David Gamboa
David Gamboa serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Engagement, where he leads systemwide initiatives to enhance collaboration with external partners, build consensus around strategic priorities, and represent the California State University (CSU) across various constituencies.
With nearly two decades of leadership experience in public higher education, David most recently held the position of Senior Associate Vice President of External Affairs and Partnerships at CSU Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). In this role, he developed significant initiatives that connected the university with the broader community. As the primary liaison between the university and its surrounding areas, he fostered positive relationships and initiatives, formed partnerships with ongoing communication with government officials, local neighborhoods, civic and community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, regional and statewide business leaders, donors, and alumni. He also monitored and advocated for legislation, programs, and proposals that affected both CSUDH and the CSU system. Additionally, David implemented strategic engagement opportunities for the communities surrounding CSU Dominguez Hills.
David managed the day-to-day operations of the Office of Alumni Relations, overseeing alumni outreach, engagement, and the development of alumni programs and initiatives. He also directed the Office of Ceremonies and Events, which was responsible for coordinating major campus events that represent the institution’s traditions and values, which strengthen the university’s mission, including the Six Commencement Ceremonies, Fall Convocation, Presidential Scholars Reception, and South Bay Economic Forecast, among others.
David also served as the interim Chief of Staff for the Office of the President, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the office and the staff, which also included the Office of University Communications & Marketing. In his role, he led initiatives and projects that were of institutional priorities while also serving on the University cabinet as advisor to the president and university leadership.
Before his time at CSU, David worked in the office of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald as one of her lead field deputies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and is currently pursuing graduate studies at CSU Dominguez Hills.
Daniela Gonzalez
Daniela Gonzalez serves as the Strategic Engagement Support Coordinator. In her role, she supports strategic initiatives and stakeholder collaboration through project coordination, relationship management, and operational systems. She also serves as a liaison supporting corporate and industry partnerships and helps coordinate projects and initiatives across internal and external stakeholders.
Daniela brings experience spanning higher education, nonprofit administration, and project management. Prior to joining the CSU Office of the Chancellor, she served as Executive Assistant to the CEO of the Long Beach City College Foundation, where she supported executive leadership and oversaw the Foundation’s Board of Governors and related organizational activities. She later worked in operations and project management as a federal contractor with CACI International, where she developed and implemented organizational systems and processes to support the operations of a large, cross-functional division. Daniela also serves as an adjunct faculty member in Anthropology at Long Beach City College.
Her background in applied anthropology informs a relationship-centered and analytical approach to her work. Through research focused on student engagement, belonging, equity, and access, Daniela developed expertise in understanding people, organizations, communities, and stakeholder perspectives. She brings this perspective to her work in strategic engagement, with an emphasis on building relationships, organizing complex information, improving processes, and translating priorities into coordinated action.
Daniela is committed to the mission of public higher education and to expanding opportunities for students through strategic partnerships, collaboration, and engagement.