Berkeley City College is pleased to welcome Ernesto Nery as Financial Aid Director. As a multiracial, first-generation college student, Ernesto was once called El Desvalido (“The Underdog”) because he struggled with speaking. He had difficulty connecting the words in his head to have a conversation, reading, and writing. As a result, he had a fear of speaking. Ernesto used this as a tool of empowerment and an opportunity to learn. The challenges he faced early in life enabled him to set a high standard for himself, particularly when it came to career aspirations.

With a passion for leadership and mentoring those who faced similar life obstacles, Ernesto found an opportunity to do so through education and financial aid, having been provided a path to a degree through his early interactions with financial aid, which also showed him first-hand the complex system that students face to pay for college. Ernesto previously was the Financial Aid Director at Merritt College and is excited to return to the Peralta District at Berkeley City College where he started as an hourly worker. El Desvalido Brilla, the underdog shines. Ernesto’s vision as the Financial Aid Director is to work with the dynamic team at Berkeley City College to support the success of students.

This article was included in the June 28, 2023 Berkeley City College President's Report. To view the full report, click here.