Our Staff
Ana Navarrete (she/her), Program Director
Ana was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico and migrated with her family to the U.S. when she was 9 months old. As a child she lived in San Jose for many years until she moved to Stockton, CA where she attended high school and community college. As a first generation student and also undocumented, navigating higher ed was a very difficult, but through her involvement in the Puente Program and the California Dream Network, Ana was empowered to advocate for institutional support for undocumented students in higher ed. In 2013 Ana obtained a B.A. in Latin American and Latino Studies from UC, Santa Cruz, and since graduating she has continued her work in developing best practices and resources to support the success and graduation of undocumented students in higher ed. During her free time Ana enjoys roller-skating alongside her dog, Tin Tan.
Ernesto Regla (He/Him), Program Coordinator
Ernesto is a proud two-time Spartan with a Master’s in Counseling and Guidance and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from SJSU. Before joining the USRC, Ernesto worked with the Center for Employment Training (CET), where he supported students in exploring education and career opportunities while building partnerships across the San José community. Ernesto and his family moved to the United States when he was two years old, and in 2012, he was fortunate to receive DACA. As a former undocumented student, he understands the stress and uncertainty that many students and their families experience. He is excited to support and connect with students and hopes to be a source of guidance when it comes to financial aid, career exploration, life after college, and more.
