Staff/Contact Info

Center for Service Learning, Internships & Civic Engagement (SLICE)

Classroom Village, Room 500
1000 East Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747

Phone: (310) 243-2438
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Center for Service Learning, Internship, & Civic Engagement

Staff

Photograph of Miami Gatpandan, Program Administrator for the Center for Service Learning, Internship, and Civic Engagement office. Miami Gelvezon-Gatpandan
Program Administrator
(310) 243-2138  
mgelvezon@csudh.edu

Educational Background:

  • B.S. Child Development
  • M.A. Education

About Me:

The narratives of students within this university serve as my inspiration. Growing up in a sizable immigrant family, I find common ground with many of the students here. Witnessing the dedication and passion our students exhibit in serving their communities fills me with pride as a Toro! I firmly believe in the ethos of diligence, enjoyment, and fostering meaningful connections throughout life's journey.

“As the proverb says, ‘Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.’"

Photograph of Francisco Checkcinco, Program Administrator for the Center for Service Learning, Internship, and Civic Engagement office.Francisco Checkcinco
Program Administrator  
(310) 243-2480 
fcheckcinco1@csudh.edu

Educational Background:

  • B.A. in Human Services; Concentration in Mental Health Recovery

About Me:

I am proud to be both a CSUDH alumnus and a beneficiary of the SLICE program. Through firsthand experience, I gained insights into the diverse communities we served, and I seized opportunities for personal growth while contributing to our community's well-being. Now, as a staff member, I am committed to fostering the growth and development of others, inspired by the support and encouragement I received from the SLICE team.

Photograph of Beatty Ramirez, Administrative Support for the Center for Service Learning, Internship, and Civic Engagement office.Beatty Ramirez
Administrative Support  
(310) 243-2438 
bramirez136@csudh.edu

Educational Background:

  • B.A. Human Services

About me:

As a proud graduate of CSU Dominguez Hills, I hold the esteemed title of being an alumnus of Jumpstart for Young Children. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Human Services, I am passionate about collaborating with my fellow Toros and leveraging my experience as a Jumpstart alumnus to contribute to our community. Additionally, I had the privilege of serving as the President of the Native American Indian Association, where I actively worked to promote cultural awareness and support initiatives within the Native American community. 

Photograph of Beatty Ramirez, Administrative Support for the Center for Service Learning, Internship, and Civic Engagement office.Iliana Blanca Sansur
Student Assistant  
(310) 243-2438 
isansur1@csudh.edu

Educational Background:

  • B.S. Biology and Chemistry Minor
  • M.S. Environmental Science

About me:

As a proud first-generation latina, I was drawn to CSUDH for the student diversity and
community involvement, immediately feeling an acceptance and pride for what the campus
provides to local entities. Hearing about, and now being part of the SLICE community, I feel
inspired by the dedication that students have with community service. It is an honor to be part of
SLICE and to be given the opportunities to also give back to fellow Toros and our community
members.

 

DirectorCheryl McKnight
Director Emeritus
cmcknight@csudh.edu

Educational Background:

  • B.A. Anthropology
  • M.A. English
About me: Advocating for our students, community engagement, and the Native American Community is what I love to do the most. It makes me so proud to see how much our students care about their communities and to watch as the students grow confident with the knowledge they gain from their classes—and each other.

Jumpstart

Staff

Photograph of Jessica Ramirez, Jumpstart Site ManagerJessica Ramirez
Jumpstart Site Manager
(310) 243-2739
jumpstart@csudh.edu

Educational Background:

  • B.S. Child Development
  • M.A. Education
About Me: As a former student of CSUDH, I observed the imperative to enhance the quality of life in our local communities. Through Jumpstart, an AmeriCorps program housed in SLICE, I had the privilege to serve my community by mentoring young children in Compton. Even after completing my education at this university, I am thrilled to remain a part of the Jumpstart family and the vibrant CSUDH community. Working here and contributing to our community's needs brings me immense fulfillment. Witnessing our students' dedication as they invest their time and energy into mentoring children, even on Friday nights and weekends, motivates me to persevere. Working at SLICE is truly gratifying because I witness firsthand the compassion of individuals who willingly share their hearts to bring smiles to others. With conviction, I can proudly affirm, "Once a Toro...Always a Toro!"
Photograph of Bridget Nunez, Jumpstart Program Support

Bridget Nunez
Jumpstart Program Support
(310) 243-2739
bnunez18@csudh.edu

Educational Background:

  • B.S. Child Development

About Me: 

As a proud graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills, and an active member of Jumpstart, I am dedicated to giving back to my community and fostering positive change. My commitment to service led me to join SLICE, where I've discovered immense fulfillment in supporting those in need.

My journey with SLICE has been truly inspiring, witnessing firsthand the dedication of individuals striving to make a difference. Whether organizing events, providing guidance, or offering a helping hand, I am grateful for the chance to contribute to the impactful work here.

With a heart for service and a spirit fueled by compassion, I am honored to be part of the SLICE community. Each day brings new opportunities to create a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

 

College Corps

Staff

Photograph of Xavier Pineda, College Corps ManagerXavier Pineda
Manager
(310) 243-3675
xpineda@csudh.edu

Educational Background:

  • B.S. Criminal Justice Administration 
  • Masters Public Administration

About Me: 

As a CSUDH alum, I find great fulfillment in collaborating with our students and the broader CSUDH community. Over the past 13 years, I've been deeply ingrained in the Toro community, witnessing its evolution and the emergence of genuine civic-minded leaders. As a member of #CaliforniansForAll-College Corps, I have the privilege of directly witnessing the growth of numerous students, and I take immense pride in being a part of their transformative journeys.

Photograph of Natalie Gomez, College Corps Associate Manager

Natalie Gomez
Associate Manager
(310) 243-3050
ngomez59@csudh.edu

Educational Background:

  • B.S. Child Development

About Me:

I am a proud graduate of Dominguez Hills, and I also have the honor of being an alumnus of Jumpstart for Young Children. My degree in Child Development with a focus on Family Services perfectly complements my experience with Jumpstart. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with my fellow Toros in our shared endeavors.

Photograph of Sabrina Ponciano, College Corps Program CoordinatorSabrina Ponciano
Program Coordinator
sponiano1@csudh.edu

Educational Background:

  • B.A. Liberal Studies: Early Teaching and Learning

About me: 

As a proud first-generation alumna of CSUDH, I began my journey as a student assistant on campus, which eventually led me to join the College Corps Team. Drawing from my own experiences on campus, I find great fulfillment in collaborating with our fellows as they contribute to the community that has enriched my own life in countless ways.

JusticeCorps

Staff

Photograph of Taylor Watts-White, JusticeCorps RepresentativeTaylor Watts-White
Representative
(310) 243-2438
justicecorps@csudh.edu

About Me: 

As a junior Presidential Scholar pursuing a major in Criminal Justice Administration and a minor in Women's Studies, I employ an intersectional approach to my work. With a blend of comprehensive skills and hands-on experience, I am committed to promoting fairness, legality, and social equity within the JusticeCorps program. Serving as a student leader, I actively engage in collaborative efforts to cultivate an environment that is both inclusive and just, prioritizing the recognition and appreciation of student perspectives. Outside of my responsibilities, you can find me volunteering, studying, or dedicating time to self-care.