MESA

MESA Team

The MESA team provides integral support for the MESA student community. Each and everyone one of us wants to support YOU on your academic journey, so don't be shy and get to know us!

Meet the Staff

Jovanah Arrington, MESA Program Coordinator

Jovanah joined Foothill College as the MESA Program Coordinator in September 2023. Prior to this, she was the Athletics Academic Advisor at De Anza College. During this time, she worked closely with student-athletes to support them in meeting their academic and athletic goals. Prior to De Anza, Jovanah interned for UCLA Athletics where she was an Academic Mentor for student-athletes from a variety of teams.

Jovanah has an Associate’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Merced College, and both a Bachelor’s in Education and Master’s in Sociology degree from Cal Poly Humboldt where she was a former Women’s Basketball student-athlete.

Paty Villegas, MESA Counselor

Patricia Villegas (Paty) server Foothill College students as a Counselor for the MESA Program. She is also a MESA Counselor at Mission College and an Adjunct Lecturer at Evergreen Valley College where she provides educational counseling and teaches courses on career planning and study skills. Paty is highly passionate in working with youth and young adults from underserved communities and guiding them with their academic and career goals.Paty’s life mission is to equip and empower students to pivot their mindset, find career fulfillment, and live a life with purpose and intention.

She says, “I recognize the struggle that students experience in identifying their gifts and talents and how to use their strengths in the workforce. I am determined to help them acknowledge their unique traits.” Paty holds advanced degrees from San Jose State University and the University of Southern California in Social Work.

Francesca Mauricio, MESA Counselor

Francesca is a counseling professional, community educator, and student equity advocate who brings heart, humor, and hustle to everything she does. She's a proud Filipina American, Bay Area native, a first-generation college grad, and a product of the California Community College system.

She holds a Master of Science in Counseling (College Counseling with a Career emphasis) and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University. She also earned multiple Associate degrees and Certificates in Philippine Studies and Critical Pacific Islands & Oceania Studies from City College of San Francisco, blending academic excellence with cultural grounding.

She currently serves as the Transfer Counselor/Coordinator at the College of Alameda while also staying deeply connected to the arts through The Homeplace Collective and Yeah, Art!, two Oakland-based organizations uplifting creatives of color. She leads with heart, honors her roots, and shows up every day to help students realize their power—because she knows just how transformative that moment can be.

Oliva Rivera, MESA Administrative Assistant

Oliva Rivera is a first generation college student. Her major is social work. She recently received her AA degree in Administration of justice & social and behavioral science from Mission College. She is still pursuing her BA. Her goal is to eventually get her LCSW. 

 

Leslie Cervantes, Career Development Specialist

Leslie Cervantes serves students as the Career Development Program Specialist for the MESA Program. She is dedicated to supporting students as they explore STEM career pathways, connect with mentors and build skills that prepare them for internships and future opportunities.

She is passionate about creating equitable access to career development and believes every student deserves the tools and confidence to thrive in college and beyond. Her own journey from a career in government to becoming a career empowerment coach fuels her commitment to guiding students as they navigate their personal and professional goals.

Her focus is to help first generation and underserved students identify their strengths, make the most of opportunities and step into careers that inspire them. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Santa Clara University and is dedicated to empowering students to reach their goals and potential. 

Daniel Ramos Mejia, Career Development Specialist