Ashley Fox is here to help in the Student Life and Conduct office. As the assistant director her goal is to get students connected to student organizations, or to help create new student organizations, all of which will enrich their time here at GRCC.  "Getting involved can easily expand your circle of friends, and is a great way to stay motivated about your personal or academic interests, even if you’re still deciding," she says. "Currently I co-advise Student Government and the Garden Club and it is life giving! If you're curious about how to get involved, stop in and we’ll talk!"  Working in the office of Student Life allows Ashley to get to know students for who they are individually and who they aspire to be. She knows that building community with staff and faculty on campus is important for a student's academic and personal development. Ashley attended GRCC right out of high school and was the first in her family to go to college. Everything was new and unfamiliar to her. "I remember feeling pressure to perform well in school while balancing work and family commitments, among other life circumstances," she says. "At the time I didn’t know what college was supposed to be, or feel like, but I knew I loved learning and enjoyed being in downtown, Grand Rapids." At first Ashley did not know what career she wanted to aim for, but she knew what to study, and kept taking classes -- moving towards what gave her energy, while ruling out what was not a good fit. "It didn’t always feel like I was making progress," she says, "but I knew to keep trying." Fortunately, there were staff and faculty who encouraged Ashley to broaden her horizons and try new things on- and off-campus. She is glad she was challenged to step out of her comfort zone. Outside of her self-perceived limits, she experienced job shadowing, working as an intern, volunteering in the community, traveling, researching, and meeting new people via student orgs. Those new experiences helped her consider and discard many career options, and moved her forward on her educational journey. Those experiences also helped her build her community, and gave her a sense of belonging that helped her stay committed to her education. "Fast forward to today, it’s no surprise that my work here on campus is fueled by my own college experiences and the culture of care that is so valued at GRCC," she says. After graduating from GRCC Ashley attended GVSU to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in social and cultural perspectives on education. She continued at GVSU to earn a Master of Education with an emphasis in college student affairs leadership.  Ashley wants students to know that she understands how hard it can be hard to walk into unfamiliar spaces on campus, even when the stakes are low. But she encourages everyone to take the leap, and wants them to know that you have a place in Student Life. "Come in and find a comfortable spot to take a break between classes and to be yourself," she says.

Linda Blandford graduated High School planning to work a job until accumulating a sufficient amount of money to attend a higher education facility without working. Needless to say, life had other plans. Twenty-five years later the opportunity to attend GRCC presented itself. The economy took a down turn, Linda’s job went overseas, and the US Government offered a two-year educational program, the Trade Adjustment Act, run through the local Michigan Works office. That very first day on campus attending classes changed the direction of Linda’s life. After two and a half years of hard work, Linda graduated GRCC as a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Delta Pi Alfa with an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and another one in Business Administration. Due to the friendly atmosphere GRCC presented and family obligations, Linda went to work as a part-time Professional Tutor in the GRCC Business Tutorial & Computer Lab. During this time Linda, also worked in the Math Tutorial Lab and several other part-time accounting positions trying to pick which type of accounting work to pursue. Eventually, Linda joined the Cashier’s Office as an Accounts Receivable Clerk in 2020. Meeting and helping students from very diverse backgrounds succeed, was and continues to be an enjoyable rewarding experience for Linda.

I am here to help you with your academic journey at GRCC. Not sure about your major/program? Not sure about what classes to take? Not sure about where to transfer to after GRCC? Not sure about resources available to you at GRCC? I am here to guide you through all these and more.  Schedule a virtual or in-person appointment Current schedule Monday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  (in-person and virtual appointments) Tuesday: 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. (in-person and virtual appointments) Wednesday: 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. (in-person and virtual appointments) Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (virtual appointments only) Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.   (in-person and virtual appointments) About me Sulari has over 20 years of experience in higher education, most recently at GVSU, working with students who are undecided about their major.  She is dedicated to creating a safe, challenging, and supportive learning environment for students. It is important to her to offer each student the support they need and make them aware of resources available  to achieve their dreams. She earned her BA from Calvin College, her MBA from Western Michigan University and her Educational Leadership Certificate from GVSU. When she is not working, she likes to spend time with her family.  Sulari offers both virtual and in-person appointments.  Please check her schedule based on your preference. If you have a quick advising question, please email Sulari at swhite@grcc.edu .   Please Schedule an Advising Appointment with Sulari White soon! Virtual Office Degrees and Certifications BS in Psychology, MBA and Ed.s

