IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Student Equity & Pirates' Promise office has moved to the John R. Clark Center RM 104 (campus map #73).
Student Equity at Orange Coast College is dedicated to creating an equitable and supportive environment where all students, especially those from disproportionately impacted communities, can thrive.
Student Equity works with programs to support students by offering essential resources, peer-driven workshops, and faculty-supported programming. Through this collaborative work, Student Equity aims to remove systemic barriers, foster belonging, and equip students with the skills and opportunities necessary for success in college and beyond.
Contact Us
Office Hours
Fall 2025 Hours
Mon to Thurs, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sat & Sun, Closed
Lupe Tinoco Oliveros (She/Ella)
Equity & Pirates' Promise Specialist
Hi! My name is Lupe and I oversee our. I began my educational journey at Humboldt State University (B.A. in Sociology and Critical Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) and ended at Cal State, Fullerton with my masterrs in Higher Education. This work is so meaningful to me because I am the first person in my family to graduate collegee and I wouldn't be where I am without the individuals and equity-focused programs that supported me along the way. I feel so honored to be in a position where I can pay that forward and support students to achieve their personal, educational, and career goals. In my free time, I like to dive into a good book, catch up on shows and movies, play Sims 4, and try new food recipes that I find on TikTok!
Caleb Aparicio (They/He)
LGBTQIA+ Program Coordinator
Hey folks! I’m the LGBTQIA+ Project Coordinator here at OCC. I am a first-generation college graduate. I began my undergrad journey at Long Beach City College in 2009, but stopped attending a few semesters later, partly due to a family emergency. Having been inspired by my younger sister, I returned five years later in Spring of 2016. I became involved in a few student organizations, one of which was Queer Space, the LGBTQ+ club on campus. That is where my passion to serve the LGBTQIA+ community originated.
I transferred to CSU Long Beach in the Fall of 2018. During my time there, I was the ASI LGBTQIA+ Commissioner and co-founder of the Transgender Empowerment & Action (T.E.A) student organization. I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology, with a Queer Studies minor in 2021 and was fortunate to start working here at OCC in November of that same year. I’m passionate about helping students find their voice and advocating for their needs here on campus.
In my spare time you can find me sleeping till 11am, taking mini road trips or watching TV with my wife, spending time with my family, or geeking out about Superman things.
Cynthia Chavez (She/Ella)
Pirates' Promise Program Specialist
Hello! My name is Cynthia Chavez, and I lead the Pirates’ Promise Program at Orange Coast College (OCC). With a strong commitment to advancing equity in education, I oversee initiatives that support the retention and success of students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand firsthand the challenges students face, and I'm passionate about creating pathways for them to navigate higher education with confidence and a sense of belonging.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chicano/a Studies with a minor in Education from UC Santa Barbara, where I graduated with Dean’s Honors. I continued my journey at California State University, Fullerton, earning a Master of Science in Higher Education. I am dedicated to data-informed approaches, using assessment and analysis to continually improve the effectiveness of our support program, aiming for measurable outcomes in retention and graduation rates.
When I’m not on campus, you can find me baking, playing animal crossing, and hanging out with my pets, Rocky and Mocha. I’m an avid traveler and love all things coffee!