Umoja
Are you an African American student in search of extra academic and financial support, as well as rich, rewarding cultural activities, college transfer opportunities and more? That’s what you’ll find in the Umoja program. Umoja, a Kiswahili word meaning unity, enhances the cultural and educational experiences of California community colleges by serving black students who are educationally and economically disadvantaged. This community and critical resource exists to close the achievement gap.
The program provides:
- Academic and personal support
- Resources to transfer to University of California and California State University schools, as well as historically black colleges and universities
- Culturally-relevant classroom and life experiences, activities and programs to enhance and impact learning
- Leadership opportunities on campus and in the community
Advantages to being in Umoja include:
- Individual counseling support
- Referrals to community and campus resources
- Student support network
- Mentoring
- Student leadership training/opportunities
- Annual Umoja Community Regional Symposium and Conferences
Apply
In order to become an Umoja member, you must complete an Umoja application, meet with an Umoja Counselor and attend at least two events per semester.
Umoja application link
Schedule counseling appointment
Umoja Counselors:
Dr. Donna Colondres
Brent McCLaren
Donald Essex
Jean Oh
Dominque Johnson
La Quirshia Fennell
Contact
Dr. Donna Colondres
Professor/Counselor and Umoja coordinator
Email: donna.colondres@chaffey.edu
Tiffany Coleman
Program Assistant
Special Population and Equity Programs
Email: tiffany.coleman@chaffey.edu
Phone: 909-652-6505
Testimonials
“They say that when you have the support of family and loved ones your success comes a bit easier. I feel as though I have another family with Umoja. I can never go wrong because day in and day out they are by my side. I have had many opportunities to interact with my school and do things that I never would have thought of doing before Umoja. I can focus more knowing that I am not in this alone and to make things even better, I am helped and geared for the right path when things get very patchy along the road. I am part of a community that encourages me to use my language as Power, allowing me to tap into my own world where I can use my language to grow and empower my fellow Umoja family members. Umoja has brought me further than I even saw myself and I am forever thankful.”
- Barbara Ashun – Nursing, Class of 2020 - Transferred to Cal State San Bernardino
“Umoja has really instilled a sense of leadership in myself. The wonderful people apart of this organization have been so supportive, and have made me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. Whether that be academically or outside of the classroom. It's given me a wonderful opportunity to not only leave an impact on my college campus, but also to meet extraordinary people from all backgrounds of the diaspora.”
- Brandon Washington – Communications, Class of 2020 – Transferred to UCLA
“Being the president of Umoja has allowed me to be more fearless and relentless about the things I want in order to succeed.”-
- Joshua Abrams – Political Science, Class of 2020 – Transferred to UCLA
“There is an African proverb that states, "It takes a village to raise a child". Umoja provides a great support system in which my peers as well as coordinators, hold me accountable and keep me on track. With the love and support received from the club, I am filled with the determination to reach academic success. “
- Gabriel Akinmoladun – Biology
“Umoja made me a better student by putting me in positions to where I lead and I don't want to let down the people who are watching me so I push to do my best and show people that they can do anything they put their mind to.”
- Anthony Terry – Cinema and Broadcasting
Mentors
If you're a faculty, staff or community member interested in mentoring Umoja students, please contact us at 909-652-6505. You will need to fill out our Umoja program mentor application as well.
Events and Activities
Unifying for a Greater Purpose
Join EOPS, Puente, and Umoja for an opportunity to learn about the abundant of academic
and financial resources available at Chaffey College.
This unique event will connect Chaffey College’s underrepresented students with specialized
academic counseling and support, empowering workshops, mentoring, student leadership
training/opportunities, financial assistance and more! Don’t miss your chance to hear
success stories from student panelists and participate in an opportunity drawing.
Event Dates: April 21, 2021 from 1:00pm-2:00pm
Please Register at: https://bit.ly/3vZYT7K
Please click the image to enlarge the flyer
Umoja's Queens Talk: Women's Empowerment Series
Join us as we create an intimate space for ALL women to gather, network, share resources,
and inspire each other to revive old goals, make new ones, and move toward them in
a
safe place both emotionally and mentally. "I am because you are" - Ubuntu, South Africa
From 5pm-6pm
3/24/2021 - I am Pissed
4/21 /21 -People Do Not Want the Truth
5/5/2021 -Don't Label Me with Your Insecurities
Zoom link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/94550582040
For more information please email UmojaAman@chaffey.edu
Please click the image to enlarge the flyer
Please click the image to enlarge the flyer
Chaffey College African American Cultural Celebration of graduates
Umoja Team
Dr. Donna Colondres – Professor/Counselor and Umoja coordinator
Donna.Colondres@chaffey.edu
Tiffany Coleman – Program Assistant, Special Population and Equity Programs/Umoja
co-coordinator
Tiffany.Coleman@chaffey.edu
Adam Martinez – English Professor
Adam.Martinez@chaffey.edu
Ariel Sales - Research Analyst
Ariel.Sales@chaffey.edu
Brent McLaren – Counselor
Brent.McLaren@chaffey.edu
Charles Williams - English Professor
Charles.Williams@chaffey.edu
Corinthia Crawford – Financial Aid Program Assistant/Queens Talk: Women’s Empowerment
Facilitator
Corinthia.Crawford@chaffey.edu
Dominique Johnson – Counselor
Dominique.Johnson@chaffey.edu
Donald Essex – Counselor
Donald.Essex@chaffey.edu
Emilie Koenig – English Professor
Emilie.Koenig@chaffey.edu
Kenyon Callahan – Political Science Professor
kenyon.callahan@gmail.com
La Quirshia Fennell – Counselor
LaQuirshia.Fennell@chaffey.edu
Omar Dphrepaulezz – History/African American Professor
Omar.Dphrepaulezz@chaffey.edu
PaulaE George - Systems Specialist
PaulaE.George@chaffey.edu
Tara Johnson – Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising Professor
Tara.Johnson@chaffey.edu
