. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Gio D'Onofrio, a determined chemical engineering student at DVC. From his initial passion for soccer to a transformative academic pursuit, Gio's story exemplifies resilience and adaptability.

In this episode, we explore Gio's strategic transition from sports to academics, his innovative approach to connecting with indus...

In this episode, we hear from Johnny, who shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Lebanon to becoming a prominent figure in the U.S. educational landscape. Johnny discusses his experiences navigating cultural and linguistic barriers, starting his academic journey in the U.S. without knowing English, and eventually gaining admission to prestigious universities like UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago.

Johnny delves in...

In this heartening episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Alexa Hinojosa Hernandez, a 19-year-old student at DVC. Alexa shares her personal story of moving from Mexico to the United States at the age of 16, filled with dreams and expectations.

Her narrative takes us through the challenges of adapting to a new culture, overcoming language barriers, and finding her place in a foreign high school environment. Despite facing ...

Welcome to DVC Alumni, the podcast where inspiring stories from Diablo Valley College's alumni come to life. In this episode, Charley Daly dives into a captivating conversation with Brandon Brookshire, a DVC alumnus who shares his incredible journey from military service to a thriving career in banking. Tune in as Brandon recounts his experiences growing up in California, his time in the Air Force, and how he navigated a challengin...

Welcome to another captivating episode of DVC Alumni, where we delve into the inspiring journey of Karrington, a determined alumna from DVC. Carrington shares her unique experiences growing up as a minority in San Ramon and her pursuit of academic excellence at DVC and beyond.

In this episode, Karrington discusses her passion for mental health advocacy and health equity, detailing her transformative educational path that led her fr...

Join us in this episode of the DVC Alumni podcast as we sit down with Bob Lilley, a man whose life journey has been anything but ordinary. From his early days moving around the country due to his father's career to eventually settling in California, Bob's life is a testament to adaptability and resourcefulness. In this engaging conversation, we uncover Bob's transition from an aspiring college student to a skilled electrician, and ...

Welcome to DVC Alumni, where impactful stories inspire the next generation. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Trish Muegge, who grew up in Pleasant Hill, attended Carondelet High School, and later pursued higher education at DVC and St. Mary’s College. Trish shares how her local upbringing and educational experiences shaped her career as a health and wellness advocate.

She discusses the significant impact of h...

In this episode, Tiffany Vargas shares her unique career journey, detailing how life's unexpected twists and turns led her from Diablo Valley College to a thriving role at Boyd Gaming. Tiffany opens up about her early years transitioning from Seattle to the Bay Area, tackling personal and family challenges, and finding her path through education and career opportunities. Her story emphasizes the power of resilience, timing, and emb...

In this episode of DVC Alumni, we sit down with Madeline Hatch, a newly turned personal trainer based in Crockett, California. Madeline shares her inspiring journey, which began in Orange County before a dramatic move to her grandparents' house following a house fire. She navigates us through her transitional years, overcoming challenges, and finding resilience.

Madeline discusses the pivotal moments that led her to pursue psycholo...

Join us as we dive into an enlightening conversation with sisters Itzel and Cindy Gutierrez, navigating their academic and professional journeys from Concord to San Jose. The pair share their experiences growing up in Concord, how their career paths evolved, and the invaluable support received from the Puente and Diamante Scholar programs.

Discover Itzel's transition from nursing aspirations to business marketing and her pursuit of...

In this inspiring episode, join Charley as we welcome our special guest, Karla Aljanabi, who shares a unique and personal journey from Mexico to the United States and their transformative experiences at DVC, a community college that played a pivotal role in shaping their career and life. Our guest opens up about the challenges faced during high school in a new country and the critical decision to attend community college instead of...

In this captivating episode of DVC Alumni, Cam Jones shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Rochester, New Hampshire, to becoming a thriving healthcare professional in the Bay Area. Listen in as Cam recounts her high school experiences, ROTC aspirations, and how a love for nursing took center stage despite life’s many challenges.

Discover how Cam’s academic pursuits intersected with real-life decisions, leading her to work...

Welcome to this episode of DVC Alumni, where stories of transformation and inspiration are shared. Join us as we delve into the journey of Mayara Andressa, a Brazilian native who relocated to the U.S. as an au pair in 2018. Her quest for exploration and personal growth led her to Diablo Valley College, encouraged by her husband, Alex, who himself was a student there.

Mayara opens up about her roots in Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil,...

In this riveting episode of the DVC Alumni Podcast, we sit down with Monica Hicks, whose journey from overcoming personal struggles to achieving academic success at Stanford University is nothing short of inspirational. Monica opens up about her tumultuous past, including facing behavioral challenges, substance abuse, and incarceration, and how witnessing her brother's graduation inspired her to turn her life around.

Monica shares ...