Pod Leaders | Whatcom Community College

Who Are We?

The Pod Leaders are a group of student leaders who are deeply committed to helping students succeed at all phases of their educational journey. Pod Leaders are peer mentors, navigators, and will be the first face to welcome you into our one-stop for all your Student Services needs, Orca Central. What makes this program so special is the fact that all of our Pod Leaders are current students and have a strong sense of the challenges students face here on campus.

Meet the Pod Leaders

portrait of Jonathan Korstad

Stella standing in the Heiner foyer. She is smiling with brown medium length hair and is wearing a black long-sleeve top

headshot of Kristina standing in front of open doors wearing a brown WCC sweatshirt. She is smiling and has brown hair and brown eyes

Jonathan Korstad

Jonathan has an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from Whatcom Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Western Washington University. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in IT Networking - Cybersecurity. Jonathan is an avid photographer and also cultivates carnivorous plants.

Stella Thompson

Kristina Doran

Kristina is a Running Start student hoping to graduate with her associate degree in Spring 2024. She is planning to transfer to a 4-year university for a bachelor's degree in either Education or English. Her favorite activities are reading and spending time with her family.

portrait of Anneka Swaney

portrait of Dean Serrano

Photo of Pod Leader Bao Truong standing in front of a grassy tree area with a shirt that reads Welcome to the Pod

Anneka Swaney

Anneka is a Running Start student attending her second year at Whatcom, and plans to graduate with an Associates in Math and Science at the end of Spring in 2024. In her freetime, she enjoys running, reading, and hanging out with friends and family.

Dean Serrano

Dean is in his first year at Whatcom pursuing his Associates in Software Development with hopes to later switch into a BS Computer Science program. During his free time Dean enjoys, creating ceramics, embroidering, and going on scenic hikes.

Bao Truong

Bao is an International Student who is finishing his Associate's in Mechanical/Civil Engineering. He will transfer to the University of Washington, hoping to finish his Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering there. His favorite things to do are hanging out with friends and taking relaxing walks.

Peer Mentoring

Navigating campus life, classes and life in general can be difficult, but pod leaders are here to help. We are offering one-on one Peer Mentoring open to all students. Peer Mentors can help students:

set goals to meet your personal or academic needs
create strategies for managing time
find balance between various responsibilities
being a fun and friendly face to help connect you to campus!

Stop by Orca Central, located in Heiner building, to get connected with a Pod Leader Mentor.

Get Connected

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Pod Leader email: podleaders@whatcom.edu

Pod Leader main line: 360.383.3080