Student Highlights
Ayana Fields
As an undergraduate student-athlete at Cal Poly Pomona, I had the unique opportunity to excel both on the track and in the classroom. My journey in kinesiology began after frequently spraining my ankle during my youth, which sparked a deep interest in understanding the body’s incredible capabilities. This passion was further nurtured at CPP, where I immersed myself in the study of human movement and exercise.
During my time at Cal Poly Pomona, I achieved significant milestones, including being a 16-time All-American track and field athlete, setting multiple school records, and earning the title of CCAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. I was also a three-time Conference Champion, among other accolades. These accomplishments not only showcased my potential on the track but also drove me to excel academically and personally. The unwavering support and countless opportunities provided by CPP were pivotal in my decision to pursue a Master’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology at CPP.
In the Master's program, I’ve developed a profound passion for research, particularly in exploring the transition experiences of student-athletes moving beyond college. This interest has deepened my understanding of both the research process and the unique challenges faced by athletes. My ultimate goal is to become a physical therapist and a professional athlete, blending my love for sports with a commitment to helping others achieve their physical potential.
Carlos Callejo III
From the Classroom to the Community: History and Activism
When I entered the graduate History program at Cal Poly Pomona (CPP), my goal was to sharpen and deepen my skills as a historian. I sought to become a better editor, develop self-critique skills, and learn how to effectively analyze and present complex historical texts. Thanks to being in the pre-credentiaI History program at CPP as an undergrad, I was not being introduced to these concepts for the first time. Instead, I was building on my existing knowledge, honing my skills, and deepening my understanding of the field. Intersectionality and class analysis in history was a particular passion of mine, and my supportive professors in the program allowed me to explore how different schools of history could and should intersect. Success in grad school required building strong relationships with my cohort members. Drawing on my experience in labor organizing and on-campus political organizing, I knew the value of diverse perspectives in overcoming academic challenges. Collaborating with peers who brought different analyses, such as environmental studies or disability studies, enhanced my research and writing.
Another important aspect of my time at CPP was on and off-campus political organizing. I took CPP’s motto of “Learn by Doing” to heart and sought to activate a culture of political organizing on campus that did not exist before. I co-founded a chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) where our work varied from helping a local tenants right coalition called Pomona United for Stable Housing (PUSH) win emergency rent control in Pomona during the COVID pandemic to support faculty, sanitation workers, and Teamsters during their contract negotiations. Once more activist clubs and campus organizations began to be established, I co-founded a student coalition called the Bronco Justice Coalition, a place where students can engage in a transparent, democratic, and open space for political organizing and activism.
Today, as a community organizer and nationally elected leader of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and YDSA, I apply the refined skills and historical knowledge I gained at CPP to empower workers and advocate for social justice. My journey from history student to community organizer is a testament to the powerful “Learn by Doing” ethos of Cal Poly Pomona and its amazingly supportive faculty and staff.
Taneshi A. Noel
Growing up in the High Desert, where academic opportunities and healthcare resources are limited, I was driven to seek a path that would allow me to make a significant impact in my community. My journey led me to Cal Poly Pomona, where I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Agriculture with an emphasis in Nutrition Science. Balancing my studies with a full-time staff role at CPP while pursuing graduate school has been a challenging but rewarding journey, allowing me to contribute to student success while advancing my own academic and professional goals. The LOGRAR programs offered by the Graduate Resource Center at CPP have significantly contributed to my academic, professional, and personal development by providing me with valuable pedagogical skills, enhancing my leadership abilities, and fostering a deeper understanding of student-centered learning. My journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to nutrition and advocacy, which drives my aspirations for the future. I aspire to become a Registered Dietitian, using my expertise to influence public policy and advocate for equitable nutrition care and resources for marginalized groups that experience health disparities. Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy spending time with family, soul line dancing, and exploring afternoon tea offerings at various tea houses.
