Gabriela Saucedo
Interim Managing Director
Email:gabriela.saucedo@sjsu.edu Phone: (408) 924-2527
Bio: Gabriela, born and raised in Indio, CA, grew up in the Coachella Valley, a region known for its rich agriculture and large immigrant, low-socioeconomic communities. As a first-generation Mexican-American, her mother emphasized the importance of higher education, which motivated Gabriela to pursue her goals. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Psychology from San Jose State University in 2015 and returned to obtain a Master's of Arts in Education; Guidance and Counseling in 2017.
Gabriela has extensive experience in educational support programs, having witnessed the evolution of academic advising from her time as a student to her current role as a staff member at her alma mater. She began as a Peer Advisor for the College of Science, mentoring incoming first-year and transfer students in courses like “Success in Science (Science 2)” and “Success as Transfers (Science 90T).” In this role, she helped students with time management, campus resources, and study habits, including those on Academic Notice.
Gabriela then became a student assistant for Academic Advising and Retention Services, working closely with academic advisors to assist undeclared students in selecting their majors. She later transitioned to an Academic Advisor role within the same department. Subsequently, she served as an Academic Advisor and Graduation and Retention Specialist for the College of Social Sciences Student Success Center. There, she supported students with GE reviews, course planning, graduation checklists, academic notice advising, and more. Through her work at CoSS SSC, she gained valuable insights into advising both matriculated students and those seeking readmission after disqualification or a break from SJSU.
Currently, Gabriela serves as the Interim Managing Director for the Exploratory and CPGE Student Success Centers at SJSU, where she guides undeclared students in transitioning to a major. She is passionate about helping students find their "why" and supporting them through their academic journeys.
Q & A
1. What was your favorite class in undergrad?
I had a couple of favorite classes, but if I could narrow them down to 3 only, I would say COMM 20, HIST 50, and PSYC 1. Comm helped me develop the necessary skills I needed to be able to speak to the public. I really did not believe people when they told me this class would be such an asset in the long run, and believe me, it is! HIST 50 helped me apply the critical thinking skills we utilize on a daily basis, along with being able to tie my favorite subject, history! PSYC 1 is the basic foundation of all psychology material, and I was so intrigued on how the mind worked. It was because of this class I decided to minor in Psychology, which later helped me discover my passion for academic advising.
2. What are some of the places you have traveled to?
I have traveled to many different parts of the world, and hope to continue to do so! I have gone to Paris, Canada (Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler), Hawaii (Maui and Oahu), New York, Michigan, Chicago, and Mexico (Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, and Michoacan). One of my goals is that in 5 years, I will have gone to most of the Hawaiian islands, as well as visited Japan.
3. What is your piece of advice for incoming students?
Get to know your resources on campus, build an academic plan, and ASK questions. Getting to know your professors and academic advisors are a key component to not only building rapport, but also receiving the proper guidance while you’re here at SJSU. We are here to assist you and help guide you to the many different resources we offer here. It will also save you from taking unnecessary courses and help you graduate in a timely manner.
