Center for Community Engagement

LEAD California Community Engagement Collective

A group of five people posing on stage in front of a large screen that reads "LEAD California," with two seated on chairs and three standing behind them.

About LEAD California

LEAD California is a powerful collective of colleges, universities, and communities providing capacity, training, and fellowship for civic and community engagement. Through its programs, it invests in advancing and expanding participation for a healthy, just, and democratic society. Cal Poly Pomona is a proud member of this diverse coalition committed to higher education’s civic purposes. Formerly known as California Campus Compact, LEAD California bridges public service, student involvement, and campus-community partnerships for a sustainable future.

Community Engagement Resources for Faculty and Staff

LEAD California’s resources include new program development, grants, professional development for scholarly work and research, campus strategy, and integration of community-engaged teaching and scholarship in promotion and tenure. Dissertation Dish webinars, featuring quality emerging research in service learning and community engagement, have a become a popular resource for engaged faculty and professionals. For more info about Cal Poly Pomona’s membership with LEAD California, contact cce@cpp.edu.

Three women standing on an outdoor balcony, smiling with a scenic backdrop of trees and buildings in the distance.

Community Engagement Fellows

Paulson Cheng wearing glasses and a black polo shirt, smiling against a blue background.

Paulson Cheng
Major: International Business and Marketing

Paulson Cheng is a senior studying International Business and Marketing at Cal Poly Pomona. Expected to graduate in December 2024, he currently works at the university’s Center for Community Engagement as academic internships coordinator. He has experienced community engagement through service-learning courses, including working with community partners to destigmatize public services and promote community-based goals through social media marketing campaigns. In addition to his university experiences, he serves as a water polo coach for a 10-and-under girls' team, encouraging them to shatter the glass ceiling. Paulson is eager to work alongside other Fellows as well as his community.

Yna Gatpandan a young woman with long black hair in an off-shoulder black top, smiling in a cozy room with plants and warm lighting.

Yna Gatpandan
Major: Communications

Yna Brissel Gatpandan is in her last year as a transfer student at Cal Poly Pomona pursuing a bachelor's in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. She obtained an Associate of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design from Fullerton College. Born in the Philippines, Yna moved to the United States when she was six. As a child, she participated in many school plays and pageants and created costumes with the help of her maternal grandmother. This fueled an interest in creative project management and events. Yna has worked as a community liaison and club leader for Woodcraft Rangers, an after-school program. Being able to help people in need is very important to her. Yna is excited to serve as a project management student assistant for the Center for Community Engagement at Cal Poly Pomona and is honored to be part of California’s LEAD CESF program.