Meet the Commuter Life Team

 
Eunice Flores

Eunice Flores

Assistant Director
[email protected]

Eunice Flores serves as the Assistant Director for the Center for Commuter Life. Originally from Chula Vista, her transformative college experience is what led her to pursue a career in higher education. Eunice is a proud two time alumna of SDSU receiving a bachelor's in Psychology and a master's degree in Educational Leadership. Eunice has held various positions at SDSU for the past 9 years. She served as Lead Coordinator in the Office of New Student Orientation, welcoming thousands of new students and families and led a full day Spanish parent orientation program. She held a position as a Career Counselor at SDSU Career Services where she served students in the College of Arts of Letters and Professional Studies & Fine Arts with their career development. In her role now as Assistant Director for the Center for Commuter Life she supports initiatives and efforts that contribute to commuter success. Eunice has developed and maintained working relationships with many campus partners across campus to support Student Success Pathways, mentoring and workshops. As a former commuter student herself she understands the commuter experience and is dedicated to helping commuter students thrive during their time at SDSU.

Helen Ma

Helen Ma

General Advisor and Retention Specialist
[email protected]

Helen Ma serves as a General Advisor and Retention Specialist at San Diego State University. Helen is a San Diego native. She attended San Diego State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration as well as her Masters of Arts degree in Postsecondary Educational Leadership.

In her role, Helen serves first year, second year and transfer commuter students through various mentoring programs. She also programs and develops events for the Commuter Resource Center to promote commuter student engagement. Helen is very passionate about connecting students to all that SDSU has to offer. Outside of Commuter Life, Helen advises Sigma Alpha Zeta, a multicultural sorority on campus. When she isn’t working, she loves to workout, cook and shop at Costco.

Sarah Mercado

Sarah Mercado

General Advisor and Retention Specialist
[email protected]

Sarah Mercado is a General Advisor & Retention Specialist at San Diego State University and a two-time alumna of SDSU. While commuting to campus, she earned her bachelors in sociology and masters in educational leadership from SDSU. Sarah has worked in several roles on campus, including serving as an academic advisor for both graduate and undergraduate students in the Fowler College of Business. She is committed to helping students meet their academic goals through caring and inclusive advising. As a native San Diegan who grew up in Chula Vista, Sarah comes from a long line of Aztecs. Her grandfather attended SDSU in the 1930’s, her father in the 1960’s, and her sister in the 1990’s. When she is not at work, Sarah enjoys hanging out with family and friends, enjoying delicious food, and reading.

Heather LaPerle

Heather LaPerle

General Advisor and Retention Specialist
[email protected]

Heather LaPerle is a General Advisor and Retention Specialist in the Center for Commuter Life at SDSU. She is a proud double alumna having earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Masters of Arts degree in Postsecondary Educational Leadership. Heather has worked in several areas at SDSU including Fowler Center for Student Success, Career Services, and the Compact Scholars Program. Heather is dedicated to helping students actualize their goals while they explore their passions. Outside of work, Heather loves attending SDSU basketball games, theater, hiking, backpacking and fundraising for Make-A-Wish.

Vince Palou

Vince Palou

General Advisor and Retention Specialist
[email protected]

Vincent Palou is a General Advisor and Retention Specialist at SDSU and an SDSU alumni. He holds a bachelors in Integrated Marketing Communications and a Masters of Science in Strategic Communications and Public Relations. As a first-generation college student, he was inspired to explore a career in higher education and help others in need of navigating the college experience. Starting his career as a student worker, Vince has worked in higher education for over 15 years with experience in various roles in enrollment services, admissions, counseling and outreach, the Office of the Registrar, and has also served as part of a scholarship committee for transfer students. He aims to empower his students through a developmental advising approach to help them build self-sufficiency and autonomy. Outside of work, Vince works as a personal trainer at the YMCA and enjoys music, boxing, and reading in his free time.

Itzel Estrada

Itzel Estrada

Commuter and Transfer Success Coach
[email protected]

Itzel is currently serving as the commuter and transfer student success coach at the Center for Commuter Life. She earned her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Social and Behavioral Science from Cosumnes River College in Sacramento. She then went on to earn dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in American Studies and Sociology from the University of California, Davis.

Itzel is passionate about leadership, well-being, popular culture, and all things media. Beyond work, she enjoys going to the movie theaters, tuning into self-empowerment podcasts, or out and about exploring the beauty of California.

Bri Voss

Bri Voss

Assistant Coordinator for Commuter Life and New Student and Family Programs
[email protected]

While at Long Beach, Bri started as a student leader with Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration under New Student and Family Programs where she stayed for four years. Working as a student leader is how Bri realized her passion for student affairs and being able to help guide students throughout their academic journey. After graduating, Bri transitioned into a professional staff role as an office coordinator in the Teacher Preparation Advising Center at Long Beach where she continued engaging with students in a more advisory role. Outside of work, Bri loves reading, going to hockey games, hiking, and spending time with her cat, Mr. Handsome.

Idabelle Gutierrez

Idabelle Gutierrez

Administrative Support and Budget Coordinator
[email protected]

Idabelle Gutierrez is an administrative support and budget coordinator for Student Life and Leadership at SDSU. She is originally from the Bay Area where she earned her Associate of Arts for Transfer in Psychology at Skyline Community College. She then pursued her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at San Francisco State University. Recently in 2023, she earned her Master of Arts in Human Resource Management at National University.

Although Idabelle is not a SDSU Alumni (yet) or works directly with student needs, she is passionate and committed to SDSU's mission. As a first-generation Latina college student, she understands the importance of high-quality education. Outside of work, Idabelle is a servant leader who is heavily involved with various not-for-profit organizations and believes in the power of giving back to her community.

Citlali Yañez Sanchez

Citlali Yañez Sanchez

General Advisor and Retention Specialist
[email protected]

Citlali Yañez Sanchez (she/her/ella) is a General Advisor and Retention Specialist in the Center for Commuter Life at SDSU. Citlali is originally from Washington where she earned a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish from the University of Washington and a Masters of Arts in Student Development Administration from Seattle University. After graduating in June of 2023, Citlali moved to San Diego to continue her professional career in higher education. Citlali previously served as the Coordinator in the Office of New Student and Parent Programs at SDSU where she was able to support new students and their families.

As a first-generation Latina, Citlali is passionate about serving underrepresented communities and supporting students in navigating the higher education systems. Citlali is excited to be part of the Center for Commuter Life where she will continue supporting the students at SDSU through advising and programming. 

In her free time, she loves to travel, explore San Diego, try new coffee shops, and spend time with friends and family. 

Commuter Life Mentors and Student Assistants are Here to Support You!

Get in Touch

For general inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

Center for Commuter Life

Aztec Student Union, 2nd Floor, Suite 210
*Check In at the front desk required

Center for Commuter Life

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.