We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Samantha Bautista
Title: AANAPISI Work-Based Learning Experiences Project Coordinator
Department: Criminology Department
Academic Degree(s):

• B.A. Sociology, and a Minor in Criminology, Fresno State
• M.S. Counseling, Student Affairs and College Counseling, Fresno State

How long have you worked at Fresno State?
During my undergraduate degree, I worked with the TRIO Student Support Services Program as a student assistant and peer mentor for three years.

Then during my master's degree, I interned with the College of Social Sciences Advising Center and the Academic Success Coaching offices. Now, I have worked with the AANAPISI Initiative Program within the Criminology Department for about two years.

Are you a Valley native? If not, what brought you to the area? And Fresno State.
I was born and raised in the Central Valley. My hometown is Selma which is a nearby smaller city outside of Fresno. My parents inspired me to pursue my educational journey here because of the amazing reputation it has in the Central Valley and its close proximity to home.

Are you part of a Bulldog family with generations of Bulldog graduates or current students?
We are a proud Bulldog family. Within my immediate family, I am a first-generation graduate, while my younger sister Allyson Bautista received her B.A. in Psychology and is currently pursuing her M.S. in School Counseling, both from Fresno State. Our future generations to come will continue the Bulldog legacy.

Do you have a campus mentor or someone who has helped you in your career?
My campus mentor is Kelly Maravilla, she was my very first boss in the TRIO program, and she continues to support and inspire me. I am so grateful to have such an amazing mentor who has uplifted me in my educational and professional career. The potential she saw in me as a freshman has brought me so far in life, and I owe that to her.

Tell us about your department and what people may not know about it.
The Criminology Department is one of the largest departments on campus, however, we have underrepresentation of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander (AANAPI) students within this major. Therefore, the AANAPISI Initiative was established to support our AANAPI Criminology students, create a sense of community, and inspire them to pursue their degree in Criminology and Forensic Behavioral Sciences. Check us out on Instagram: @fsaanapisi.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
The most notable accomplishment in my field has been the completion of my graduate research project with the support of my graduate research advisor Dr. Valencia and the Graduate Equity Fellowship program. My graduate research project is titled "Leveraging Community Cultural Wealth for First-Generation College Student Success." Through this graduate research project, I was able to discover strengths and resources of first-generation college students on campus based on Yosso's Community Cultural Wealth model.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
Personally, I am most passionate about supporting and empowering students in higher education to reach their full potential. I aspire to be a mentor, and someone they can depend on during their time here and beyond. As a new professional, I am excited for growth and opportunities to be a resource for students on campus.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job?
The most memorable moment I have had in my current role is being able to provide students with the site visit opportunities to tour local agencies offices. Our program has visited the Juvenile Justice Campus, James Rowland Crime Victim Assistance Center, Clovis Police Department, Fresno Family Healing Center and the Public Defender's office. The students have the chance to tour their offices, meet some of the professionals, and ask them questions.

What is a memorable moment you had in class?
The most memorable moment during my masters program is our practicum in counseling class, in which we are assigned a few students to practice our counseling skills with and make an impact in their lives. The students I connected with also made an impact in my life, and reaffirmed my passion for working in higher education.

What is your favorite quote or saying?
My favorite quote is “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” -Winnie the Pooh. This quote is very special to me because although I have experienced impostor syndrome as a student and professional, it reminds me of my worth.

What is the most interesting or unusual job you've ever had?
The most interesting job I have had is picking up extra shifts as a server for a catering business on the weekends to help relieve some financial stress during college.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
In my spare time I love spending time with family and friends, traveling, and being a foodie.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
Although I am not that interesting, most people don't know I was in wrestling, swimming, and water polo in high school. My favorite sport was wrestling which helped me build leadership skills and be a team player.