The ASPIRE Program at Golden West College is a community dedicated to uplifting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. Rooted in cultural pride and student empowerment, ASPIRE provides tailored support to help students thrive academically, grow as leaders, and connect with their heritage. From personalized counseling and leadership development to impactful workshops, cultural celebrations, and community field trips, ASPIRE creates a powerful sense of belonging and purpose. We are more than a program — we’re a movement building the next generation of empowered AANHPI scholars and leaders of tomorrow.
Fall Kickoff Tabling (Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM | Student Union): Stop by to meet the ASPIRE team and learn about our upcoming programs and opportunities for the school year.
ASPIRE LEAD Orientation Training (Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | SSC 2450): A welcome and training day for our ASPIRE LEAD cohort to build community, review responsibilities, and prepare for the year ahead. Lunch provided.
ASPIRE Back to School Luau (Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Quad): Join us for a festive welcome-back celebration with food, music, games, and a chance to connect with the AANHPI student community.
Tea Talk Tuesdays (Weekly starting August 26, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | LA 105): Weekly community building and wellness space with cultural, professional, and personal development topics, plus snacks and conversations with ASPIRE peers.
Autumn Moon Festival – Tết Trung Thu (Friday, September 26, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Location TBA): Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with cultural booths, food, games, live performances, and a lantern procession for students and families.
https://crm.cccd.edu/register/gwc_midautumnfestival25
Thanksgiving Around the World (Thursday, November 20, 2025 | Time 11 AM - 1 PM | Location Student Union): A cross-cultural celebration of global gratitude traditions with food tastings, student stories, and interactive booths. Collaboration with UMOJA, Internation Student Program, Golden Pride, and ASPIRE
https://crm.cccd.edu/register/gwc_thanksgiving2025
Cultural Christmas Celebration (Monday, December 8, 2025 | Time 1 PM - 3 PM| Location MPR 100): Enjoy a festive gathering with karaoke, white elephant gift exchange, snacks, and DIY holiday crafts celebrating AANHPI cultural traditions.
Leadership Development: Train students to lead ASPIRE initiatives and serve as peer role models.
Professional Skill-Building: Equip students with practical experience in public speaking, project management, and teamwork.
Cultural Empowerment: Ground leadership in students’ AANHPI identity and heritage through reflection and storytelling.
Campus Engagement: Strengthen student connection to ASPIRE, GWC, and community partners.
Cohort Bonding: Build a learning community that fosters accountability, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
Biweekly Leadership Workshops: Focused on event planning, communication, cultural identity, and career/transfer readiness.
Event Support & Outreach: Assist with ASPIRE event logistics, lead small group activities, and help with tabling and promotion.
Mentorship & Peer Leadership: Serve as peer mentors and role models during ASPIRE programs.
Capstone Project: Co-lead a project or campaign tied to identity, wellness, or student success.
Campus Resource Connections: Engage with services like Basic Needs, Mental Health, and Public Safety to support student well-being.
Meet your Program Coordinator
Jolynna Dang (she/her)
My name is Jolynna Dang, and I am the ASPIRE Program Coordinator at Golden West College. I was born and raised in Orange County and completed my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at UC Irvine. I am currently pursuing my Master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Policy at UC Riverside. As a proud Vietnamese American, I love learning more about my culture and those of others. I am passionate about creating a sense of belonging for all of our AANHPI students, and I hope to build a strong community through the ASPIRE program. My goal is to ensure that each student feels supported, empowered, and encouraged during their time at Golden West College. I’m always open to feedback and ideas—don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything or want to collaborate on meaningful events and initiatives!
Contact me: jdang73@cccd.edu
Days & Hours
Monday – Thursday
8 am – 4 pm
ASPIRE Counselor
Sabrina Nguyen (she/her)
My name is Sabrina Nguyen and I am the part-time ASPIRE counselor! I was born and raised in Orange County and am a first-generation college student. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Sociology and a Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Student Development in Higher Education (SDHE) at CSULB. As a first-generation Vietnamese-American, I am passionate about serving the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. It is important for me to create a safe environment for students so that they can feel supported throughout their time at Golden West College. I believe in the importance of community and I hope to bring that into the ASPIRE program as I build this community with our students. I welcome any students into my office and would love to collaborate with you all to make meaningful events, services, and traditions.
Contact me: tnguyen3839@cccd.edu
Days & Hours
Tuesdays– Wednesdays
8:30 am – 5 pm
Need an Appointment:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
8:30 am - 5 pm
Contact the GWC Counseling Office to book an appointment with Sabrina.
Phone:
(714) 892-7711 ext. 58119
