Meet the Team

Aranza Torres || Project Director

  • Aranza Torres

    Project Director

    Phone Number (call): 254-299-8516
    Phone Number (text): 254-527-6171
    Meeting Link: https://calendly.com/atorresgutierrez/crew-resource-meeting
    Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 249D
    Hometown: Waco, Texas

    Aranza Torres...

    What do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
    I enjoy...

    What excites you most about working with the CREW?
    I'm excited by...

    What is an inspirational quote you like?
    Quote

    What is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
    I love...

LaTasha Davis || Resource Specialist

  • Latasha Davis

    Resource Specialist

    Phone Number (call): 254-299-8527
    Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 248D
    Hometown: Waco, Texas

    LaTasha Davis received her Associate of Arts from McLennan Community College in 2008 and her Bachelor of Science from Tarleton State University in 2010. Her employment includes having served as a Veteran Case Manager for Caritas of Waco, as a Case Manager for the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network, and as a CPS Case Manager for the Department of Family and Protective Services in Waco. LaTasha brings valuable and relevant work experience to this position, including assisting clients in learning how to cope with mental/physical illness, substance abuse, poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and food instability/insecurity.

    What do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
    Where do I start? I enjoy my coworkers and engaging with the students. MCC’s leadership team is supportive of staff and cares about our needs. I do enjoy the professional development class opportunities, workshops, and informational sessions. Not to mention the scenery, the campus is beautiful.

    What excites you most about working with the CREW?
    Being able to assist students and help connect them to the resources they need. It’s rewarding to be their support system and help them navigate through college and the real world.

    What is an inspirational quote you like?
    "People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together.” Michelle Obama

    What is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
    I love going to Cameron Park Zoo, Cameron Park Skate World and Practically Pikasso with my children. I’m a foodie so I love trying new local restaurants. I enjoy wondering downtown, looking at the new murals and visiting local shops.

Emma Cartisano || Doctoral Intern for Student Engagement

  • Emma Cartisano

    Doctoral Intern for Student Engagement

    Phone Number (call): 254-299-8558
    Meeting link: https://calendly.com/cartisano-mcc
    Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 248E
    Hometown: Hackettstown, NJ

    Emma is a PhD candidate at Baylor University in the Higher Education Studies & Leadership program. She is passionate about researching student success–for graduate students and for community college students. After having faced her own basic needs insecurity, Emma is committed to advocating for resource equity and accessibility in colleges. When not working or studying, you’ll find Emma exploring local coffee shops, running, lifting heavy weights, doing calligraphy, or reading a good book.

    What do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
    I've never met a team more committed to student success and employee wellbeing. When we have a dream, people rally to make it happen!

    What excites you most about working with the CREW?
    I love getting to help create an office from the ground up. This is hard but rewarding work, and I love making connections and seeing our students succeed.

    What is an inspirational quote you like?
    "'What if I fall?' Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?" -Erin Hanson 

    What is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
    Exploring coffee shops, running in Cameron Park, trying local restaurants