Meet the Staff

Ana Bernal (they/them) is a Gender Non-Conforming person. They are the coordinator of the Pride Center at Pasadena City College. They were born and raised in East Los Angeles and they are a first generation college student. They started their educational journey at various community colleges such as Yavapai College, College of the Desert and Pasadena City College. They graduated with their bachelors of science in Communications from Cal Poly Pomona. They also hold a master’s degree from Antioch University Los Angeles in Nonprofit Management and are a certified nonprofit professional.

In 2013, Ana founded Q Youth Foundation an LGBTQIA2-S+ nonprofit organization in Los Angeles and in greater California that celebrates culture, diversity and community by opening a dialog to humanize our queer experience through storytelling, play writing, poetry, screenwriting and community activities that include mental health awareness, anti-violence and bystander intervention work that is survivor-centered.

Their experience working with the LGBTQIA2-S+ community has included being the co-chair of the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health for the LGBTQIA2-S+ Underserved Cultural Communities (UsCC) (2022-2024).  Inductee to Honor 41 national list of LGBTQ Latinx role models for (2015). Recipient an LGBT Hero Award for the production of Eastside Queer Stories Festival (2016). They are also a professor at Cal Poly Humboldt University for the Critical, Race and Gender Studies Department (2019-2025).

Ana loves their pup Chimichanga, who is part maltese / part diva, a good espresso americano, catchy music and comics such as the Love and Rockets series, and they enjoy sci-fi and zombie apocalypse genres.

Jessica (she/her/ella) is a Two Spirit, Latina y Xicana femme from the San Fernando Valley who is a published poet, community organizer and theater professional. When she is not working as a Resource Advocate at the Pride Center at PCC, she is taking long walks and exploring nature, learning new recipes, or reading lots of books. She is currently working on PhD applications and her poetry collection, “Euthanasia” and will have her chapter focusing on life as a queer Salvadoreña published next year.  When she is not writing, she is also organizing and attending Two Spirit powwows and ceremonies and serving as one of the co-chairs for the Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits (BAAITS) powwow, and multiple theater projects. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, and learning German and Nahuatl.

She received her Dual M.A. from Claremont Graduate University in English and Cultural Studies and Dual B.A. In English and Chicane Studies.

She wishes many blessings to you, and hopes to see you at the center soon. Tlazocamati!

Rustin Zam-Zam Madadi is an resource advocate at Pasadena City College’s Pride Center, with a background in screenwriting, creative arts, and student support. They have taught at Cal State LA, mentored young writers as a Teaching Artist at 826LA, and advised students at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program. Passionate about trans-focused programming and empowering queer, trans, and intersex students, Rustin advocates for inclusive, accessible education and creative expression. Born in Iran and raised in the Inland Empire, they bring a unique cultural perspective to their work, dedicated to supporting diverse voices and fostering growth in both academic and creative fields.

Roberto Campos (he/him/his/el) is a first-generation, queer, Latinx Counselor who was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles and attended the neighboring LAUSD schools. Upon graduating from Manual Art HS, Roberto enrolled at Santa Monica College (SMC). He worked as a student worker at SMC’s EOP&S/CARE office, where he discovered his passion for counseling. Roberto then transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), after graduating from SMC with his AA degree in Liberal Arts. At UCLA, Roberto held positions as a Peer Advisor and Peer Counselor at the Students Activities Center. He worked with students from a variety of different backgrounds such as first-generation, LGBTQ+, and undocumented students. After graduating from UCLA with his Bachelor’s in Chicana and Chicano Studies and minor in Education Studies, Roberto continued his education at the University of Southern California, earning his Master’s in Educational Counseling. Roberto has worked as an Adjunct Counselor at PCC and Compton College since 2016; he is a student-centered and social-justice counselor who strives to learn from student experiences and ensure an accessible pathway for all students. He looks forward to supporting the academic and career aspirations of all QUEST Center students.

Fun Fact: Roberto has traveled to more than 30 countries. His favorite countries include Mexico, Spain, Ireland, and Montenegro.