Charisma Byrd
A Homecoming Journey: From Student to Educator
Stepping back onto the grounds of Cal Poly Pomona (CPP), my alma mater, feels like a heartwarming embrace from the past. The path from student to educator was not a role I initially anticipated but has proven to be an organic extension of the transformative years I spent here, both as a track and field student-athlete and later as a determined graduate.With two CPP degrees (B.S. in Exercise Science (class of ’21) and M.S. in Exercise Physiology ( class of ‘23) in hand, I ventured into the field of biomechanics, achieving milestones on and off the track. Yet, amidst the professional success, the memories of my time as a student remained vivid, and the support I received from my professors and coaches remained unforgettable.Now, I'm back in familiar classrooms, this time as an instructor. I am a temporary lecturer for the Kinesiology and Health Promotion (KHP) department, having now taught a range of courses including biomechanics labs, exercise physiology labs, and weight training activities. My connection with the students was instantaneous, and I realized that my journey had come full circle. By blending real-world experiences into the classroom, I aim to make complex subjects digestible and kindle the flames of curiosity. The engaging teaching style I developed is a blend from my favorite KHP professors and the many lessons I've learned since. Reflecting on this journey, I'm grateful to guide a new generation of students at CPP as a Black/Latinx female in STEM. Each student's success reaffirms my decision. In their eager faces, I glimpse my own aspirations. My future goal remains to obtain my PhD in the near future. These experiences often motivate me in my active pursuit of doctorate-level higher education. From student to educator, my journey echoes the enduring legacy of Cal Poly Pomona. As I inspire future generations, I carry its impact with pride. Go Broncos!
Angelica L. Cardona
I am a proud Master of Business Administration Spring 2023 graduate from the Singelyn Graduate School of Business at Cal Poly Pomona. Entering into the academic field of Business seemed intimidating at first, as I had a different background in Organizational Communication, B.S., however it proved to be the best decision I could make as these programs complimented each other nicely! The program brought on an array of challenges through its rigorous curriculum. Yet, it was the process of overcoming these challenges and gaining profound knowledge about the business field that has significantly expanded my career opportunities – a reward that's immeasurable. The stress, countless hours of studying, and at times sleepless nights were all investments that bore fruit in the form of new skills and insights. Balancing these demands demanded effective time management, a skill that proved essential in staying on top of assignments and study materials. But my dedication to excellence, coupled with unwavering support from those around me, fortified my efforts. This enabled me to not only complete the MBA program in a mere year and a half while simultaneously working, but to excel beyond expectations. I would say that one of the most rewarding aspects of the MBA experience was the diverse student body. Interacting with peers at different career stages illuminated the multitude of opportunities within the business field, fostering connections and insights that broadened my perspective. I am excited to embark on a career in the management field, where I can apply the comprehensive knowledge and skills I've gained from my MBA to drive innovation and success in dynamic business environments. To current and future students, I say: embrace every challenge, seek guidance, and cherish the invaluable connections you'll forge. Your journey is unique, but you're never alone.
Anuj Gupta
I am Anuj Gupta, an international student hailing from India and an alumnus of Cal Poly's Singelyns Graduate School of Business. My academic journey led me to the successful completion of a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program, meticulously crafted to endow us with the indispensable proficiencies in data analysis, insightful inference drawing, and informed decision-making.Rooted in the values of humility, respect, industriousness, and bravery that my family instilled in me, I take immense pride in my remarkable voyage. My cultural background enriches my approach, seamlessly merging conservative and modern analytics strategies, which I've had the privilege to share within our academic community. Collaborating with an eclectic and accomplished cohort, encompassing diverse origins and perspectives, has been transformative. The collective exchange of wisdom has not only fostered mutual learning but also honed our collaborative aptitude and interpersonal adeptness.A crowning experience was the capstone project, wherein I delved into the intricacies of "Bull and Bear Market; Good and Bad News: Asymmetric Volatility Spillover Effects." This significant work is now available for reference on the CPP library platform. My Bronco association has furthered my growth, affording me invaluable opportunities such as insightful visits to the Ontario International Airport and the Long Beach Container Terminal.As an esteemed CPP alumnus, I stand poised to embrace forthcoming prospects in the realm of business analytics with enthusiasm and preparedness.
