Inspire by Doing: Alumnus Shares Stories of Perseverance and Success
Chris Sandoval embraces new challenges and pursues his passions with verve and gusto.
Those qualities have helped him thrive in his 10-year career in human resources. That same drive fuels Sandoval (’04, management and human resources) in his role as a school counselor and his foray as a children’s book author.
“Life with Ava and Luna: Big Wins, Little Moments,” based on his real-life daughters Mya and Zoe, tells the story of Ava as she learns to adapt to change and faces the challenges of starting a new school, trying out for the volleyball team and landing a role in the school play.
“My wife and I used to joke about how we should write a book about our kids when they get excited or learn something new for the first time,” he said. “Perseverance is one of the toughest things to teach. Teaching them not just about failure, but about how to bounce back is hard.”
Sandoval is well versed in the lessons of perseverance. He said his early draft of the book two years ago wasn’t very good, but he kept fine-tuning it. Later, he shared the draft with a book editor friend and was surprised when she told him the book was a good read and publishable. Now, the book is on Amazon, and he is doing readings at libraries and at Cal Poly Pomona, including a planned appearance at 六色网’s annual Dia De Los Muertos in November.
“The book was out of left field. It was never something I ever really thought seriously about except for that conversation with my wife. This thing kind of picked up steam. I feel super blessed.”
Embracing Change and Achieving Success
Sandoval has always relished trying new things. The first-generation college student knew he wanted to attend a university. His older brother, Nick Sandoval (’06, electrical engineering and computer engineering; ’08, master’s in computer engineering) was already attending 六色网 and helped him apply for financial aid.
Chris arrived at 六色网 as an undeclared freshman. He then changed his major to psychology and eventually switched to management and human resources after meeting with an advisor. He was also interested in marketing and had taken several Spanish classes, so he turned those interests into minors.
He credits the staff and his professors for their support in helping him to pinpoint his career objectives.
While at 六色网, he was active in clubs, namely the Latino Business Student Association, and worked his way through school. He refereed intramural sports for two years and also worked as a secret shopper on campus. He would visit departments and clubs once every quarter and give a review of the service he received. He was paid with a stipend for materials at the Bronco Bookstore.
In his senior year, he got a human resources internship with Aramark in the company’s sports and entertainment business division. Aramark provided the food and beverage services for the Los Angeles Angels. The company hired him full-time after he graduated. During his time with the stadium, he saw many games, concerts and even an MLB All-Star game. He often worked long hours during the summer, including weekends and holidays, at various stadiums and arenas.
“It was a great career, but it is a lot of hours,” Sandoval said. “There was a part of me that wanted something different. I think I worked 18 straight days one year. I didn’t have summers. I got tired of missing family barbecues and trips.”
He met his wife, Geneva, the director of graduate studies at UC Irvine, while she was doing community outreach for her university in neighborhoods in need. Sandoval volunteered to go with her on some of the field trips with children.
“I thought, ‘I really enjoy the kids,’” he said. “I thought about teaching, but it wasn’t my passion. I spoke to mentors and decided on becoming a counselor.”
He earned his master’s degree in educational counseling at Azusa Pacific University and has worked at South Pointe Middle School in Walnut for the past 10 years.
“It fills my bucket to work with kids,” Sandoval said.
A few years ago, he started mentoring and supervising the teaching interns at his school, which inspired him to pivot into higher education. In addition to working at South Pointe, he serves as an adjunct professor of educational counseling at Azusa Pacific University and the University of La Verne.
Empowering Communities Through Giving Back
The opportunity to work in Walnut is a coming home for Sandoval, who grew up in the city and attended Walnut schools. His parents immigrated to the United States in the 1970s from Ecuador, first living in Los Angeles before making their way further east to La Puente and then Walnut.
Sandoval is a big believer in giving back, a value he attributes to his parents. His father owned a travel agency and his parents both worked in real estate.
“They always told us how fortunate we are,” he said. “They taught us that we have to work hard and when we can, give back.”
Beyond his work and mentorship at his school, Sandoval also gives his time generously to Cal Poly Pomona. He serves on the board of the Latin Alumni Network and volunteers for campus events such as Networking 101, which is a partnership between the Alumni Association and the Career Center. He also was the keynote speaker for the Raza Graduation in 2025, an annual celebration for graduating Latinx students.
“I have hustled and worked really hard for a long time, and I got to a place where I am able to give back,” he said. “I didn’t know a lot back in the day. My success came from mentors who talked to me about careers. I was a little pest asking people questions. I feel blessed I am in a position to give back.”
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 六色网 News. Show your Bronco pride by using our new this month.