West Fresno native Dr. Gloria Ponce Rodriguez has 27 years of experience in various educational settings. She is a proud Alum of Norfolk State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Special Education Dual Psychology, Master of Arts (MA) in Urban Education, Guidance and Counseling both from Norfolk State University. And in 2013, concurred with her Ph.D. from Ecclesia University International. She is furthering her education by pursuing her 2nd Master of Arts in Multilingual and Multicultural at California State University, Fresno.
Currently, she serves as an administrator in the Office of College and Career Readiness at Fresno Unified School District (FUSD). She ensures students have the financial support by completing an accurate Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and serves as a trainer, coach and provides counselors and other educators with the most up-to-date college planning, college resources, and support to help the new cadre of students in the 21st century.
She has committed most of her adult life in preparing first-generation, low-income, underserved, and other students who need help in preparing for higher education. She has received numerous recognitions and awards for her work in the Commonwealth of Virginia and California. Dr. Ponce Rodriguez believes that being there for her families makes all the difference and that ALL students can be successful if they work hard and provided genuine guidance, resources, and support that meets their individual needs. She applies her life experience growing up in a poverty-stricken area to helping students break the cycle of poverty and find access to college success!
Dr. Ponce Rodriguez has one son (Ozzie) and is currently a foster Mom.