Marcia Breslin Cantillana, Assistant Director for Student Advancement
About Marcia:
Marcia was born in Santiago, Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship. Growing up in an environment of extreme political violence, censorship, and social unrest, she developed a deeply held belief in the sanctity of human rights, social inclusion, and self expression. After college and the end of the Pinochet regime, Marcia left Chile to pursue a dance career that was always driven by these core beliefs. As Marcia was beginning to retire from performing, she enrolled in community college and eventually transferred to UC Berkeley to pursue a degree in History. After graduation, she began working for the Transfer, Re-entry, and Student Parent Center, where she discovered a passion for serving students through programs that foster equity and inclusion. Marcia followed this passion in her eleven years as an admissions officer in the Berkeley Office of Undergraduate Admissions. During this time, Marcia had the opportunity to complete a Fellowship at the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), while also supporting mentorship programs housed by Stiles Hall and the Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence (CE3). In 2022, Marcia became an Engineering Student Services team member as Student Engagement Manager, where she had the opportunity to further develop her passion for mentorship programs and student success. Currently, Marcia is thrilled to be a new member of CDSS as Assistant Director for Student Advancement.
Contact Marcia if you need help finding your community or attaining transfer student support!
Fun Fact:
Since dance has always been a passion of hers, she also teaches ballet at the Shawl-Anderson Dance Center in Berkeley, where she continues to be driven by the foundational principles of equity and inclusion in the arts.