Cardinal Community Day

Facilitators: Diana Peregrina, Director of Outreach and Recruitment and Dr. Darlene Snider, Dean of Enrollment Services

This interactive professional development session invites SVC faculty and staff to explore the power of authentic partnerships between the college and the broader community. Through real examples, reflection, and discussion, we’ll look at how working alongside local organizations, nonprofits, grassroots leaders, and community members can deepen student learning, promote equity, and increase the college’s relevance in the lives of those it serves. 

The session includes a panel of local community partners who will share their perspectives on collaboration with SVC, followed by small group work to imagine and design new opportunities for engagement. Whether you're recruiting, teaching, advising, or managing programs, you'll walk away with fresh ideas, practical tools, and a renewed connection to the community around us.

Facilitator: Sophia Agtarap, Agtarap Consulting

Have you ever experienced or witnessed a form of bias and didn’t know how to respond? Many folks have likely encountered or experienced bias and maybe didn’t even know how to identify it. If you’re a Person of Color or one from a systematically marginalized identity/-ies, the chance is even higher.  As a community of people who are working together to create spaces of belonging and inclusion, what does it look, sound, and feel like to interrupt when we see instances of bias, racism, transphobia, sexism, and more, occur? What is the possibility of what can happen in that moment and beyond? We’ll come together to understand language and practices that can help move each of us to intervene when we witness or experience instances of bias in our communities.  

Facilitators: Dr. Laura Cailloux, Dept Chair/Faculty, Sociology and Ethnic Studies and Amy Gustafson, Associate Dean of Student Support Programs

Come join roundtable conversations with SVC staff and faculty who took part in the Hispanic Serving Institution: Servingness through an Indigenous Lens professional learning community. Together, we explored the complexity of Latiné identity, learned about the 4Rs Indigenous Ways of Knowing (Blanchard), and dug into Garcia’s Multidimensional Model of Servingness. In this session, we’ll share what we learned, what we’re still wrestling with, and how we’re starting to shift our own practices. We’ll also talk about structures that help our efforts to truly serve Latiné students in meaningful ways. 

Facilitator: Jareth Rodriguez, Interim CAMP Director

This panel discussion will provide an opportunity for Latine students at SVC to share their experiences, insights, and challenges. Panelists will discuss their personal journeys, why they chose SVC, what has supported them along the way, and the obstacles they have encountered. The session will be an engaging and informative conversation aimed at fostering understanding and inclusivity. 

Panelists:

• Reynaldo Ramirez (DTA)
• Itzel Estrada (DTA)
• Maritza Sanchez-Sanchez (Early Childhood Education)
• Jordy Ayala (HS Math Teacher)
• Ezran Cisneros (DTA)
• Hilda Silva (DTA)

Facilitator: Laurel Martin, Growing Wild Consulting

This interactive workshop explores the complexities of workplace communication, including why misunderstanding is so common and how you can enhance clarity and understanding. Learn strategies for delivering your message effectively across various communication channels. We will cover skills such as active listening and how to interpret non-verbal cues. We will learn about differences in natural communication styles, and how to bridge them.

Through guided practice of "humble inquiry”, participants will get a chance to apply what they learned in conversation. Walk away with several practical communications tips to improve everyday workplace interactions.

Facilitator: Jocie Slepyan, Associate Dean of Instruction, and Jordan Keithley, Dean of Advising

Join us for a workshop that traces this year’s evolution of student advising—from pilot models to the streamlined framework we will launch in the coming academic year. We’ll walk through the implementation steps and activities that occurred this year and the final structure (including defined roles of advisors and faculty, advising curriculum, and outcomes measurement) and outline timelines for collegewide rollout in fall 2025. In the final segment of the workshop, we’ll welcome your questions and insights. 

Facilitator: Dr. Ilder Betancourt Lopez Lopez, VP of Learning and Student Success, Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom

A discussion on success and trauma throughout a community college career, this session highlights a healing and empowerment framework to honor yourself, your mental health, and your community. 

Facilitator: Dr. Maribel Jimenez, VP for Equity, Diversity, and Transformation

Your institution is now designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)! But what does this mean beyond the title? This interactive workshop will explore the significance of becoming a HSI and the responsibilities and opportunities that come with the designation. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of what it means to serve Latine students intentionally and equitably, moving beyond enrollment to systemic change.  

Facilitator: Oscar Garcia, Aspira Consulting

This 60-minute workshop equips college staff and faculty with practical strategies to recognize and elevate the strengths of every student, especially first-generation and non-traditional students. Through discussions on unconscious assumptions, asset-based leadership, and inclusive support practices, participants will learn how to foster a culture of possibility on campus. The session includes the Positive Career Mapping exercise, helping educators guide students in identifying their strengths, aspirations, and career paths. Attendees will leave with tools to support student growth and create affirming, equity-driven learning environments. 

Facilitator: Aaron Klesick, Faculty

Come, play and learn the basics of pickleball! All levels welcome.

Facilitator: Matt Scammell, Faculty

Come and play a soccer game with employees and SVC students. All levels welcome.

Facilitator: Swinomish Elder, Kevin Paul

Come and paint with Swinomish Artist, Master Carver, since 1989 Kevin Paul. Kevin "Wa lee hub" Paul, (born in 1960), is an enrolled tribal member, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community; resident of Swinomish and La Conner, Washington. Kevin is a master carver of contemporary and traditional Coast Salish carvings.  Using old growth Western Red Car and second growth yellow cedar. Art supplies will be available to you as Paul walks you through a step-by-step drawing/painting session focused on Native art.  

Facilitator: Deisy Dominguez Gama, Business Owner

Dominguez Gama Folklorico founded by Deysi Dominguez. Deysi Dominguez Gama has been dancing since she was little, learning dances on her own. She has been dancing for over 10 years and has been teaching for about 4 years. Currently she teaches her own dance group as well as Danza Eterna at WWU and at the Sedro-Woolley school district. Other recent teaching experiences she has had are with Washington elementary school, and the Boys and Girls Club of Skagit County.