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Roberta Camarena, M.A.Ed.
Director of Student Services and Community Engagement
Roberta Camarena is the Director of Student Service and Community Engagement for the UC San Diego | Chula Vista program. Born in Tijuana and raised in San Ysidro, she began her academic journey within the Sweetwater Union School District, and then San Diego City College before transferring to UC San Diego. A proud UC San Diego alum’93 and parent of a mathematics alum’22, Roberta earned a B.S. in biochemistry/cell biology with minors in mathematics and Spanish literature. In 2014, she completed a Master of Arts in leadership in higher education at United States University in Chula Vista. Roberta spent more than 15 years teaching a range of K‑12 subjects across Chula Vista, San Diego, and Temecula—including AP Spanish literature and language, AP biology, mathematics, physics honors, chemistry honors, physical science and English language learners’ courses—before moving into higher‑education administration. With over two decades of experience, Roberta works to build bridges between UC San Diego and the Chula Vista community, supporting student success and fostering inclusive partnerships.
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Miriam Wood Alameda, Ph.D.
Student Life Specialist
Dr. Miriam Wood Alameda is stepping into a vital new role as UCSD Chula Vista’s inaugural Student Life Specialist. For Dr. Wood Alameda, this transition is deeply personal, bringing over 15 years of higher education expertise straight to the South Bay, the very community she calls home. Since joining the UC San Diego family in 2024 as the Program Coordinator for VC Organizational Transformation, she has championed initiatives, from guiding mental health and student fellowship programs to supporting the Center for Faculty Success and Engagement. Her career is profoundly dedicated to humanizing the experiences of first-generation students and staff.
As a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Wood Alameda previously served as Director of the Alumni Network at Reality Changers and Assistant Director of the President’s Emerging Scholars Program at the University of Minnesota. She is a graduate of LEAD San Diego and an active member of the UCSD’s Community of Practice. Outside of her dedicated work in academia, Miriam is an avid runner and sports enthusiast. On weekends, she loves spending quality time with her family, embracing the vibrant culture of our binational region, and discovering the best local eats from San Diego to Tijuana. -
Ruby Victoria, M.A.
Academic Advisor
Ruby is a proud UC Davis Alumna'17 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. During her time there, she had the opportunity to be part of a leadership organization within her college and discovered her passion for student leadership and development. After graduation, she worked for the Walt Disney World company through their Disney College Program. Ruby joined UCSD in 2018 and has worked in a variety of roles in housing and advising, most recently, with Revelle as an Academic Advisor. In 2023, she earned her Master’s Degree in Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs at San Diego State University. As a first-generation Latina herself, Ruby is passionate about ensuring everyone feels supported and is successful throughout their academic journey.
Ruby is originally from Chula Vista and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to support her own community through the inaugural UC San Diego | Chula Vista program. During her free time, you can find her roaming the Disney parks, traveling, reading, running, and spending time with family and friends.