Jacqueline Rios

Dedicated Higher Education Professional with 10+ years of experience supporting student success through equity-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices. Skilled in counseling support, crisis intervention, academic guidance, and holistic services for diverse and disproportionately impacted populations—including LGBTQ+ students, undocumented students, Dreamers, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and first-generation learners. Experienced in student retention strategies, restorative approaches, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Currently completing the SDICCCA Regional Fellowship in Continuing Education, strengthening competencies in academic and career counseling, student success planning, and equity-minded professional practice

I am a higher education student services professional with over 10 years of experience supporting diverse community college populations through equity‑centered, trauma‑informed, and culturally responsive practices. I have served in progressively responsible roles at Grossmont College, most recently as an Administrative Assistant III in Counseling & Student Services, where I support counseling operations, provide frontline student support and crisis response, coordinate faculty and administrative processes, manage budgets, and assist with events and retention initiatives. My prior experience includes supporting EOPS/CARE, NextUP, CalWORKs, and other equity‑focused programs, offering direct student services, orientation facilitation, and advocacy for disproportionately impacted students.

In addition to my student services work, I have teaching and facilitation experience as a volunteer instructor, designing and leading community‑based workshops on migration, identity, and storytelling, and as a counseling intern through the SDICCCA Regional Fellowship, where I support equity‑minded counseling and student success planning. My work reflects a strong commitment to student learning, access, belonging, and holistic support.

I hold a Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Counseling in Education from San Diego State University, where I completed master’s‑level training in academic, career, and personal counseling, equity‑minded practice, and trauma‑informed support. I also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences with an emphasis in Sociology from San Diego State University and an Associate of Arts in Social & Behavioral Sciences from Grossmont College. My academic background reflects a strong foundation in social justice, student development, cultural responsiveness, and counseling practice within higher education settings