Jessica Oest, Editor-In-Chief, Managing Editor, Rio Grande Campus
Jessica Oest was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Her educational and career experience at Arizona State University as a student and professional helped provide the platform to recognize the work needed to remove barriers and strive for equitable education. Before ACC, Jessica worked as a Grant Writer for a local non-profit whose focus is to empower individuals and families in the community with the tools to work towards healthier decision-making, financial stability, and educational success. Jessica continues to carry this mission and work at ACC and in her daily life. Jessica enjoys collaborating in other areas at ACC and the community through research, committees, student mentoring, and outreach. She joined the first version of the magazine in 2018 to have much-needed conversations and connect with the community. Jessica Oest is a Success Coach at the Rio Grande Campus. Jessica has continued to carry this mission and work at ACC. Jessica enjoys collaborating in other areas at ACC through research, committees, student mentoring, and outreach.
Samantha Diwa, Web and Print Design Editor, Assistant Editor, Rio Grande Campus
Samantha Diwa is an Academic Success Coordinator for the College and High School Relations Department and serves as CCM’s Web and Print Design Editor and Assistant Editor. She graduated with a bachelor’s of science in Radio-Television-and-Film and a minor in Educational Psychology in 2021. While studying film fueled her passion for media studies (notably media representation), she pursued educational psychology in order to better understand students she served during college. She is now a graduate student at The University of Texas at Austin studying Higher Education Leadership and Policy.
Samantha joined this magazine in hopes to start and continue conversations around identity and the world around us.
Darrell Merriweather, Features Editor, Eastview Campus
Darrell has served as a student support specialist at ACC since 2014. Darrel has contributed to supporting students and the community in roles within the testing center, student life, community outreach, and academic advising. Darrell finds tremendous joy and fulfillment in assisting people in becoming stellar students, but more importantly, phenomenal people. In addition, Darrell contributes to the success of students and colleagues by serving as a mentor, partaking in civic engagement and community enrichment, and facilitating courageous conversations around healing ourselves, our relationships, and our communities.
Sonia Santamaria, Copy Editor, Highland Campus
Sonia has served as the Coordinator for the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Manufacturing Engineering Technology (BATMET) since September 2024. She brings a diverse background in education, having worked in a variety of roles such as a High School Social Studies Teacher in Mississippi and a Residential Instructor at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. In her free time, Sonia enjoys traveling, playing games, and watching movies with her husband and their three cats.
Jermiah Valdez, Student Voice Editor, Riverside Campus (Hybrid)
is a Student Voices Editor and student at Austin Community College, where he recently completed the Ascender program as an Ascender Scholar. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, his journey through education has been shaped by a deep curiosity about people, stories, and the ways we connect through them. With aspirations of becoming a high school history teacher, Jeremiah is drawn to the power of storytelling both in the classroom and beyond. He sees history not just as the past, but as a living narrative that helps us better understand ourselves and each other. Outside of his academic work, Jeremiah finds meaning in music. Whether playing guitar or sharing songs with others, he views art as a universal language and one that can bridge differences and bring people together. Through his work and creative passions, Jeremiah hopes to create spaces where voices are heard, stories are valued, and community is built through the arts.
Kayla Tesheira, Student Voices Alumni Editor, Remote
Kayla‑Rae “Kayla” Tesheira is a class of 2025 Austin Community College Dance and Drama alum, drawing on a background in acting and dancing to inform her editorial work. She serves as the Student Voices Editor for A Collaborative Culture, ACC’s digital magazine platform that amplifies student perspectives across the district. Kayla manages the magazine’s social media presence and curates content that highlights creativity, community, and collaboration. Her performing arts foundation and passion for storytelling shape the intentionality, visual awareness, and student‑centered approach she brings to her editorial role.
ACC Truth, Community Healing, and Transformation Center, Highland Campus
Thank you to the Truth, Community Healing, and Transformation (TCHT) staff for their support in this publication. For more information about the TCHT Center visit their website at https://students.austincc.edu/truth-racial-healing-and-transformation-center/
ACC Office of Belonging & Purpose, Highland Campus
Thank you to the the Office of Belonging and Purpose for supporting this project and help growing the project across all campuses. A special thanks to LaKisha Barrett for seeing the CCM vision. For more information about the Office of Beloning & Purpose visit their website: https://offices.austincc.edu/belonging-and-purpose/
Community Correspondent Team Coming soon