Susanna Zambrano
Associate Dean for South Yuma County Services, Arizona Western College
AS THE ASSOCIATE Dean for South Yuma County Services at Arizona Western College, Susanna Zambrano considers her role to be the glue that keeps the campuses and departments connected and working well together, all of which come together to provide an amazing student experience for students in San Luis, Gadsden, Somerton, and across the district.
“I am a part of a wonderful team that goes above and beyond to help students every day,” she said.
Zambrano has been working in higher education over the past 15 years, starting as a work-study student in 2002 and working her way up.
“My dad always told me that college is the best time of my life, so it made sense to make it a profession,” Zambrano said.
When asked what she loves about her job, she shared, “I truly love the mission and vision of the college of transforming lives and eliminating poverty. For me, my job is all about the students. I no longer live in poverty, and I want to be a part of eliminating poverty for more families in Yuma County.”
In addition to her work at the college serving students, Zambrano’s goal is to help the community, specifically helping orphans, widows, immigrants, and the elderly.
“I want to tie this desire to help people with my passion for family, gardening, animals, and the environment. The future is a work in progress, and with God’s grace, I hope to help people in my personal life in addition to my professional work.”
She has some advice for other young professionals.
“First, as someone who struggles with anxiety, I want to remind young professionals that there cannot be courage without fear and that it is okay to move forward when you feel scared. Mastery of fear is a lifelong process. Second, success isn’t achieved alone. It is important to seek out and foster a healthy social network of friends and mentors who will give you advice and celebrate your success.”