ElCo Chats

Hosted by El Camino College

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May 2026

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About the show

El Camino College's "ElCo Chats" podcast series shares inspiring stories of student success as told by our own students, alumni, faculty, and staff members. Discover what El Camino has to offer through the experiences of those who achieved their goals or are continuing their journey, and hear from those who helped guide them on a path to success.

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30 recent

May 20, 202633 min

Celebrating 40 years of Puente Project at El Camino College

In this episode of ElCo Chats, Puente Project counselors and co-coordinators Maribel Hernandez and Griselda Castro celebrate a major milestone: 40 years of Puente at El Camino College. Griselda and Maribel share their own journeys as first-generation college students and ultimately the counselors who now guide others along the same path. They talk about what makes Puente work: the cohort model, the integration of counseling and instruction, the mentors who show students what's possible, and the sense of familia that follows Puentistas long after they transfer.

April 22, 202624 min

Take the Leap Into Real Estate at El Camino

Real estate professor John Yeressian and student William Wilson talk about how El Camino’s real estate program helps students learn and prepare for a wide range of careers in the competitive real estate industry. Both had diverse experiences and employment in other areas before they enrolled in the ECC program that encouraged them to challenge themselves and build a sustainable career in an evolving market.

March 25, 202618 min

Building Brotherhood with MOCAN

El Camino counselor Diego Rodriguez and student Reginald Jackson discuss the impact and mission of the ECC Men of Color Action Network. Also known as MOCAN, this network is dedicated to closing achievement gaps, identifying specific challenges students face, building peer-to-peer support, and providing leadership opportunities. As Reginald says, “MOCAN is a brotherhood, a family – not just a resource.”

February 18, 202628 min

El Camino and HBCUs

A dynamic trio of student success Warriors gathered at El Camino to talk about their role in creating a first-ever HBCU transfer guarantee pathway 10 years ago. Elaine Moore, Dr. Regina Smith, and Dr. Helen Young share how the innovative program started at ECC and became a model for the entire California Community Colleges system, increasing opportunities for students statewide to continue their education at an HBCU.

December 3, 202526 min

ECC President Shares First-Gen Experience, Career Journey

El Camino President/CEO Dr. Brenda Thames talks about her experience as a first-gen college student, which guided her career dedicated to helping students succeed. Also sharing the positive impact of mentors who believed in her, she wants students to know that a team at El Camino is ready to help them get where they want to be, from assistance with the higher education process to learning how to get the most out of their college experience.

November 6, 202517 min

Finding Community with Veterans Services at El Camino

When student veteran Daniel Contreras decided to enroll in college after serving in the U.S. Army, he started by taking a walk around El Camino. He found the Veterans Services Office and realized he would not be alone on his academic journey. Through the Veteran’s Resources Center, he found assistance with his education benefits, along with a welcoming community where he is among others with similar experiences.

October 1, 202516 min

Returning to El Camino for New Career

Alexis returned to El Camino for a career change. After earning two degrees at ECC and a bachelor’s degree, she landed a great job in media. Soon, she recognized her passion for working in education. She is back at El Camino pursuing a degree and career in teaching. Her advice to others in the same position? “Switch it if you need to! You want something that's going to bring you a lot of joy to keep you going every day.”

September 3, 202527 min

Level up with Career Services at El Camino

Jason Barquero, El Camino’s dean of workforce readiness & student life, is focused on putting students to work. A big part of this is providing access and opening doors to employment options in all kinds of businesses and industries so students can pursue the career of their dreams. He also shares information about Intern South Bay, ECC’s first signature internship program that launched in summer 2025.

June 12, 202526 min

From Student to Professor at El Camino

El Camino alumna, professor of communication studies and assistant director of forensics Brittany Hubble shares her experiences at the college, with a focus on her involvement with the powerhouse speech and debate team. With her unique perspective as both a student and an instructor, she advises students to experience as much as possible outside of class and get to know others in the college community.

May 29, 202529 min

Building Bridges with the MANA Program

MANA coordinator Mele Makalo and alumna Fine Tuitupou share how the program guides Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian, and Native American students through the college experience, from enrollment through graduation. Community is key, they said – MANA offers a place to call home. Mele added that one-on-one services such as academic and social interactions, career development, graduation/transfer assistance, and mentorship make all the difference. Fine, also a recent UC Berkeley grad, said MANA helped shape her future; she appreciated being a part of a community where she felt seen and heard.

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