Meet the Team

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Gicel Martell de Zardeneta
Director of Transfer Admission and Enrollment Services
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Gicel is a trailblazing first-generation college student fueled by her passion for higher education and commitment to helping transfer students succeed. Born in Mexico City and raised on the eastside of Los Angeles, Gicel paved her own path toward academic success.

Gicel has become an advocate for transfer students by sharing her experiences and triumphs. She is dedicated to helping students navigate the challenges of transferring to a new school. However, Gicel's interests extend beyond education. She enjoys running, practicing yoga, and traveling to gain fresh perspectives that enrich and broaden her horizons.

Running and yoga provide Gicel with physical well-being and clarity that carries over into all aspects of her life. Through her travels, Gicel gains new experiences that inspire her and help her to empower others. Her unwavering dedication to higher education, empathetic approach to supporting transfer students, and love for running, yoga, and travel make her a dynamic individual who inspires those around her.

Charles Mason
Associate Director
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Charles Mason serves as an Associate Director of Transfer Admission. He received his B.A. of Ethnic Studies and Political Science from California State University, Los Angeles. Charles has shown demonstrated commitment to advocacy for social justice and the mentorship of young people throughout his career. He enjoys his work in Transfer Admission because it is the perfect blend of challenge, change, and helping others.

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Matthew Mangione
Assistant Director
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Matthew Mangione is a proud transfer alumnus of Loyola Marymount University, earning his B.A. in Theatre Arts in 2018. While not originally from Los Angeles, Matthew fell in love with the city while at LMU and now considers it his home. He always advocated for and supported transfers as a student and continues that work as the Assistant Director for Transfer Admission & Enrollment Services. In his spare time, he enjoys going for walks, playing tennis, cooking new recipes, and relaxing at the beach with friends.

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Karen Arizmendi
Admission Specialist
Karen Arizmendi

Karen Arizmendi earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at the University of La Verne. She graduated with a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Loyola Marymount University in 2023. Having worked as part of the LMU admission team for some time, she is excited for the opportunity to now directly assist transfer students and be an additional support for them. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going to concerts, and going on walks.