Meet the Team

Primavera Reza-Nakonechny, M.S.

Pialli, hello!

As an Indigenous mother, wife, sister, daughter, Tia, niece, educator, and leader, I work to dismantle settler colonialism and center the liberation of Native and Indigenous communities in higher education. My ancestors derive from the Tarahumara or Rarámuri peoples of the unceded lands of what is today known as Chihuahua, Mexico. Identifying as both Native and Indigenous, I know very well the complexities of intersecting identities. My prior research and presentations include missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), intersecting identities within Native and Indigenous cultural centers and Indigenizing higher education as a form of climate justice. I am currently in my dissertation writing phase with a focus on upending colonial harm and centering Native presence in the community college context, where I work as the inaugural director of a First Peoples Native Center.

I previously earned my Associates degree from Glendale Community College, and I am proud to say that my husband is a Mt. SAC alum, my Bachelors in History from CSU Los Angeles, Masters in Counseling and Student Development from Azusa Pacific University, and am currently completing my Doctor of Education degree also at APU, with a focus on Indigenous ways of knowing. With my work rooted in social justice and equity, I plan for seven generations ahead.

Dr. Frances Borella

About me:

Hello, my name is Dr. Frances Borella. My native name is Alydaah, which means sparkling early morning frost in the Haida language.

As an elder and ceremonial participant, I strive to be humble and an ordinary human.

My education consists for B.S. in both Anthropology and Geography, M.A. and PH. D. in Anthropology. My research specialization was population genetics.

I began my professional career here at MtSAC in 1999 as a professor of Anthropology and the advisor to the Native American Intertribal Student Alliance (NAISA). This student organization meets every Friday from 11:30-1:00 in 61-2312. Please join us from community connection, support and friends (and free food!) Through the decades I have guided many NAISA students and hope to continue for a few more years. Aho

Thomas Cortez

ABOUT ME:

I am a product of the California Community College system. I am very passionate about supporting and serving all students here at Mt. San Antonio College

Fun facts about myself:

I am a first-generation college student.

I was a former Wildland Firefighter for the United States Forest Service (USFS).

I compete competitively in powerlifting.

I love visiting national parks and forests and backpacking.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

College of the Desert: Associate of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development

University of California, Riverside: Bachelor of Arts in Education, Society, and Human Development

University of Southern California: Master of Education in Educational Counseling

Graduate Assistant

About me:

Hello, I am extremely excited to be part of the First Peoples Native Center
team, and I look forward to getting to meet each and every one of the
amazing students here at Mt. SAC. I am a first-generation college student,
and on my academic journey I have switched majors three times within
the three years I spent in community college. I say that to let you know,
that having to switch majors is not the end of the world, but it is always a
new start and a way to better get to know yourself along with what you
want from your life. I have always had a huge passion for helping students
which is why I am now pursuing a masters degree at Cal State Fullerton in
Higher Education. I have two pets a German Shepard and a Red Eared
Slider(a water turtle) that I call Tortuga.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME:

I am a Ham Radio Operator (technical term is, Amateur Ham Radio
Technician) and I am in the process of becoming an official member
of ARES (Amateur Radio Emergencies Services).
I love 90's alternative music, and recently taken a liking to reggae
music.
I have won concert tickets from the radio three times.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
- Rio Hondo Community College: Associates of Arts in Psychology &
Sociology
- Cal State University Long Beach: Bachelors of Arts in Sociology with
Minor in Human Development
- Currently at Cal State University Fullerton pursing a Masters of Science in
Higher Education.