Meet The Staff
Cookie Garrett
Pronouns: She/Her/Queen
Director of the Diversity & Inclusion Student Affinity & Resource Centers
Phone: (510) 885-3853
Email: cookie.garrett@csueastbay.edu
Dr. Cookie Garrett (She|Her|Queen) is the Director of the Diversity and Inclusion Student Affinity and Resource Centers (DISARC) at CSU East Bay. She is a native of Atlanta, GA and resides in Oakland, CA. Dr. Cookie obtained her bachelor’s of psychology and masters of school counseling degrees from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA. She most recently obtained her doctorate of education in educational leadership from San Francisco State University. She has over 13 years of experience in Student Affairs creating community, student engagement, developing inclusive spaces, fostering belonging, and advocating for equity and justice.
Her understanding is that in order to connect with anyone in an authentic way you must first honor their humanity and their experience. This leads to her belief that the best way to support students is to serve with humility, guide with grace, and lead with love. Dr. Cookie Garrett works to incorporate these values and believes in her daily engagement because for her, having left a positive impact in the lives of her students, staff, and peers is time well spent.
Dr. Cookie also believes in giving back to the community in which she resides. She does so by services as a member of the Board of Directors of the Oakland Museum of Children's Art. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and a life member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. Dr. Cookie has embraced the motto “If I am to be anything at all, I must render service to all.”
Vanessa Varko-Fontana
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
DISARC Coordinator
Diversity & Inclusion Student Center
Phone: (510) 885-4786
Email: vanessa.varkofontana@csueastbay.edu
Vanessa is originally from Los Angeles County and has been in the Bay Area since 1999. As a first generation college student Vanessa have faced many challenges navigating through undergraduate, career growth, and returning to graduate school. She brings with her vast experience in youth development, community organizing, cultural student affairs, and collaborative leadership. She is excited to support students explore Latinx culture, community, academic support, and campus resources.
Student Staff
Aishwarya Rao
Pronouns: She/Her
Class of: 2025
Major: Computer Science
Hobbies: Art, Music, Classical Dance, Keyboard, Swimming and Badminton.
Languages: English, Hindi, Tulu and Kannada
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
Pioneer of color for me is being a trailblazer who not only achieves personal success but also helps to expand possibilities for others in their community and beyond.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
Working with the Center directly supports my personal and academic goals by offering the chance to network with professionals and peers who can help advance my career. Additionally, The Center offers a unique environment to collaborate with others who share my aspirations, enabling me to contribute to the community by guiding students with similar academic pursuits toward success.
Sabria Hinton
Pronouns: She/Her
Class: Senior
Hobbies: Building model rockets, going to the Chabot Space & Science Center, and watching the stars.
Languages: English
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
I want the opportunity to strengthen my communication skills and working in the DISC helped me find a group of supportive people.
Rachelle Arayan
Pronouns: She/Her
Class: Senior
Hobbies: Crotchet, Painting, and being a mom.
Languages: English
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
Being a Pioneer of color means creating a sense of belonging in the East Bay community.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
As an Anthropology major I am interested in creating spaces of acceptance to guide student success.