Â鶹ԭ´´

Talofa Lava! I’m Donna Enguerra-Simpson, and I proudly hail from the Samoan Islands with Samoan and Filipino heritage in my blood. As a first-generation college student, mom, and wife, I know firsthand the importance of access and support in higher education.

I’ve spent over a decade working in Higher Education in a variety of roles, starting as an undergraduate working on outreach efforts for Pacific Islander students at the University of Washington, Seattle. My passion lies in creating opportunities for underrepresented students—through programming, education, community engagement, the arts, and beyond.

As Director, I’m thrilled to serve our communities and partnering with students, families, and colleagues to build meaningful, impactful experiences together.

My name is Franciele Pereira, and I am the Program Coordinator of Outreach and Recruitment at Â鶹ԭ´´ College. In my role, I coordinate outreach communication, support recruitment efforts, maintain external and internal community partnerships, and connect prospective students with the resources and opportunities available at Â鶹ԭ´´.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Prior to joining Â鶹ԭ´´, I supported the Umoja Program at Santa Barbara City College and supervised the PEAC afterschool tutoring program, where I had the opportunity to support and empower Black and Brown students in envisioning higher education as an attainable path.

As a first-generation college graduate, I am passionate about equity, belonging, community, and student success. I believe college is not simply an option, but a tool that can open doors, create opportunities, and empower students to build the future they envision for themselves. I am excited to continue building meaningful connections between Â鶹ԭ´´ College and the communities we serve while creating a welcoming environment where every student feels supported, valued, and that they belong.

Yara Bautista-Peñafiel is originally from Los Angeles, California, is proud of her Oaxacan roots, and has called the Pacific Northwest home for many years.

She has been with Â鶹ԭ´´ College for five years, beginning as an Administrative Assistant 3 and most recently serving as a Program Coordinator before joining Outreach & Recruitment as a Program Specialist 2.

Yara is a first-generation college graduate who earned an Associate degree from Green River College and a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Western Washington University.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching TV series. She is passionate about helping people and is excited to share her institutional knowledge with prospective students and their families.

Hello! My name is Teiya Shimomura, and I serve as an Outreach and Recruitment Advisor at Â鶹ԭ´´ College. In my role, I build community partnerships, support prospective students in learning about all that Â鶹ԭ´´ has to offer, and lead campus visits and events. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of Washington Tacoma. During my time there, I was deeply engaged in educating students and the broader community about my family’s history during World War II, and I co-planned the annual Japanese Remembrance Day at the Washington State History Museum. I value resilience, inclusiveness, and belonging in our communities and schools.  This position allows me to combine my passions for equity and education by helping provide marginalized students with equal access to the resources and opportunities available at Â鶹ԭ´´. I look forward to continuing serving our students and making our campus a safe place! 

Hi everyone! My name is Sukhi Dhaliwal, and I'm excited to join Â鶹ԭ´´ College as an Advisor with the Outreach & Recruitment team.

While pursuing my master's degree in Education Policy and Leadership Studies, I discovered a passion for simplifying complex education processes and helping students feel confident navigating higher education and exploring career opportunities. That passion has guided my work with mission-driven organizations like School's Out Washington and, most recently, Equal Opportunity Schools.

In my previous role as a Partnership Manager, I collaborated with a small team to expand access to advanced programs such as AP and IB for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds across the country. These experiences strengthened my commitment to educational equity and ultimately brought me to Â鶹ԭ´´, where I'm excited to continue this work and connect with all of you.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active. You might find me teaching Bhangra (Punjabi folk dance), working out at the gym, hiking, exploring parks throughout the Pacific Northwest, or playing competitive outdoor sports with friends and family.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you and working together to make a meaningful impact!