Manager of Student Success, Fowler School of Engineering

Email: [email protected]

BACKGROUND:

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Adena embodies the value of perseverance and community support. She commuted an hour daily in high school to attend Mater Dei High School in Orange County and went on to earn her undergraduate degree and teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach.

EDUCATION:

• BA: California State University, Long Beach
• Teaching Credential: California State University, Long Beach
• Currently: Master's in Organizational Leadership, UMass Global

CAREER INSPIRATION:

"What inspired me to pursue a career in higher education is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students during one of the most important times in their lives. College is a time when students are figuring out who they are, what they want to do in the world, and how they can use their talents to make a difference. Being able to support them during that journey is something that truly motivates me.

I have always been passionate about helping others succeed, and higher education allows me to do that every day. Whether it is guiding students through challenges, celebrating their accomplishments, or helping them find opportunities they may not have realized were possible, it is incredibly rewarding to play even a small role in their growth and success. Working in the Engineering program, I also get to support students who are preparing to solve real-world problems and contribute to innovations that can improve our communities and the world.

Another reason I am inspired by this field is the chance to serve as a role model for both my own children and the students I work with. I want my children to see the value of hard work, education, and dedication. At the same time, I want students to know there are people who genuinely care about their success and are willing to support them along the way."

WHAT DRIVES HER:

"What drives me to be a strong woman in my field and in my day-to-day life is the responsibility I feel to lead by example, for my family, for my children, and for the students I serve. I want my children to grow up seeing what hard work, dedication, and integrity look like in real life. Being a strong wife and mother means showing up every day committed to my family, supporting them, and doing everything I can to create opportunities for them to succeed. My family is my biggest motivation, and they push me to keep growing, working hard, and never settling for less than my best.

I am also driven by the students I work with in the Engineering program. Many of them are navigating challenging academic paths, and I want to be someone who supports, encourages, and believes in them. Being in a leadership role allows me to help create opportunities for students and to remind them that they are capable of more than they may realize. I hope that by showing dedication, resilience, and compassion, I can be a role model not only for my children but also for the students around me.

CHALLENGE OVERCOME:

"One challenge I have faced in my career has been navigating periods of transition and uncertainty within the workplace while still maintaining stability for the students and team I support. In higher education, leadership changes, staffing shortages, and shifting priorities can create an environment where responsibilities increase quickly and expectations continue to grow. During times like this, it can be challenging to balance the workload while also making sure students and colleagues still feel supported.

I overcame this challenge by staying focused on what I could control, showing up every day with a positive attitude, staying organized, and keeping communication open with my team. I also leaned into my leadership skills by stepping up where needed, helping provide stability for our office, and making sure the students we serve continued to have the resources and support they needed to succeed. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the changes, I chose to view it as an opportunity to grow and strengthen my ability to lead during challenging moments.

That experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. It reminded me that leadership is not only about when things are running smoothly, but also about how you respond when things are difficult. By staying committed to my work, supporting my team, and keeping the focus on student success, I was able to navigate that challenge and come out stronger both professionally and personally."

CURRENT ROLE: