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UM​​OJA ​​

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UMOJA is designed to increa​se academic success among all students at Norco College with an emphasis on the African-American population. A major key to student success is through fostering a sense of community. Through the linking of academic, social, and cultural offerings, the​program UMOJA​ ​aims to promote student success as well as to develop leadership skills in its members.

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REGISTER FOR A VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION HERE:​​

https://tinyurl.com/umojaNC2021​

UMOJA Village Space flyer

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Umoja Winter and Spring 2024 Courses 

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Transfer/Career Information

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NORCO COLLEGE UM​​OJPROGRAM​ Events Calendar

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UMOJA Peer Mentoring Program​​​


Umoja Peer Mentoring Program


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​UM​​OJA Pictures

UMOJA Pictures Photo Slideshow

​Click on an image to view full size and download!​

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UMOJA students

UMOJA students on field trip at USC

UMOJA Student Transfer Picture 2019

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UMOJA students

UMOJA students

UMOJA students on field trip at USC

UMOJA students at Transfer Center with Natalie Aceves

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UMOJA students at roller skating rink

UMOJA Graduate and Student Success Coach Vyvyana Woolridge

UMOJA students at bowling alley

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UMOJA students with Counselors Sean Davis and Anita Bailey

UMOJA students with Counselor Anita Bailey and Professor Kiandra Jimenez

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UMOJA students

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UMOJA students at ice skating rink

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UMOJA students with Counselor Sean Davis

UMOJA Student at laptop

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UMOJA students at Norco College Commencement 2019

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UMOJA Student Fred studying in PUMA Center

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UMOJA students on field trip at Channel Islands National Park

UMOJA Student at laptop

UMOJA students at Norco College Commencement 2019

UMOJA students on field trip

UMOJA students in classroom

UMOJA students on field trip at Bowie University

UMOJA students at park

UMOJA students in classroom

UMOJA students with Counselor Sean Davis

UMOJA students at bowling alley

UMOJA students on field trip to the snow

UMOJA students in classroom

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UMOJA students with Counselor Sean Davis at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles

UMOJA Student at laptop

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UMOJA Student with Counselor Sean Davis at donut shop

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UMOJA Student reading book in classroom

UMOJA students at restaurant

UMOJA students in CSS-217

UMOJA students at restaurant

UMOJA students on field trip at Lincoln University

UMOJA students at restaurant

UMOJA students in classroom

UMOJA students with Counselor Sean Davis in THTR-101

UMOJA students at UMOJA workshop

UMOJA students with Counselor Sean Davis

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UMOJA Student Nathaniel Ilo and UMOJA Counselors Anita Bailey and Sean Davis at UC Santa Barbara

UMOJA students with Counselor Sean Davis at UMOJA Conference





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UM​​OJA Videos

UMOJA Graduation 2022 (video)




UMOJA Prom 2022 (video)




Welcome Future UMOJA Students (video)




Umoja Peer Mentoring Program (video)




UMOJA Rites of Passage Recap (video)




A Year in Umoja (video)




Umoja Class of 2019 (video)




UCSB & Channel Island College Tour (video)




HBCU College Tour (video)




2019 Umoja Conference (video)




2020 Umoja Black History Month Events (video)




2020 A2MEND Conference (video)




What is Umoja? - Norco Club Rush​ (video)





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FILAMU Club


Our students of color need opportunities to enhance their strengths and interest as they pursue the world of work. FILAMU provides this through community and hands-on experiences to develop in mass media. Our Umoja scholars majoring in mass media and particularly filmmaking have designed a club that focuses on the importance and representation of culturally relevant media productions in the industry. Students in FILAMU will gain essential knowledge and tangible filmmaking skills through workshops and creative projects. The club will offer additional events, with an overall goal to enhance student's career portfolio. If this is of interest to you, please join the FILAMU family!



UMOJA FILAMU Club Flyer

Videos


What is Filamu? - Club Rush Video

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Hours and Location


When are the club meetings? Every Friday, 1:00 p.m.. - 2:00 p.m.
​CLICK THE ZOOM LINK TO JOIN: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/97539465127


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2022-2023​ ​UMOJA​ Student Leadership​ Team


UMOJA​ President: Devean Woolridge

UMOJA​ President: Devean Woolridge
Hey everybody! I am Devean Woolridge and I am the President of Umoja for the 2022-2023 school year. It is my second year at Norco college, and I am a history major with hopes of transferring to CSUF or CSULB. The Umoja program has given me a space in which I can be myself, feel accepted, and reach for academic and personal success. To me this is somewhere where underrepresented students are given the opportunity and resources to succeed in a space or period of their lives where many would otherwise struggle. This concept led to me joining Umoja Leadership, as this mission of success for underrepresented students called to me as I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and give to a community in which I have grown to love so much. A food I do not see myself ever getting tired of, and one I could eat for the rest of my life, would have to be sushi. If I could only bring one thing with me to a deserted island, it would have to be a boat... I am getting off that Island ASAP!