Carrie has been a key member of the Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Information Technology team since 2019. In their role as EA to the Associate VP of IT/Chief Information Officer, and Information Technology Division, Carrie manages office operations, coordinates schedules, conducts research, and supports various tasks to assist the Vice President and division leadership. With an Associate of Business from GRCC, Carrie brings a deep understanding of Higher Education business and operations. They are a subject matter expert within the division, providing vital support in the execution of process and procedure-driven events. Known for their exceptional customer service skills and ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels, Carrie plays a critical role in supporting the Information Technology team in achieving their strategic goals. www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-magnanti

Ell Simpson is a support professional in the Marketing & Communications Department. A key member of the team, Simpson helps tell the stories of students, faculty and staff and of how a GRCC education changes lives. Simpson earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies from Ferris State University in 2017, with an emphasis on Multicultural Relations and Professional Writing as well as a Technical Writing Certificate. A first-generation college student, Simpson has used their talents and the experiences of their personal journey to assist GRCC students through a variety of positions since joining the staff in 2012. Simpson has served as a professional tutor, a Fast Track/On Track facilitator; and a paired reading mentor.

Jackie Araiza started her journey at GRCC as a first-generation college student. Over her 8-year at GRCC, she has contributed her skills to various departments, displaying a commitment to assisting students in navigating the college process. Recognizing the excitement and challenges inherent in choosing a career and navigating college, Jackie invites individuals to reach out, expressing her eagerness to provide assistance. Initially joining as a student employee at the Lakeshore Campus while pursuing her Associates of Arts, which she successfully earned in 2019, Jackie later transitioned to the College Success Center. Continuing her academic pursuits, she transferred to Grand Valley State University, where she obtained her Bachelor's in social work. Subsequently, Jackie took on a role in the Student Financials department. In 2021, Jackie achieved her Bachelor's degree in social work and is presently pursuing her Master's in Clinical Social Work at the University of Michigan. She now serves as the Admissions and Enrollment Coordinator and Lakeshore Campus Lead for GRCC's Lakeshore Campus in Holland, Michigan, Jackie is dedicated to supporting new students in navigating the admissions and enrollment process, bringing her wealth of experience to assist individuals on their educational journey. " Here to Help: First-generation college grad Jaqueline Araiza helps students navigate admissions process " Jackie Araiza inició su trayectoria en GRCC como estudiante universitaria de primera generación. A lo largo de sus 8 años de servicio, ha aportado sus habilidades a varios departamentos, mostrando un compromiso ferviente para ayudar a los estudiantes a navegar por el proceso universitario. Reconociendo la emoción y los desafíos inherentes a la elección de una carrera y la navegación universitaria, Jackie invita a las personas a comunicarse, expresando su entusiasmo por brindar asistencia. Ingresó inicialmente como empleada estudiantil en el Campus Lakeshore mientras perseguía su Asociado en Artes, que obtuvo con éxito en 2019. Más tarde, Jackie se trasladó al Centro de Éxito Estudiantil. Continuando con sus estudios, se transfirió a la Universidad Estatal de Grand Valley, donde obtuvo su licenciatura en trabajo social. Posteriormente, Jackie asumió un papel en el departamento de Finanzas Estudiantiles. En 2021, Jackie obtuvo su licenciatura en trabajo social y actualmente está cursando su Maestría en Trabajo Social Clínico en la Universidad de Michigan. Ahora se desempeña como Coordinadora de Admisiones y Matrícula y Líder del Campus Lakeshore para el Campus Lakeshore de GRCC en Holland, Michigan. Jackie está dedicada a apoyar a los nuevos estudiantes en la navegación del proceso de admisión y matrícula, aportando su amplia experiencia para ayudar a las personas en su trayectoria educativa.