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Who We Are
Associate Dean of Students
For over fifteen years, Dr. Blanca Martinez-Navarro has worked in institutional and educational environments that have equipped her with the organizational leadership qualities and direct services skills to support her role at Cal Poly. Among her areas of expertise are educational equity, crisis management, strategic partnership, and culturally responsive practices. Dr. Martinez-Navarro has a proven track record of establishing relationships and collaborating with various stakeholders, including students, staff, faculty, administration, and community partners. This holistic approach and her strategic administrative ability to bridge resources across campus allows Dr. Martinez-Navarro to support and advocate for student needs.
Dr. Martinez-Navarro holds a bachelor’s in Political Science and Education from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), a master’s in social work from Columbia University, and a doctorate in urban planning from UCLA.
Karolina (Karo) Reyes is the Student Care Coordinator for the Student Support, Success and Retention Program in the Office of Dean of Students. Karo is a daughter of immigrants and the first in her family to persist and graduate from a 4-year university. Karo earned her Master’s in Higher Education and Administration from Loyola Marymount University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology and Chicanx Studies from UC Davis.
Karo is passionate about student success and working alongside individuals in effort better understand their lived experiences and advocate for their needs. Karo has served college students in varying capacities ranging from academic advising, post-graduate fellowships, and case management. As a Care Coordinator, Karo aims to create safe spaces for students to feel heard and supported in effort to promote their sense of belonging and persistence in higher education. In addition, Karo strives to support student’s academic success and wellness by maintaining strong partnerships across campus and making campus processes and resources accessible to all students.
