Kevin Bristow

Title: Program Coordinator
E-mail: Kevin.Bristow@CSUEastBay.edu

As a former foster youth, Kevin Bristow brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to CSU East Bay as the Renaissance Scholars Program Coordinator. Kevin was previously employed as an Education Specialist for the Contra Costa County Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) for four years. He is also a long-time member of California Youth Connection (CYC), a legislative advocacy group for foster youth.

In addition, he has served on numerous local and state-wide committees and advisory boards in the fields of child welfare and higher education. He has also been a guest panelist and conducted several professional development trainings, seminars, and workshops for various social service, non-profit, and higher education institutions on the needs of foster youth and foster youth in higher education.

Kevin received his B.A. in Psychology from CSU Chico in 2003 and his Masters in Public Administration from CSU East Bay in 2008. Kevin has been a determined advocate and ally for foster youth for many years and hopes to continue that tradition for the former foster youth attending CSU East Bay.

Tara Vasquez

Title: Administrative Assistant
E-mail: Tara.Vasquez@CSUEastBay.edu

As the Administrative Assistant for the Renaissance Scholars Program, Tara Vasquez provides invaluable support to the RSP Coordinator on a daily basis by managing office duties as well as training and supervising a number of student assistants.

Tara brings with her a wealth of gifts and talents to RSP. Having worked in the private industry as a real estate professional, Tara brings her interpersonal and communication skills to the program and knows what it means to provide quality customer service.

As adoptive parents, Tara and her husband provided a home to five young men while they attended Bible College in the Bay Area -- they are lovingly referred to as "Tara's boys." Tara shares her cheerful spirit with our Renaissance Scholars, fostering their personal development as well as caring for their emotional needs.

As a competent professional, minister's wife, mother of two and a surrogate mom by nature, Tara is a key member of the Renaissance Scholars staff.

Tempest Jones

Title: Community Outreach Liaison
E-mail: Tempest.Jones@CSUEastBay.edu

As the Community Outreach Liaison for the Renaissance Scholars Program, Tempest Jones brings her experience as a former foster youth and a current CSU East Bay student to help other scholars in the program succeed and finish college. She also conducts outreach to local high schools, community colleges, and Independent Living Skills Programs to recruit potential Renaissance Scholars. Graduating in Spring 2009 with a BS in Criminal Justice Administration and a minor in Human Development, Tempest is planning on attending the CSUEB Masters in Social Work (MSW) program to become a social worker. While going to college Tempest takes care of her son and nephew as a single, working parent. Tempest is a strong advocate and role model who constantly works hard to ensure the success of the former foster youth attending CSU East Bay.