About Me
Hello everyone!
I am Amber Alves, and I live in the beautiful Southern Oregon area with my two wonderful kids, Logan (15) and Aubrey (12). We also have two dogs, Louie and Cocoa, who keep things lively around the house.
Between work, school, and parenting, things can get busy, but when I have some downtime, I love immersing myself in various creative and outdoor activities. My hobbies include arts and crafts, graphic design, photography, attending concerts, and exploring new places on road trips. I also enjoy rockhounding, finding hidden natural treasures, and spending time along the Oregon coast. The coast holds a special place in my heart; it’s where I recharge and find inspiration for my creative projects.
One of my most significant sources of pride is being a first-generation college student. I was fortunate to receive the Ford Family Foundation Scholarship, which played a pivotal role in shaping my educational journey. The support I received was invaluable, and without it, I would not be where I am today.
My academic path started at Rogue Community College, where I earned an Associate of General Studies.From there, I continued to Southern Oregon University, earning my bachelor’s degree in Emerging Media and Digital Art. After a short break, I decided to take on a new challenge and pursue a Master’s in Business Administration.
I am in my eighth term of the online MBA program, with six more terms to go! Although it’s a rigorous path, the flexibility of the online format allows me to balance my busy life as a working mom and a full-time student. That said, I won’t sugarcoat it—juggling everything can sometimes be overwhelming, but the end goal keeps me motivated!
Currently, I work at the TRIO Educational Opportunities Center (EOC) at Rogue Community College, a place that has been instrumental in my personal and academic growth. I was once a student in TRIO programs at both RCC and SOU and during my time at SOU, I even served as a student ambassador for the TRIO/SSS program.
It is gratifying to now be on the other side, helping first-generation and under-represented students like myself navigate their educational journeys. Watching students overcome challenges and achieve their college dreams reminds me of why I’m passionate about this work daily.
What I particularly love about my role is that it allows me to bring my creative skills into play. I’ve always had a strong interest in graphic design, and in this position, I get to use that talent to create materials and visuals that support the TRIO program’s outreach efforts. From designing print and digital ads to crafting promotional content, I stay connected to the creative world, even while working in higher education. It’s a great blend of my interests, and I hope to continue applying these skills in whatever career path I pursue in the future. Though I don’t have a concrete long-term career goal yet, I know that creativity and design will always play a big role in whatever I do.
My journey has been one of unique growth and discovery. As a single parent and first-generation college student, I’ve faced challenges that have pushed me to grow personally and professionally. Each step has been a learning experience, and I feel fortunate to be where I am today—both as a mother and a professional in higher education.
I’m excited to get to know you all and share this learning experience. The road to completing this MBA has been challenging yet rewarding, and I’m eager to see where it leads. I look forward to collaborating and learning with each of you along the way!