Khou Yang-Vigil
Meet Khou
Pronouns: She/They
Alumni Degree: American Multicultural Studies
Position: Director of Equity & Access Programs, Sonoma State University
Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA
What were your campus involvements?
REACH (Student Assistant), Peer Mentor, Summer Bridge (Leader), EOP Student Advisory Board (Member), EOP Student Club (President), AMCS Student Club (Member)
What is one piece of advice you’d give your college self today?
Step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of the opportunities college has to offer, such as studying abroad and away.
What does life look like now after graduating from SSU?
Life is great and busy with the different responsibilities and roles I hold. First and foremost, I am a mother of three beautiful children and a wife. I am a working full-time parent and get to support and change lives on a daily basis. I am also currently a full-time student pursuing my doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Fresno State University. I want to continue to learn and grow as a professional and hold a higher-level leadership position, where I can continue to advocate for all students, particularly those who come from underserved and underrepresented communities.
What brought you to SSU, and what motivates you to stay involved?
Every summer as a child, I would pass by the Sonoma State University campus on Petaluma Hill Road on my way to visit family in Sacramento. I told myself that I would one day attend Sonoma State University, so when it came time to apply to colleges my senior year of high school, Sonoma State was the only bachelor’s degree-granting institution I applied to. It was my dream college to attend. I was accepted into Sonoma State and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and without hesitation, I accepted my admissions offer.
What motivates me to stay are the people here, from the students I have the honor and pleasure to work with to my staff and colleagues. The culture of care and campus community relationships are what keeps me here.
Who at SSU has influenced you and/or made a difference in your journey here?
There are so many mentors and role models who influenced me as a student and who made a difference in my life journey at SSU. The following people who had an influence in my life are: Bruce Peterson, Chuck Rhodes, Cyndie Morozumi, Mo Phillips, Marian Vanhorn, Joyce Chong, Dr. Leny Strobel, and Dr. Jim Gray.