UMOJA​ Vice-President: LEXI JONES!!!
UMOJA​ Vice-President: LEXI JONES

Hi all! My name is Lexi Jones and I am the Vice President of Umoja for the 2022-2023 school year. I am a third year history major here at Norco College! I am planning on going to either UCR, CSUSB or CSUF. The Umoja program has given given me a sense of community and belonging both socially and academically. Umoja has provided me with countless resources to help me become transfer ready as well as getting a few job opportunities too! Being apart of Umoja leadership has given me the chance to be a part of creating a welcoming environment to all our students within the program as they navigate their own path to transfer! A fun fact about me is that I love cheesecake. If I could only bring one thing with me on a desert island it would be my pillow so I can at least sleep good.


UMOJA​ Secretary and Social Media Coordinator: Zehra Kazmi

UMOJA​ Secretary and Social Media Coordinator: Zehra Kazmi

Hi Everyone :) My name is Zehra but a lot of people like to call me Z or Queen Z! I am the current secretary and social media coordinator for Umoja Leadership. I am also a program Assistant and mentor for the club itself. I do my best to stay involved so alongside Umoja I am a student ambassador for the Norco Campus, an EOPS student, a Honors Program student, and a member of Women’s Lean in Circle. I am a second year here at Norco and my major is Political Science. I will be transferring out this year and am super excited to see where I end up. My dream school that I hope to get into is UCLA. The Umoja program has done beyond words for me. My best friends and most trusted peers have all been met through my time in Umoja. I am so sad that these two years have flown by so quickly because everyday that I am here I meet another amazing person. I owe a lot of my academic a personal success to Sean Davis and Vyvyana Woolri​dge. They both worked tirelessly and deserve all the recognition for everything they do. I can’t wait to finish off my year strong and get to know all of our new and future students! A fun fact about me is that I love to take trips to Target, Ulta, and Sephora I do a lot of financial damage but it’s probably my favorite activity. If I could only bring one thing with me on a deserted island it would have to be my tote bag because I could pretty much survive out of it anywhere.


UMOJA​ Treasure Extraordinaire: Ade Turner

UMOJA​ Treasure Extraordinaire: Ade Turner


UMOJA​ ICC Representative: Klutvert "Makia" Tabot

UMOJA​ ICC Representative: Klutvert "Makia" Tabot


UMOJA​ Activites and Community Service Coordinator: Luis Corona 

UMOJA​ Activites and Community Service Coordinator: Luis Corona


UMOJA​ Activities Coordinator: Covey Vitug

UMOJA​ Activities Coordinator: Covey Vitug

Hi everyone! My name is Covey Vitug and nickname I have is “Covey Cov." I am one of the three activity coordinators for the Norco College Umoja for the 2022-2023 academic year. I am a nursing major and I plan to attend CSUF or CSUSB but I am hoping to be accepted to any nursing school. The Umoja program has done so many things for me that I can't count. The faculty has always motivated me to strive for more and accomplish my goal even though the journey is tough. I am thankful for all of the Umoja faculty for being there for everyone and give us great advice for transfer. I met many friends who became like a family to me in the Umoja Program. Having the opportunity to be in leadership has given me the chance to get to know my Umoja family and become a role model. A fun fact about me is I like to take my puppy on walks. 

If I was stranded on an island, I'll bring Prius!​


UMOJA​ Community Service Coordinator: Berenice Acevedo

UMOJA​ Community Service Coordinator: Berenice Acevedo

Hi everyone! My name is Berenice Acevedo and I am a program assistant and community service coordinator of Umoja for the 2022-2023 school year. I am in my second year of college and I am majoring in computer science. Being a part of Umoja has truly helped me open up as a person and meet so many great people and amazing friends. A fun fact about me is that I can draw and film and edit videos. A food I can eat everyday for the rest of my life are red enchiladas. :) If I could take one thing with me to an island I think it would be my sketchbook.

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UMOJA​ Community Service Coordinator:​ Sydney Ross

UMOJA​ Community Service Coordinator:​ Sydney Ross


UMOJA​ Activities Coordinator:​​​ Adonis Dixson

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2021-2022 ​UMOJA​ Student Leadership​ Team


UMOJA​ President: Crystal Gitonga

​​UMOJA​ President: Crystal Gitonga

Hello,

My name is Crystal Gitonga, and I am the 2021/2022 Umoja President.

I am also a student at Norco College majoring in Psychology. I got involved in the Umoja because I saw and admired the family that it is. I wanted to connect with the community of students, I loved the academic resources offered and the opportunity to learn more about African American culture while incorporating aspects of the African diaspora. I grew to be very passionate about Umoja and I got involved in Leadership not only because I have always had a passion for leading, but also because Umoja is my second family, and I greatly wanted to play a part in fulfilling and executing the purpose of this amazing program to the many students in our college as well as those in high school that are looking to enroll at Norco College. Integrating more of the African diaspora into the program through academics, activities and the events that we plan is something that we do, and I would like to work more towards establishing that even further. If I were stranded on a deserted island the one item would I bring is a magnifying glass.

