Our Mission

The RIDE Conference is dedicated to empowering students by bridging cultural heritage and academic achievement through the lens of lowrider culture. Our mission is to inspire participants to (R)ealize their true potential, (I)dentify their goals, (D)evelop actionable educational plans, and (E)xplore diverse career pathways—especially within the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, automative, business and history. By celebrating the rich history and artistry of lowriding, we foster cultural pride, community connection, and equitable opportunities for success.

RIDE Conference Team

Dionicio M. Garcia

Founder, Co-Lead Coordinator

Dionicio “Dino” Garcia is a lowrider, academic & career counselor, and educator at Skyline College with the Promise Scholars Program. His scope of practice is predominantly working with first-generation Latino youth in the Puente & Los Hermanos programs. In addition, Dionicio has co-developed and implemented a Men of Color program at College of San Mateo called Brothers Empowering Brothers focusing on reducing inequity for young men of color. He has also taught courses in Life and Career Planning and College Success through the lens of Lowriding. Dionicio was born and raised in South San Francisco, CA and grew up around Lowriding since birth where he grew his passion for his community and culture. Dionicio is member of Frisco’s Finest Car Club based out of the San Francisco Bay Area where he enjoys cruising his car and attending community events. Dionicio received a Bachelor’s in Hospitality & Tourism Management and a Master’s in Counseling, specializing in Career Counseling from San Francisco State University.

Monique Ubungen Wardell

Co-Lead Coordinator

Monique Ubungen Wardell is an English Instructor at Skyline College and San Francisco State University. She leads the Skyline College Learning Center’s Writing, Reading & ESOL Lab and Embedded Tutoring Program. Through her extensive work in community college English, ESL, and adult education courses, alongside university-level writing classrooms, she serves as an advocate for critical literacy development, student empowerment, and the increased success and retention of historically marginalized students within the college setting. Her experience as a College Success Coach for City College of San Francisco’s TRIO Writing Success Project and educator for SFSU’s Metro College Success program have been foundational in her work. As a fourth-generation Filipina-American, born and raised in San Francisco, she is firmly committed to increasing equity and access to higher education for urban communities of color and non-traditional student populations. Monique received her B.A. in English with a Minor in Education from UC Berkeley, and she holds an M.A. in English Composition and Certifications in Teaching Composition and Post-Secondary Reading from SFSU. Her work has been published in University of Michigan Press’s Perspectives on Good Writing in Applied Linguistics and TESOL.

Manny Verdin

Outreach Lead

Manuel “Manny” Verdin is a dedicated college counselor with the Promise Scholars Program at Skyline College, where he supports students—particularly first-generation, historically marginalized, and academically at-risk populations—in navigating their educational and career journeys. Born and raised in South San Francisco, Manny always aspired to give back to his community by helping students overcome barriers to success. He holds a master's degree in college counseling from San Francisco State University and has extensive experience working with diverse student communities. Manny’s counseling philosophy is deeply rooted in a holistic approach that considers where students have been, where they are, and where they want to go. He emphasizes advocacy, collaboration, and empowerment, integrating these values into skills development workshops, counseling, and student support programs. As a first-generation Latino college graduate, he brings a personal connection to his work, using his lived experiences to build trust and foster resilience in students facing similar challenges.He strives to create inclusive educational spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued. He believes in the transformative power of education and works tirelessly to remove barriers, ensuring that all students have the tools and support they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

Joseph Jaballa

Volunteer Lead

Joseph Jaballa was born and raised in the Bay Area and currently serves in higher education as the lead coordinator for Counseling @ Skyline College.  Aside from work, he is also a social media creative who rocks with everything fitness & fashion-related.

Alexandra Urbina

Social Media Lead

Alex Urbina is a first generation Latina from San Francisco. She is a Promise Scholars Program Counselor at College of San Mateo and is passionate about supporting students and creating beautiful experiences with her community. Besides being an educator, she likes curating expressive ideas through makeup and photoshoots.