Celebrating outstanding achievement in advising and student services within the Division of Equity and Inclusion

November 27, 2023

Recognizing leadership and commitment to student success

We are thrilled to recognize the exceptional contributions of our staff members within the Division of Equity and Inclusion, who have been honored with the prestigious 2023 Advising and Student Services Awards. Their dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for students has had a profound impact on our campus community.

This year’s Equity and Inclusion awardees include:

Headshot of Diana Lizarraga

Diana Lizarraga, Mary Slakey Howell Excellence in Advising and Student Services Award

Diana Lizarraga, Cal NERDS Executive Director and Division of Equity & Inclusion Director of STEM Equity & Success, has been acknowledged with the esteemed Mary Slakey Howell Excellence in Advising and Student Services Award

Diana's relentless dedication to fostering a sense of belonging for students and guiding them toward their dreams has made a profound impact on the Cal NERDS community. Her empathetic approach and genuine care have inspired countless students, shaping their academic journeys and bringing their aspirations closer to reality. Several Cal NERDS students have shared their appreciation for Diana’s care and commitment, including Gabriela C.: “On a campus so large and so competitive Diana fostered a sense of unity and congregation. Inside the Cal NERDS space, everyone came together as students with the same goal and that was to be successful…Never before did I feel so taken care of in a campus space. Diana knew my name, my major, my career goals, and my entire group of friends. Most importantly she knew how overwhelmed I felt being a first-generation student pursuing a career in medicine… Ultimately she is the person I told my parents about when they were worried I did not have a support system on campus. Despite her long commute Diana always made sure to be the last to leave and the first to arrive to ensure all her students were taken care of.” 

The Mary Slakey Howell Excellence in Advising and Student Services Award is a tribute to exceptional staff performance, emphasizing remarkable contributions to student support and advising at UC Berkeley. Named after the esteemed Berkeley alum, Mary Howell, the award commemorates her remarkable legacy as a compassionate advisor and a visionary leader in student services. Mary's unwavering commitment to student well-being continues to inspire and shape the ethos of excellence in advising at our university.

Congratulations, Diana Lizarraga, on this wonderful achievement.

Headshot of Camille Simsuangco

Camille Simsuangco, Outstanding New Advisor or Student Services Staff

Camille Simsuangco, Undocumented Student Program Counselor at the Undocumented Student Program (USP), has been recognized for her outstanding service as the recipient of the Outstanding New Advisor or Student Services Staff Award. Camille's compassionate and dedicated support has been a guiding light for students navigating their academic journeys.

Congratulations, Camille Simsuangco, on this deserving recognition.

Headshot of Jan Carmelo Bautista

Jan Carmelo Bautista, Outstanding Advisor or Student Services Staff

Jan Carmelo Bautista, Assistant Director of Degree Completion Pathways at the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), has been honored with the Outstanding Advisor or Student Services Staff Award. Jan's commitment to empowering students and fostering a nurturing environment has significantly contributed to the success and well-being of our student community.

Thank you, Jan Carmelo Bautista, for your continued dedication to our students and congratulations on this achievement.

"We are incredibly proud of the impactful work and dedication shown by Diana Lizarraga, Camille Simsuangco, and Jan Carmelo Bautista. Their commitment to fostering a supportive and transformative environment has been so important in shaping the experiences of our students, shared Vice Chancellor of Equity and Inclusion Dania Matos. “These recognitions are well-deserved, and we celebrate their achievements wholeheartedly." 

Learn more about the 2023 Advising and Student Services Award Recipients and share words of gratitude and thanks to Diana, Camille, and Jan Carmelo through this 2023 Kudoboard