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.