|

jsoong01@calpoly.edu
|
Johanna Soong (she/them)
APIDA Initiatives Coordinator
Johanna Soong is dedicated and passionate about supporting the APIDA community. She is committed to creating healing spaces for individuals impacted by systemic inequities. Descending from immigrant parents, Johanna navigated her college journey as a First-Generation student. Originating from the Central Valley, Johanna attended College of the Sequoias and transferred to California State University Fullerton where she graduated with her bachelor's degree in Communications Studies. Shortly after completing her bachelor’s degree, Johanna became a phlebotomist to support her community through COVID-19. During her time as a phlebotomist, Johanna would provide academic guidance to her community during her spare time.
Through her lived experiences, she developed and cultivated her passion to support students on their college journey. Johanna is currently in the Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs program at Cal Poly. Before being the APIDA Coordinator, Johanna was a Career Coach at a non-profit organization, where she counseled individuals to assist them gain employment. She also served as a Program Assistant at Allan Hancock College and a Substitute Teacher for school districts throughout California. During Johanna’s free time, you can catch her fishing off the Pismo Pier or hiking in SLO. Johanna enjoys baking sweets, her favorite dessert to make is macarons. She is a gamer at heart, currently her favorite games to play are Magic the Gathering and Smash Bros.
Educational Background
Doctoral Program in Education for Social Justice - University of San Diego (in progress)
Master of Science in Higher Education Counseling/Student Affairs - California Polytechnic State University
Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies - California State University Fullerton
|
|
|

|

““When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.” — African proverb
telghand@calpoly.edu
|
Tasneem Elghandour (she/her)
Multicultural Center Coordinator
Tasneem was born and raised in San Luis Obispo and is a proud graduate of Cal Poly. As the child of immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, her identity has been shaped by the intersections of diaspora, language, community, and culture. Her journey through higher education has been anything but linear—woven with moments of uncertainty, resilience, and deep-rooted purpose.
With a background in Linguistics, Philosophy, and Computer Science, Tasneem brings an interdisciplinary lens to her work, grounded in both academic research and lived experience. She is especially passionate about the ways language and identity interact in multicultural spaces, and how belonging can be cultivated across lines of difference. A native Arabic speaker, she is deeply connected to SWANA communities through her own heritage, and is committed to uplifting underrepresented voices across all backgrounds and experiences.
Before joining the Multicultural Center team, Tasneem worked in both grassroots and institutional spaces—from student support and nonprofit leadership to running her own small business. Her work has consistently centered on advocacy, mentorship, and community building, with a focus on creating inclusive environments where underrepresented students can thrive.
In her role at the MCC, she is dedicated to holding space for students to feel seen, heard, and empowered. She hopes to build programs that reflect student experiences, nurture cross-cultural connection, and foster critical dialogue. Inspired by the mentors, educators, and friends who supported her along the way, Tasneem hopes to offer the same care and encouragement to Cal Poly students today.
Educational Background
Master of Arts in Linguistics (Languages and Culture) - CSU Long Beach
TESOL Certificate – CSU Long Beach
Post-Baccalaureate in Computer Science - Cuesta College
Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Philosophy, with minors in Political Science and Science, Technology, and Society (STS) – Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
|
|
|

|

““Everybody should be able to enjoy their life, because you only live once. So, I want to get it all out there and be the best role model that I can be” - A$AP Rocky
klampley@calpoly.edu
|
Kyle Lampley (he/him)
Black Academic Center Assistant Coordinator
Kyle, a proud Bay Area native, is a dedicated advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities, particularly those within the Black Diaspora. As a prominent member of generational Black excellence in academia, his pursuit of academic success is deeply rooted in his unwavering commitment to social justice, inclusion, and the empowerment of historically marginalized groups.
Kyle currently serves as a key leader within the Cal Poly community through his work with the Black Achievement Excellence Center (BAEC), where he creates an inclusive environment for students in the Black Diaspora, fostering academic, professional, and personal growth. Through intentional programming, networking, and scholarship support, Kyle ensures students of color have the resources and mentorship to thrive. He also facilitates workshops on leadership development, academic success, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Prior to Cal Poly, Kyle worked as an Assistant Program Coordinator at Youth Community Developers in San Francisco, where he designed programs empowering underserved youth and families. His passion for community development also led him to contribute to various Bay Area initiatives, promoting Black creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural expression through collaborative events and workshops. Kyle’s impact is not only evident in his professional work, but also in the ways he connects with others, empowering students and community members to advocate for themselves and create lasting change. With a clear vision for an inclusive and diverse future, Kyle is committed to using his skills and passion to continue advocating for equity, access, and opportunity in academia and beyond.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - California State University - East Bay
Assoicate Degree in Liberal Art in Humane Behavior - Contra Costa College
|
|
|

|

cdolin@calpoly.edu
|
Cassidy Dolin (she/them)
Native American and Indigenous Cultural Center Coordinator
Cassidy is a proud graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she earned her Master’s degree in Public Policy. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt). Her academic and professional journey has been grounded in a deep commitment to serving Indigenous communities and uplifting Native voices in policy, education, and public service.
Her passion for advocacy and community-based work began during her undergraduate years and grew through research, internships, and student support roles. At Cal Poly, she focused her graduate research on Indigenous-centered policy and expanding access to higher education for underrepresented communities.
Cassidy began her journey with the Native American and Indigenous Cultural Center as a Graduate Assistant, where she supported cultural programming and community-building efforts for Native students. She has since then been elevated to the role of Coordinator, where she now leads the center’s initiatives to create affirming spaces and strengthen Native student belonging at Cal Poly. Her work emphasizes cultural resilience, collaboration, and leadership development rooted in Indigenous values.
She remains dedicated to public service that centers Indigenous perspectives and works to bridge policy with the lived experiences of Native communities.
Educational Background
Master of Public Policy - California Polytechnic State University
Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy - Cal Poly Humboldt
|
|
|


““The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
japatton@calpoly.edu
|
Dr. Jamie s. patton (he/him/his)
Associate VIce President for Student Affairs for Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Jamie S. Patton is responsible for developing, implementing and managing new programs and initiatives that advance diversity and inclusion at Cal Poly. As a division-wide leader and diversity officer, he provides direction and consultation for services and policies to ensure inclusive practices across all Student Affairs departments. In addition, he helps provide campus-wide support for diversity and inclusion efforts in partnership with the Office of University Diversity and Inclusivity.
A native of north Philadelphia, Dr. Patton is a first-generation college graduate with more than 15 years of experience as a higher education administrator. Prior to Cal Poly, he served as the Assistant Dean of Students for Ohio University, where he directed the Parent and Family Program, co-initiated programming to increase graduation and retention rates among African-American male students, and implemented social justice development workshops for Student Affairs staff. Dr. Patton found his passion for a career in Student Affairs at Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania, where he held student leadership roles as Vice President of the Student Cooperative Council, President of the Black Student Union and founder of the Distinguished Gentlemen. He later served in several positions during a nine-year period at Northern Arizona University, including Director of the Student Learning Centers and Director of Inclusion and Multicultural Services.
Educational Background
Doctor of Education- Northern Arizona University
Master of Education- Northern Arizona University
Bachelor of Arts in Communication - Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|