Staff
Cheo, Dorina & Sergio - Go Team!
Director, Upward Bound Programs
Sergio Galvez
Sergio attended Adolfo Camarillo High School, graduated in 1999, and is a product of the Upward Bound program at Cal Lutheran. After graduating he attended California Lutheran University earning a bachelor degree in History in 2003, a teaching credential in 2004, and completed his Masters Degree in Public Policy and Administration in 2008. Sergio has worked in the capacities of Assistant Director of the Upward Bound program, Project Coordinator of the Math and Science Upward Bound program, and currently as the Director of both programs at the Cal Lutheran campus. Sergio's motivation, 'go- getter' personality, and dedication to higher education allows him to connect with the students and let them know that nothing is impossible. His ability to embrace challenges and changes is no doubt the reason why both programs are successful and the reason he lives by; “Start the tradition of breaking traditions, and take risks”, because sometimes you have to initiate the change.
Project Coordinator
Eliseo "Cheo" Mendez
Cheo Mendez attended and graduated from Adolfo Camarillo High School in 2002. Cheo continued his post-secondary education at California Lutheran University as a participant of Student Support Services. He has completed his degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology and is currently working on his Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration at California Lutheran University. Cheo is an alumnus of the Upward Bound Program at California Lutheran University and has worked as a tutor, Residential Advisor, and Academic Specialist for the past eight years. He believes that the Upward Bound Program is a life changing program that will open eyes towards a better future as it did for him. His goal is to motivate each student in furthering their post secondary education and strive for success. He is a great role model for what Upward Bound students to look up to and he treats every student as if they were a blood relative, Upward Bound is proud of all his accomplishments. His motto for life is "Only through focus can you do world class things, no matter how capable you are."
Academic Specialist
Dorinamarie Padilla
Dorinamarie Padilla grew up in Oxnard, CA and graduated from Channel Island High School in 2006. She continued her education at the University of California, Los Angeles where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies in 2010. Dorina’s involvement in the Upward Bound program began when she was in High School, as a student, extended into her college years when she worked as Residential Advisor and Academic Tutor, and has continued into her professional life as the program’s current Academic Specialist. She is a firm believer in the idea of personal empowerment through knowledge, and believes that if given the proper tools and resources each individual student has the ability to be successful beyond high school. It’s not a lack of ability, but a lack of knowledge and resources that hinders a student from reaching the next level of excellence.
