Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program
Growing Our Own So We Can Rise Together
Mission Statement
To support and encourage underrepresented and disadvantaged high school students from the Imperial County to pursue health careers to develop a more culturally and linguistically competent healthcare workforce.
We promote health careers in:
Meet The Team
Program Manager
Gilbert Harrison is the Program Manager for the Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program. In this role, he is responsible for managing all aspects of the program, ensuring its smooth operation, and delivering valuable opportunities for students interested in healthcare careers. Gilbert coordinates the day-to-day activities of the program, including student recruitment, curriculum support, and partnerships with local healthcare providers. He works closely with faculty, staff, and community leaders to create pathways for success and foster a robust learning environment.
A proud resident of the Imperial Valley, Gilbert brings a deep understanding of the region’s unique needs and challenges. With a strong commitment to local workforce development, he is passionate about empowering students in the Imperial Valley to pursue and excel in healthcare professions. Gilbert is especially dedicated to the “Growing Our Own” initiative, which focuses on nurturing local talent to fill critical healthcare roles within the region. Outside of work, Gilbert enjoys photography, capturing the beauty and stories of the Imperial Valley. Whether it’s landscapes or local events, photography offers him a creative outlet and a way to stay connected to the community.
- Calexico H.S.
- Central Union H.S.
- Southwest H.S.
- Holtville H.S.
- Imperial H.S.
- Brawley H.S.
- San Pasqual Valley H.S.
Academic Mentor
McKenzie Flores is an Academic Mentor for the SDSU-IV School of Nursing and the Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program. In this role, she provides guidance and support to students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. She plays an essential role in fostering student success by offering mentorship, facilitating access to resources, and promoting academic growth. Her work helps ensure a supportive and empowering environment that contributes to the overall success of both programs.
A long-time resident of the Imperial Valley, McKenzie has lived in the area for 21 years and has developed a deep commitment to the community. She holds an Associate in General Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration, with a focus on strengthening skills in leadership, operations, and strategic management. In addition to academic achievements, she has a strong interest in healthcare and is working toward a career in Radiology, eager to contribute to the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the Imperial Valley.
With a passion for workforce development, she is particularly dedicated to the “Growing Our Own” initiative, which focuses on providing local opportunities for training, education, and professional growth to high school students in the Imperial Valley. This initiative aims to cultivate local talent that can directly contribute to improving healthcare and other critical sectors within the region.
- Central Union High School
- Holtville High School
- Imperial High School
- Southwest High School
Academic Mentor
[email protected]
Ana Guardado is an Academic Mentor for San Diego State University (SDSU) at Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program with over five years of experience working in higher education. Ana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology with minors in Science Technology and Society Studies and in Counseling and Social Change. Ana is responsible for educating students on healthcare careers including Behavior Health, Oral Health, Allied Health, Geriatric Health and Primary Health. Ana is a dedicated worker and uses her experience as a First-Generation student to encourage students to work hard and succeed. Through the collaborative work at Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program, Ana uses her passion and experience to ensure the core tenet of ICHPPP, “Growing Our Own,”
- Brawley Union High School
- Calexico High School
- San Pasqual Valley High School
- Southwest High School
Media
Pictures are from ICHPPP Learning-Based Workshops where students from the local high schools who are enrolled in the program, visit SDSU-IV Brawley Campus to learn more about Nursing and the career pathway.
Imperial County Health Professions Pathway Program is funded by a Grant through the Department of Healthcare Access and Information.
Grant Agreement #22-30026
