Our Team

Princess Balderas joined the Welcome Center team as a Student Ambassador in 2021 and advanced to a classified professional role as a Student Services Assistant in July 2024. Born and raised in Oxnard, Princess holds an Associate of Arts in Natural Sciences and an Associates of Science in Public Health. 

In her previous role with the Associated Students of Ventura College, she served as the Director of Equity and Inclusion, where she fostered a sense of community on campus and advocated for diversity and accessibility for all students. Her extensive experiences includes serving on hiring committees, participating in professional development, and leading participatory governance meetings, which has well-prepared her, for her current role as a classified professional. 

Princess is currently attending CSU Northridge, pursing a bachelor's degree in Public Health, and plans to achieve a Master's in Administration. Her professional career goal is to work in Public Health, creating an inclusive and supportive environment to help others.

Alma joined The Welcome Center as a Communication Assistant in Spring 2022 and quickly worked her way up to become a Student Services Assistant. Born and raised in Ventura, she earned dual Associate of Arts degrees in Business Management and Social Media Marketing from Ventura College, which laid the groundwork for her skills in both business and digital communication.

In her role as Student Services Assistant, Alma helps students navigate the application and registration processes, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. She’s great at answering questions and providing the information students need to make their journey smoother.

Alma also leads some exciting projects, like improving the Welcome Center’s website. She’s created a series of "How To" videos that guide students on everything from applying to registering and using the student portal. These resources make it easier for students to find the information they need and empower them to take charge of their academic experience.

With her friendly attitude and proactive approach, Alma is a key part of The Welcome Center team, always looking for new ways to enhance the student experience and help others succeed.

Vincent began his educational journey at Ventura College in Fall 2020 and graduated in Spring 2022. During his time there, he got involved with the campus community and developed a strong interest in helping others.

He started his professional career as a Student Worker in the Counseling Department, where he provided support to students and staff. His dedication and passion led him to become a Communications Assistant at The Compass Welcome Center. Now, he’s a Student Services Assistant, focused on guiding students as they navigate their college experiences and pursue their goals.

Outside of work, Vincent loves poetry. He frequently performs at slams and open mics, sharing his creative side with others. He also teaches through California Poets in the Schools, encouraging young people to find their own voices in writing. Currently, he’s continuing his education at California State University Northridge (CSUN), where he continues to pursue his academic and career aspirations.

Mark Huff joined The Welcome Center team as a Student Services Assistant in July 2024. A Ventura native, Mark is a well-seasoned graduate of Ventura College, holding multiple degrees: an Associate of Science in Health Sciences, an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in Psychology, and an Associate of Arts in Behavioral Sciences.

With a robust background in education, Mark has developed expertise in social and behavioral sciences, biological sciences, and social justice. His comprehensive understanding of these fields has been instrumental in his various roles, allowing him to approach student services with a well-rounded perspective. Mark has made significant contributions, most notably serving as the Associated Student Body President of Ventura College during the 2023-2024 academic year. In this role, he championed initiatives for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, advocating for underrepresented students on both state and national platforms. He also led a menstrual equity project that improved access to menstrual products and raised awareness about student health issues.

Currently, Mark is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Freedom and Justice Studies at CSU Channel Islands. His professional career goal is to become a Vice President of Student Affairs in Southern California, where he aims to reform higher education for community college students and enhance access to higher education for low-income communities.

In his role as a Student Services Assistant, Mark assists students in navigating the application and registration processes and leads special projects, including curating specialized tours for Career and Major Communities. Outside of work, Mark enjoys watching horror films, eating comfort foods and attending festivals with his close friends.

Liliana is a second-year biology student at Ventura College, where she is working toward earning a bachelor's degree in cellular and molecular biology. Her long-term goal is to pursue a PhD and engage in groundbreaking research on gene therapies. She is deeply passionate about helping her peers succeed academically and is actively involved in campus organizations, including the Transfer Student Organization. Through these clubs, Liliana helps students navigate the complexities of their educational journeys, offering guidance on everything from applications to class registration. She understands firsthand how overwhelming it can be to have a goal in mind but feel lost in the maze of steps needed to achieve it. Whether it’s helping students make sense of the application process or providing support in planning their academic schedules, Liliana is committed to easing the burden for others. Her goal is to make the path toward higher education a little less intimidating, and she is always happy to assist students in any way she can to help them feel confident about their academic success.