"The Pride Center provides a safe and inclusive campus environment for the community. "
Dr. Joshua Moon Johnson
Staff / Equity Programs & Pathways Dean / American River College
Joshua serves as the Dean of Student Service and Equity Programs and Pathways where he provides direction to student life, diversity and identity-based services, and outreach and recruitment. Joshua previously served as the Assistant Dean/Director of the Multicultural Student Center at the University of Wisconsin- Madison and as the Director of the LGBT Center at UCSB. He published three books: Beyond Surviving: From Religious Oppression to Queer Activism was a #1 Best-seller on Amazon.com for Gay & Lesbian Activism. Joshua's second book is Authentic Leadership, a co-edited volume about LGBTQ leaders in higher education. Joshua's newest book is Queer People of Color in Higher Education. Joshua received a doctorate in higher education, a certificate in LGBT studies from Northern Illinois University, and a master's degree in social sciences, student affairs, and diversity from Binghamton University, State University of New York.
"As a coordinator, Mitchell provides a network of resources, support, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ community at ARC. "
Dr. Emilie Mitchell
Staff / Pride Center Coordinator / American River College
Emilie Mitchell is the coordinator for the American River College Pride Center. In addition to her work with the Pride Center she is also a faculty member in the Psychology department. Emilie earned her PhD in Psychology from the University of California, Davis in 2006 and joined the faculty at American River College in 2012. In addition, Emilie is a dedicated mother of two children, a proud lesbian, an avid home improver, Darwinian gardener, passionate educator, and social justice advocate. As coordinator she and her staff provide a network of resources, support, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ students. The Pride Center and American River College recognize that LGBTQ+ students often face particular hurdles in attaining their educational goals. The Pride Center is here to help come on in and see us!
"Pride Program Specialist: for the American River College Pride Center."
Alejandra Fernandez Garcia
Staff / Pride Center Pride Program Specialist: / American River College
Alejandra (they/them/theirs) joined the ARC campus community in 2018. Alejandra is the Pride Program Specialist for the American River College Pride Center, where they coordinate events, programs, and student support services. They identify as queer, non binary, 2nd generation Xicanx/Latinx with roots from Guatemala and Mexico. Raised in South Sacramento, they previously served as a Youth and Family Mental Health Advocate facilitating the LGBTQ+ Support Services Program with the Sacramento City Unified School District. Alejandra holds two Bachelor's in Arts from California State University, Sacramento in Sociology and Ethnic Studies. When not serving the Pride Center, Alejandra is a performance artist, working within the mediums of theatre, dance, and music converging activism and art. As a former Los Rios Community College student, Alejandra is dedicated to working alongside students, staff, and faculty in building an equitable campus community.
" Fortman supports our LGBTQ+ students in reaching their personal, educational and career goals"
Anita Fortman
Faculty / Pride Center Academic Counselor / American River College
Anita Fortman is The Pride Center liaison from the ARC Counseling Department. Anita understands that ones LGBTQ+ identities intersect with our experiences related to majors, careers, and college choice. She is available to help students understand and navigate our community's unique challenges and opportunities. Anita is very excited to be a part of the PRIDE Center and to provide a warm, welcoming and safe place for our students. She earned her Master's Degree from CSU Sacramento in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and joined the ARC faculty in 2005. Anita is a lesbian woman, travels internationally exploring cultures through food, people, music and history; plays tennis and loves to spoil her rescue dog.