Gema Alvarado-Guerrero

Meet Gema. ALUMNI PROFILE: Gema Alvarado-Guerrero – Learning & Talent Development Manager, Hormel Foods

Born in California and raised in Austin, Gema always knew she wanted a career in a helping profession. “I decided in eighth grade that I wanted to be a social worker,” she recalls. That dream led her to Riverland Community College, where she enrolled in the Human Services program as a first-generation college student.

Gema received the Cycles for Success scholarship, which she says was life-changing:
"Getting the scholarship removed a huge barrier. It let me focus on my grades instead of worrying about the next bill."

Gema loved the Human Services program, “I was surrounded by people who want to help others. The coursework was really relevant, and I had lots of real-world experience to prepare me for when I graduated and went into the field.”

At Riverland, Gema found more than an education, she found mentors who shaped her future. “Suzette Overby’s teaching was incredible, and Sue Grove taught me to embrace my love of learning. Phi Theta Kappa gave me confidence and community.”

After graduating in 2013, Gema continued her education at Walden University, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2016 and a master’s in clinical social work in 2020. Today, she is a licensed graduate social worker preparing for her independent clinical license.

Her career has included roles as a parent educator, executive director of the Parenting Resource Center, adjunct instructor at Riverland, and representing Hormel Foods in the Hometown Food Security Project.

Now, as Learning & Talent Development Manager at Hormel Foods, Gema gets to support operational teams while continuing to advocate for holistic support.

Gema says, “I once heard that education is the one thing you can fully own and never lose. Embracing that truth inspires me to champion lifelong learning and holistic support for our workforce.”

Gema loves that Riverland is committed to ensuring students get the support they need to succeed.

“As an adjunct instructor, when I see a student missing class, or not performing consistently, I feel really good reaching out. They often tell me that ‘My car broke down. I don’t have enough food in my cupboards, or my child was sick.’ I know that this conversation is the beginning, and the team at Riverland will work together to help this student. Riverland is investing in the whole student, like the food pantry, emergency grants, or other support.”

Many of these Riverland programs are supported by gifts from the community.

Gema shares, “You might not see the impact of your gift, but I have. Scholarships and student support programs change lives. They allow students to focus on education and build futures for themselves and their families.”