Part 1 - Warren Shelby: Advocate for Student Success
January 31th, 2025
Written by: Melissa Rohlfs
Warren Shelby’s life story is one of resilience and determination. It’s also a story of gratitude.
Currently a Retention Specialist for the Promise Scholars Program at the College of San Mateo (CSM), he credits his faith, the scholarships he earned, as well as the community he found at CSM, for a lot of the good that’s come into his life. He can even trace his marriage, to his becoming a CSM Bulldog. After all, the very first time he locked eyes with his future wife, Aracely, happened while they crossed paths on the CSM campus.
Little wonder, then, that he’s dedicated his professional career to supporting students, particularly those from underrepresented and marginalized communities, helping them achieve their college and career goals.
Overcoming Adversity
While Warren’s resting state is positive, he doesn’t shy away from discussing his difficult childhood and how it shaped his career. Raised in a loving but financially struggling family, he experienced homelessness for several years, living in their car and moving from city to city to stay unnoticed. Food was scarce, and he often relied on friends for a place to stay so his younger siblings had more to eat. By 14, he had developed the resourcefulness to navigate survival, finding warmth in laundromats on cold nights and scraping together change for food or a bus ride. Despite these hardships, he never quit school, excelling at Woodside High School, playing football, and pursuing his passion for music. No matter the obstacles, he remained committed to his education.
It was during high school that Warren began to dream of a career in radio and working at legendary Bay Area radio station, KMEL. He had a dream, but no real plan.
Fortunately, a high school guidance counselor encouraged him to attend CSM, where he could study broadcasting. The college was close to home. It was affordable. It was perfect. Warren immediately enrolled with plans to pursue a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting. Sure, it was challenging, but he was determined to succeed. Besides, he’d promised his mom that he’d go to college. “That’s the time things get interesting,” muses Warren, “After all, a dream is one thing. Reality is another. College is doubly challenging when you don’t know what you’re doing!” Fortunately for Warren, he says the support he received from faculty members April Orchid and Prof. Michael Isaacs, along with EOPS counselors Adrian Orozco and Ruth Turner, and his mentor Dr. Kate Motoyama, helped him reach his academic potential.
And although he didn’t get the chance to work at KMEL, he did turn his dream into purpose when he began working with local youth at a local nonprofit, the Boys & Girls Clubs, located in Redwood City and East Palo Alto. There, many of the students were from marginalized communities. Drawing on his own life experiences, he was able to guide them—helping them recognize their worth and move toward a brighter future. A future where they are contributing and productive members of the community.
A proud alumnus, Warren later returned to CSM to earn a second Associate of Arts degree in Communication Studies before transferring to San Francisco State University to continue his education. Warren lauds the staff, saying, “Once again, the EOPS program supported me through the decision to return to school and work on another degree! “I’m forever indebted to Dr. Gaines, Danita Scott, Silvia Aguirre Alberto, Patrice Reed-Fort, Bo Yoshimura, Matt Leady, Roxana Rugliancich, Gwendolynn Kenny and a host of others!”
Interested in getting involved like Warren?
Join the Foundation’s Board of Directors
Speak to a class or create an internship