Men of Color Action Network

Chidi Agu

Counselor, M.A.

I have been helping people reach their academic goals for nearly a decade and love the work that I get to do, especially with men of color at SMC. My unique experiences throughout higher education have included me starting college across the country, dropping out, transferring from Mt. San Antonio College, graduating summa cum laude from UC Santa Barbara with degrees in psychology and sociology, studying public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and most recently, receiving my master's in education counseling from San Diego State University. I believe everyone has a story worth listening to and that students too often blame themselves (or are blamed by others) for systemic failings. 

Outside of work, I love bike riding, creative writing, philosophy, vegan food, sitcoms, video games, and basketball -- Go Lakers!

Eric Armendariz

Counselor, M.S.

Hello everyone! My name is Eric! 

Eric Armendariz was born and raised in East Los Angeles, CA. Eric grew up in a Mexican-American/Chicano family and community. Eric received an AA-T in History from East Los Angeles College, transferred to UCLA, and graduated with a B.A. In History and a Minor in Chicano Studies. After graduation, Eric attended CSULB and attained a Master of Science in Counseling, Student Development in Higher Education. 

Throughout his undergraduate journey, Eric worked as an Outreach Ambassador at East Los Angeles College and a College Advisor for the Early Academic Outreach Program at UCLA. These experiences supporting students applying to colleges and universities helped him understand how powerful mentorship and counseling can be for first-generation students. 

In addition to being a MOCAN Counselor at SMC, Eric has served as a Counselor at Ventura College, Orange Coast College, and Pasadena City College. Eric enjoys going to concerts and music festivals, playing golf, and traveling in his free time. 

Dennis Funes

Counselor, M.Ed.

Dennis is a son of Honduran Immigrants. He was born in East L.A and grew up in South Gate, CA. He is a product of LA Unified School District and attended UC Santa Barbara for his Bachelors and USC for his Masters. Being the first in his family to attend school in the U.S, he had to help translate for his parents and navigate the education system on his own. It was not easy, but with the help of his loved ones, he was able to persist. Upon graduating from UCSB, Dennis worked in the private sector in a global logistics company, then worked as a college advisor and program coordinator through the USC College Advising Corps, and now, as a counselor for the Men of Color Action Network and the Peer Navigator program. During his free time, he enjoys going to the gym, skateboarding (fun fact: he collects skateboard decks) and hanging out with his fiancé, family and friends

Christopher M. Hurd

Counselor, M.A.

Received an AA in Liberal Arts from Santa Monica College. Transferred to University of California, Los Angeles to earn a BA in Sociology. Earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University. Prior to coming to Santa Monica College as a Counselor, I spent nearly a decade in K-12 mostly as a College Counselor and High School Administrator. 

Most recently, I was the Director of Programs for Southern California at an educational nonprofit named College Spring. Counseling really chose me more so than me choosing it. While attending Santa Monica College, my experiences with my counselors Sherri Bradford and Cassandra Patillo in the Black Collegians Program had a profound impact on my life trajectory. Their encouragement as well as their willingness to consistently challenge me to push harder and strive to be better really made me want more for myself. That experience has driven me to want to provide that same sort of support for our students as I know what kind of impact it can have. If I could encourage a student to do anything, it would be to embrace the struggle. The focus needs to be on reaching the ultimate goal, if it takes a day, a week, multiple years, it is worth the effort. Take advantage of the resources. Advocate for yourself as no one should have more interest in your success than you. In addition to working for MOCAN at SMC, I am also Tenured Counseling Faculty at El Camino College in Student Equity & Achievement programs. 

Dr. Paul Jimenez

Counselor, Ed. D.

I am a Counseling Faculty member in both the Adelante and Black Collegians programs where I help lead the Men of Color Action Network (MOCAN). I was born in El Salvador and a first-generation college student who is a product of the community college system.  I transferred to UCLA where I earned a B.A. degree in Chicana/o Studies and History. I earned an MA from LMU in Counseling and a doctorate degree from USC in Educational Leadership.  My research interests include the identity of community college counselors as institutional agents, male college students and masculinity, and social capital in education settings. I am a children’s book (The Adventures of El Cipote) author and an avid traveler who has visited over 40 countries.  Norway, Denmark, and Sweden are my next destinations which I'll be visiting with my family, Nathalia, Pablo and Luca!

Armanti Weeks

Counselor, M.S.

Armanti grew up in South Central Los Angeles and attended high school in the South Bay. After graduating high school, he attended El Camino College where he received his AA degree in English. He transferred to CSU Northridge and received his Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. He took a year-long break before returning to school to get his Master's degree from CSU Dominguez Hills. He graduated in May 2024. Being raised by a single mother and being the eldest of two children, Armanti ensured he stayed focused on getting an education in hopes of being a good role model for his brother and for his community. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, and spending time with loved ones.