Diana Gonzalez

TOP CLAW RECIPIENT

Diana Marcela Gonzalez

Student Success Advisor

Office W-1142
Office phone 678.407.5494
Mobile
Email Address

Biography

Diana Gonzalez, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, immigrated to the United States at the age of 11. She holds a Bachelor of Science in art education with Summa Cum Laude honors and a minor in French from Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern University, December 2016). She is currently pursuing a master's in business administration at Georgia State University and expects to complete it May 2025.

Gonzalez is a student success advisor at Georgia Gwinnett College, since November 2021. She provides personalized guidance to 150-300 students per semester, manages workshops, events and budgets, and contributes to the college's recognition as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

As an undocumented immigrant, Gonzalez secured the Goizueta Scholarship in 2011, instilling perseverance and dedication. Her current role and the HACER program are funded by the same scholarship.

Gonzalez pioneered the HACER program, supporting Hispanic students with initiatives like scholarship workshops, Hispanic heritage art exhibitions, and HACER Futuro events.

She received the 35 Under 35 Award by the Gwinnett Chamber's Gwinnett Young Professionals (GYP), the Top Claw Award – Outstanding Staff of the Year at Georgia Gwinnett College in 2023, and is a successful oil painter, with her artwork showcased at GGC and the national NACADA advisors' conference in October 2023.

Gonzalez remains committed to guiding and supporting students and looks forward to continuing her mission in education and advocacy.

Education

  • Bachelor's – art education – Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern University)

Distinctions

  • Top Claw Award – Outstanding Staff of the Year, Georgia Gwinnett College, 2023
  • 35 Under 35 Award by the Gwinnett Chamber's Gwinnett Young Professionals (GYP), 2023
  • Spirit of the Grizzly Award for rendering extraordinary service to support the development of students at GGC, 2023
  • Spanish GACE Certification, 2019
  • Goizueta Scholarship Foundation Recipient for five consecutive years, 2011-2016
  • Fodor Award Scholarship to Study Abroad in France for Excellence in Language Education, 2016

Professional Affiliations

  • Social media chair, National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) (2023 – present)
  • Art committee chair, Georgia Gwinnett College (2022 – present)
  • Member, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) (2022 – Present)
  • President, Hispanic Outreach and Leadership at Armstrong (HOLA) (2015 – 2016)