Aliento Community Organization

Lesley Garcia

Co-Chair

My name is Lesley Garcia, and I’m a proud first-generation college graduate. I earned my BA in Psychology with a minor in Cultural Anthropology from California State University, Dominguez Hills—Go Toros! I’m currently in my second year with the Aliento Program and am honored to be serving as this year’s Co-Chair. This is also my second year with the Aliento Community Organization (ACO). Being a part of ACO brings me so much fulfillment, and I’m happy to be able to support my colleagues and community in any way that I can

On a personal note, I love spending time with my partner, Dennis, and our 17-year-old son, Adrian. I’m excited to see how ACO continues to grow this year. Thank you for letting me serve!

Noemi Becerril

Co-Chair

I’m a graduate student at Pepperdine University, pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Psychology with a focus on MFT within Latinx communities through the Aliento program. As a first-generation student with my family from Michoacán, Mexico, I’m passionate about liberation psychology and community collectivism.

In addition to being the co-chair of the Aliento Community Organization (ACO), I’ve contributed to publications on intimate partner violence and cultural diversity in service provision. I’ve also worked in the ABA field for four years, supporting students with moderate to severe learning and behavioral disabilities, and I’m certified as a Domestic Violence Counselor Advocate by the WomenShelter of Long Beach. I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach as the class of 2021.

In my free time, I love gardening and spending quality moments with friends and family. I have also enjoyed volunteering when I can and find ways to connect myself to new people.

I aspire to develop my leadership skills, empower fellow students, and facilitate open discussions on difficult topics. My goal is to promote mental health awareness and foster deeper connections within our community. Let’s advocate for social justice together!

Michelle Garcia Clarke

Wellness Chair

Hello! I’m Michelle, and I’m grateful to be in my second year with the Aliento program. As a proud Salvadoreña and first-generation graduate student, I’m dedicated to paving the way for future generations to access higher education. I work in community mental health across Orange County, where I’m passionate about supporting my clients on their mental health journeys. My mission is to advocate for underserved populations and empower our vibrant multicultural communities. I truly believe that mental health is wealth, and I’m excited to serve as the Wellness Chair, fostering well-being for all.

Anayeli Romero

Academic Chair

Hello, everyone; my name is Anayeli. I’m a proud DACA recipient in my second year of the Aliento program, serving as the Academic Chair. In this role, I’m passionate about supporting my peers' academic success and helping create an empowering learning environment. Being part of the Aliento community has allowed me to grow as a leader and a student. I’m committed to making a positive impact by guiding others and promoting academic excellence. My journey as a DACA recipient has shaped my resilience and determination, and I’m excited to continue making a difference.

Maria Ramirez Lopez

Community Chair

I am Maria Ramirez Lopez, a proud Mexican immigrant and a first-generation college student. Currently, I'm in my second year of the Aliento graduate program. I also have two beautiful children and have been happily married for 12 years. As part of the ACO leadership, I am honored to serve as the Community Chair. In this role, I am excited to work alongside our leadership team to bring valuable resources to our colegas in the Aliento program. I aim to cultivate a sense of belonging within our cohorts, connecting peers to community resources to benefit us all. I'm excited to work closely with our ACO to promote events and programs to further enrich the Aliento student experience. I genuinely believe that our Aliento comunidad is our second familia, where we support one another on this educational journey

"No hay mayor fuerza que el poder de las personas unidas"

-Dolores Huerta

Abril Carrillo

Hola! I am Abril, ACO’s Social Chair. I received my bachelor’s in Psychology & Chicano Latino Studies at CSULB. I am a 2nd year grad student. I’ve been a behavioral technician for 4 years now working with kids on the spectrum.

I’m very blessed to be in Aliento, this program has truly brought such enlightenment to myself personally but also to my career journey.

I’m looking forward to working with the students, en comunidad, and the ACO board to bring resources and support for everyone.

Linka Polanco

Hello, wonderful people! My name is Linka, and I am a first-generation Latinx Asian raised in the U.S. and Japan. I am currently a first-year student in the Graduate School of Psychology and Education (GSEP) at Pepperdine University, working on my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in Latinx Communities.

I am passionate about advocating and creating pathways for the communities that are experiencing a variety of hardships due to the lack of access or knowledge of public resources. I am looking forward to growing as an individual personally and professionally in my graduate career. Cheers!

Delfinio Issac Velasquez

Hello, my name is Delfinio Issac Velasquez. I am currently pursuing an MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, focusing on Latinx communities. My educational background includes a BA in Psychology with a minor in Theology from Biola University.

Before embarking on my academic and professional psychology career, I proudly served in the United States Navy for ten years, from 1999 to 2008. During my service, I achieved the rank of E-7, serving as a Navy Chef in two significant operations—Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

After completing my military service, I transitioned into the real estate industry, where I initially worked as an REO Broker, selling bank-repossessed homes for various banks and assisting management companies. Later, I became a Luxury Broker and eventually ventured into flipping homes, which led me to explore the financial sector.

Despite my success in real estate and finance, I always aspired to return to college and fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a Psychology Doctor (PsyD). My goal is to provide therapy to both Veteran and Latino communities, addressing their unique needs and challenges.

On a personal note, I have been happily married for 24 years and am the proud father of two wonderful daughters, aged 9 and 4. I am excited about the future and look forward to growing and learning alongside every one of you.

Susy Iniguez

I am 100% me. I don't pretend to be anything I am not, and I don't change for anyone. Like it or leave it. I stand up for what I believe in and speak my mind. I am not perfect, I am authentic." I love motivating others and pushing them to be better, Time will pass anyway, so why not work on the life you want instead of dreaming about it!