UMOJA​ Vice-President: Vanessa Galvan Varelas

UMOJA​ Vice-President: Vanessa Galvan Varelas

Hey everyone! My name is Vanessa Galvan Varelas. I am a 3rd year Norco College student and the UMOJA Vice President.

Why did you get involved in Umoja Leadership?

I got involved in the Umoja Leadership because I wanted to be a part of a community who encourages, supports, and loves you. I have met amazing people on the team and I am inspired by everyone and their stories. 

What do you hope to accomplish in Umoja Leadership?

I hope to give that loving space that I was given when I joined. Umoja Leadership helped me grow as a leader and I want to be able to reciprocate that to anyone that is interested in joining.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what one item would you bring?

If I were stranded on an island, I would take a water purifier to keep myself from getting dehydrated on the island.

UMOJA​ Secretary: Michael Jimenez

​​UMOJA​ Secretary: Michael Jimenez

Hi everyone!

My name is Michael Jimenez and I am the secretary for Umoja's 2021-2022 school year. I'm an English major in my second year at Norco College and the Umoja program. I wanted to get involved in Norco's Umoja program because I admired the positive effects that I saw the program impart on so many of its alumni. While I'm here, I want to continue building the program and expanding its influence (and the depth of that influence) on students within the program and campus-wide. If I could bring any item with me to a deserted island, I'd bring a guitar.

UMOJA​ Treasure: Yael Jimenez
UMOJA​ Treasure: Yael Jimenez

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UMOJA​ Activities Coordinator: Jomel "MVP" Del Rosario
UMOJA​ Activities Coordinator: Jomel "MVP" Del Rosario
Hi everyone! My name is Jomel Del Rosario and I am the activities coordinator for Umoja 2021-2022 school year. I'm a kinesiology major in my third year at Norco college and the Umoja program. The reason why I wanted to get involved in Umoja leadership was to help guide students through the process of being in college and helping with everything they need to be successful in college- especially resources that help me along the way. While I'm here I hope to accomplish in Umoja leadership to see our fellow students to be happy with their college experience. If I could bring any item with me to a deserted island I'd bring my shoes
UMOJA​ Activities Coordinator: Covey Vitug
UMOJA​ Activities Coordinator: Covey Vitug
My name is Covey Vitug and I am one of the two Student Activities Coordinators for Umoja's 2021-2022 school year. I am a Nursing major and this is my 3rd year at Norco College and I have been in Umoja for almost a year. I wanted to get involved because after hearing how Umoja has impacted my friend Jomel, I wanted to get the same experience and I saw how the Umoja family has impacted students. While I am here, I'd like to be able network with other schools so more incoming students can join Umoja and get the same experience we have. If I could bring any item with me to a deserted island, I'd bring a tent.
UMOJA​ ICC Representative: Brandon "Full Coverage" Smith
UMOJA​ ICC Representative: Brandon "Full Coverage" Smith

Hi everyone!

My name is Brandon Smith and I am the ICC Representative for Umoja's 2021-2022 school year. I'm a Mechanical Engineering major in my third year at Norco College and the Umoja program. I wanted to get involved in Norco's Umoja program because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and gain a social skill to my name. I hope to mold the Umoja code to create a family where anyone can feel at home in the school environment. If I was stranded on a desert island I would probably take my car because I like it.

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Contact Us​


​​​​​​Natalie Aceves
Natalie Aceves
Edu​cati​onal Advisor,
Transfer Center​

(951) 372-7043
Send Email

Natalie Aceves is the Educational Advisor for the Transfer Center​ at Norco College.
Click here to read more
​​​Darnell Bing
Darnell Bing
Counselor, Umoja
(951) 738-7707
Send Email

Darnell Bing has worked in higher education for the past 10 years.
Click here to read more
​​​Sean Davis
Sean Davis
Counselor, Umoja
(951) 738-7707
Send Email

Hello Fellow Mustangs! My name is Sean Davis, and I am thrilled you are joining the Norco College family. Sawubona​!
Click here to read more
​​​​​​Kiandra Jimenez
Kiandra Jimenez, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor,
English

(951) 738-7036
Send Email

Kiandra Jimenez is an Assistant Professor of English at Norco College
Click here to read more
​​​​​​Vyvyana Woolridge
Vyvyana Woolridge
Student Success Coach
(951) 738-7797​
Send Email

Vyvyana Woolridge is​ a Norco alumni, who transferred to CSU Fullerton and earned two degrees, one in African American Studies, and another in Chicano Studies.
Click here to read more