Gloria Ponce Rodriguez is a native of West Fresno. Currently, she serves as the District Coordinator for Fresno Unified School District (FUSD). She has committed most of her adult life in preparing first-generation, low-income and underserved students for higher education. Gloria has 24 years experience in education with an extensive background in multicultural outreach, college recruitment, admissions, financial aid, academic advising, public speaking, training, and consulting in preparing students for higher education. Having grown up in West Fresno and living in the #2 City with concentrated poverty in the United States, Gloria learned first-hand the obstacles African American and Hispanic students from poverty-stricken areas face in obtaining an education. She faced many adversities in her young life and dropped out of high school to work and help her mother raise her siblings. She later came to conclusion that education is the only way out of poverty. Gloria enrolled in a program and received a General Educational Development (GED). Years later she moved to the east coast and landed a job at Norfolk State University (NSU) a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Norfolk, VA. She also enrolled into NSU as a full time student, worked full time, and maintained a household as a single parent of a special needs child who she adopted at one day old. She obtained both her Masters and Bachelors in 5 1/2 years. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Special Education dual Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Urban Education, Guidance and Counseling. She held many positions at Norfolk State University such as the Enrollment Student Services Supervisor and Associate Director of Admissions. She too, is a first generation graduate. She graduated with honors and is a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Recently, she obtained her Ph.D. from Ecclesia University of Divinity, International. Gloria has helped thousands of students realize the importance of pursuing a college education. A few highlights was being appointed to are serving on seat #6 for Governor Mark Warners Virginia Latino Advisory Commission (VLAC) for the Commonwealth of Virginia, nominated to serve for four consecutive years to the Senate Hispanic Leadership Summit on Capitol Hill by Members of Congress, Board member for both the Black College Expo and Foundation, Founder of College Remedies 4U, recognized as 100 influential Women in the San Joaquin Valley by Business Street Magazine, serves as Vice Chair for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Fresno Chapter, selected for the FAFSA Completion Pilot Project under the Secretary of Education for FUSD. She has also served on other numerous boards, panels, and committees as well as received numerous awards, recognitions, and appointments throughout her professional career in Virginia and California
Her greatest accomplishment was when she adopted her son Ozzie as an infant
Received my Ph.D. in July 2013 from Ecclesia University of Divinity in Administration and Organization.
Received the African American Cultural Museum Afro Award for 2012 Women's History (HerStory) Month and other recognitions and awards
Served on the FAFSA Completion Pilot Project under the Secretary of Education and Federal Student Aid as one of twenty school district in the U.S.
Most Memorable Moment:
Working for Norfolk State
High School: Edison High School in Fresno, CA
class of 1975
District Coordinator for Secondary Education|
Fresno Unified School District and CSU, Fresno
From December 2008 to Current • 18 year(s)
Plans and coordinates college preparation programs, conducts training workshops, and serves as Director for the FAFSA Completion Pilot Program under the Secretary of Education.
Program Manager|
SJVHC (California Poison Control System)
From October 2005 to August 2008 • 3 year(s)
Planned and directed poison prevention programs for 8 counties in San Joaquin Valley, conducted presentations and workshops to promote poison awareness.
Assistant Director of Admissions & Director of Multicultural Outreach|
Norfolk State University
From August 2000 to May 2005 • 5 year(s)
Developed multicultural strategic recruitment plan, increased admission applications by 30%, and counseled students on academic and career development.
Enrollment Student Services Supervisor|
Norfolk State University
From January 2000 to August 2000 • 0 year(s)
Managed daily activities in the Office of the Registrar, evaluated transfer credits, and supervised staff performance.
Program Support Technician|
Norfolk State University
From December 1992 to January 2000 • 8 year(s)
Registered students, administered entrance and exit interviews for federal/state student loans, and maintained departmental budget for General Student Financial Services.
Resale Service Assistant|
University of San Diego
From February 1989 to September 1992 • 3 year(s)
Conducted information sessions for enrollment on 3rd party phone service, answered student billing inquiries, and assisted with multicultural activities on campus.
