From Cuenca to California, Professor Speaks Language of Mentorship
Turning to face her class at Cal Poly Pomona, Denisse Vasquez-Guevara sometimes 
has to pause and remind herself what language to speak. The faces looking back at her so closely resemble those she taught in her native Ecuador that, for a moment, she’s sometimes transported back to her home country.
The professor of communication is quick to point out that the demographics aren’t the only similarities in her students past and present.
“They have the same dreams. They have the same problems,” Vasquez-Guevara said. “I have these deja vu moments here.”
More than half of Cal Poly Pomona’s student population is Latinx. Vasquez-Guevara, who grew up in Cuenca, Ecuador, where she became a decorated faculty member at the University of Cuenca, can relate to them in so many ways. Before joining CPP three years ago, she spent 14 years teaching and researching in Latin America, years filled with lessons, challenges and perspectives she now brings to her students.
The sign on her office door in Building 1 — a gift from one of her students in Ecuador — speaks volumes about her approach to students at CPP: “This is a safe space.”
Students of all backgrounds frequent her office, likely because of her fast-growing reputation as someone willing to go to great lengths to help with all manner of situations.
“I think they think of me as the crazy, fun aunt, and I will just give them my opinion with no filter,” she said. “It’s on things that I have lived, things they are living — academically, professionally, personally — and sometimes they don’t know what to do.”
Vasquez-Guevara freely offers advice on myriad subjects, but one of her most intentional pursuits is encouraging students to dream without limitation. She doesn’t just teach it; she models the effort required to make those lofty dreams a reality.
When a student professed the desire to work in the fashion industry, Vasquez-Guevara found and shared an opportunity for a prestigious internship in New York City, later going to great lengths in early morning hours to participate in the student’s interview with a panel on the East Coast.
“Her door is always open when she’s on campus, and students know they can come to her,” said Nell Horowitz, interim associate dean for Personnel and Academic Resources. “She’s constantly coming up with innovative ways to engage them and help them succeed.”
Global Experience Meets a Culture of Care
Before joining Cal Poly Pomona, Vasquez-Guevara was recognized as a top faculty instructor at the University of Cuenca, where she directed an academic honors program. She collaborated with international teams on research funded by UNICEF, the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador, and universities abroad, developing campaigns on nutrition, COVID-19 prevention, inclusive parks and pediatric dental care.
H
er first extended experience in the United States was at the University of New Mexico, where she earned her Ph.D. in Latin American Studies. Her research in health and science communication continues to shape her teaching, and in 2023 she published her second book, “Science Communication for Public Engagement.”
While she misses her family, students and past colleagues in Ecuador, Vasquez-Guevara thrives by being present for the students at Cal Poly Pomona. She’s also found ways to connect her personal passions with professional pursuits.
For a case study in her global public relations class on muti-national campaigns, Vasquez-Guevara selected her favorite chocolate brand from Ecuador. She had purchased enough Pacari chocolate over the years to distribute as gifts that she eventually found an avenue to connect with company founder Santiago Peralta, one of Forbes’ most influential entrepreneurs in the world. Now he visits CPP every spring for a master class on public relations, thanks to Vasquez-Guevara's efforts.
“She goes above and beyond in getting to know her students, learning about their academic journey and life outside of campus,” said Jason Turcotte, CPP Professor and chair of the Department of Communication. “Dr. Vasquez is such a caring mentor to students, one who continuously inspires them to amplify their own voices.”
As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Poly Pomona proudly celebrates Latinx Heritage Month and the experiences, leadership, and impact of our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Read more stories about our community on CPP News. Show your Bronco pride by using our new Zoom background this month.