Echoes of Africa celebrates the material culture of Africa and the Diaspora, reconnecting historical artifacts with contemporary artistic practices. Embedded in each piece is the connection between African and African American identity which is often underrepresented in the diaspora. This reconnection of ancestors and their descendants is captured in the pieces produced by contemporary artists coupled with African artifacts.

Megan grew up all over San Diego, but has always called Logan Heights home. Her grandmother lives there and she spent a lot of time there when she was younger over summers and after school. Growing up in Logan Heights made Megan proud to be a Chicana. Megan knew she wanted to go to college because she recognized it as the best avenue to further her professional life and a platform to give her the opportunity to make a difference in her community. Megan chose Mesa College because she had a friend who was currently attending and her friend told Megan that the campus was beautiful and there were a lot of resources offered.

Danny Dunn took ASL classes offered at Mesa during high school when his high school did not offer them, in preparation of university application and admissions requirements. Unfortunately, he developed a severe illness that made completing high school a struggle, and he did not expect to graduate on time. Instead of completing 4-year university applications, Danny decided to attend Mesa and then transfer.

Ashanti Hands, Ed.D., an equity-focused leader with a deep commitment to diversity, access and student success, has been named president of San Diego Mesa College, San Diego’s largest community college.

Mesa College Culinary Arts alum Inno Pamaran was recently gifted funds by the San Diego Mesa College Foundation. Each year, the Foundation provides funding for departments at Mesa College to use how they see fit. Tonya Whitfield, Professor of Culinary Arts at Mesa College, had kept in touch with Inno, and was aware that he was facing challenges in scaling his businesses.

“Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.” This quote by Roy Bennett has been a guiding principle for San Diego Mesa College student Johar Zuber. He will be graduating from Mesa in May 2022, but his path to college was far from conventional.

“Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.” This quote by Roy Bennett has been a guiding principle for San Diego Mesa College student Johar Zuber. He will be graduating from Mesa in May 2022, but his path to college was far from conventional.

Spring 2022 has been a busy season for students and alumni of the San Diego Mesa Fashion Program. From being named as finalists in the Aquarium of the Pacific’s annual Trashin’ Fashion Contest, to being selected to present a garment at the Costume Society of America’s Design Symposium, and landing a job with an international premium fashion company, Mesa Fashion students are making their mark.