Chanaé Wami

Chanae' Wami serves as the Director of Online Programs and Special Projects. With a professional background in higher education, she has a strong focus on promoting equity and cultural responsiveness. Chanae creates online workshops and programs to promote diversity, equity, and accessibility in organizations. She leads special projects with RSSC's collaborating partnerships to enhance faculty, staff, and student experiences. As a Nigerian woman, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, working with diverse community college districts has been an integral part of Chanae's identity, educational journey, and career.

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Chanae began her higher education journey as a community college student of the EOPS program at El Camino College, which is a testament to the success of the California Community College Black Student Success initiative. She earned her Associate Degree in Sociology from there, followed by a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Master's Degree in Counselor Education from San José State University.

 

Her values align with creating equitable opportunities for exploration, fostering a sense of belonging, promoting personal growth, and eliminating equity gaps to help students achieve their educational and career goals. Chanae serves as an Adjunct Counselor and Professor at various California Community Colleges. She enjoys providing students with knowledge and opportunities to excel in higher education.

 

Chanae has counseling experience in various majors and Guided Pathways. She facilitates the academic, vocational, and personal growth of college students. Chanae’ offers in-person appointments and virtual drop-in sessions to create comprehensive educational plans. Chanae is knowledgeable in California Community College Transfer Guarantee Gateway to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, accelerated degree programs, Transfer counseling, First Year Experience, Re-Engagement programs, Completions, and California College Promise. Additionally, she serves as the Umoja Scholars Program Co-Coordinator for Long Beach City College.

 

Chanae’ earned her Canvas online teaching certificate and instruct counseling courses on topics relating to higher education culture, establishing life goals, personal and career exploration, educational planning, and developing interventions for students on academic progress/probation/dismissal, policies/procedures, and transfer requirements. Her counseling courses address issues that many of our Black/African American, Latinx, socioeconomically disadvantaged, LGBTQIA+, Re-Entry, students with disabilities, First-Generation, Veterans, AB540, and other historically underrepresented students face on their educational journey.

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Chanae’ actively participates in committee meetings, providing valuable ideas, and volunteers as a mentor for students. She is a strong ally for AB-540, LGBTQIA+, and all students. To better serve a diverse population, Chanae' attends annual conferences worldwide for self-development. She is a passionate advocate for mental and physical health and practices what she preaches each day, setting an example for self-care. Chanae' seizes all opportunities, cherishes spending time with family, enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures, and ultimately, lives a life filled with intentional happiness.