Yessica Gutierrez
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Reading, Pennsylvania, United States
Yessica Gutierrez is currently an assistant director at the Twardowski Career Development Center at West Chester University. Yessica holds a master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Kutztown University and a bachelor's degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Penn State Berks. With over a decade of experience in public education, Yessica brings both teaching and career counseling expertise, employing a holistic approach to support students.
Last year, Yessica served in the NACE DEI committee where they helped fulfill NACE’s DEI initiatives. She also received the Diversity in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida and continues to advocate for undergraduate and graduate students in her various higher education roles.
Yessica was selected to serve as a tri-chair for the First Generation Steering Committee, whose mission is to celebrate and support WCU's first-generation college students by providing access to resources, opportunities to connect, and spaces to build a sense of community (West Chester University, 2024). Yessica was highlighted in the Spotlight on Faculty and Staff Research for her work in developing and implementing the First Generation Students of Color Internship Prep Program. She currently leads the program, while supporting juniors and seniors in building the career readiness skills needed to prepare for their jobs or internships.
She was also acknowledged for her contributions to the Women of Color subcommittee and currently serves on the university’s Women’s Commission, where she plays a key role in leading the Recruitment and Retention efforts for Women of Color at West Chester University. She is actively involved in many committees that revolve around personal and professional growth, DEI and social justice. With an equity lens in mind, Yessica continues to advocate for all students and continues to grow as a professional.
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An Internship Preparation Program for First-Generation Students of Color
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM EDT