Hispanic Heritage Month Employee Spotlight–Mark Bernal
As an Enrollment Counselor Coordinator for WGU’s School of Technology, Mark Bernal is passionate about making higher education more accessible and inclusive, especially for Spanish-speaking students.
After working in higher education for many years, Mark left the field during the 2020 pandemic to seek a remote job in the financial industry. But his cousin Joel Cañez, another WGU employee, helped change the trajectory of his career when he mentioned the hiring need for Enrollment Counselors. Mark applied and soon returned to his academic roots.
Mark was particularly drawn to WGU’s impressive DE&I initiatives and programs. “They are beyond what I had imagined from an online university,” he says. “How different groups have been represented, supported, and celebrated is a positive and progressive step for students and employees.”
Mark is passionate about his work as an Enrollment Counselor because of the meaningful impact he can have on students. “My job allows me to continuously work with individuals who create a student experience beyond the standard norm—an experience that will set students up for success regardless of the barriers or economic stressors many face today,” he says. Mark values the strong connections he has made within the university. “My job has also provided me an outlet to network and connect with various people leaders across WGU and create long-lasting connections and friendships.”
Mark's efforts, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, serve as a reminder of the importance of access and support for diverse communities within higher education. However, it’s his interactions with students that hold the most meaning. On a daily basis, Mark speaks with students over the phone, helping them navigate specific steps in the enrollment process to ensure a smooth experience at WGU. He also communicates with students via email, live chats, and text messaging. “We realize that enrollment is not a one-size-fits-all option,” he acknowledges, “and that different modes can be used to foster an equitable approach for each student's specific enrollment needs.”
Every interaction allows Mark to use the necessary tools to help students take the steps needed to achieve their academic goals by enrolling in WGU. “Every student I connect with begins with a goal of pursuing one of our many degrees,” Mark says. “Of the many students I work with daily, connecting with students who reflect similar journeys like myself reminds me why this work is essential and life-changing, especially for students I engage with in the Spanish-speaking community.”
One of the highlights of Mark’s experience as a WGU Enrollment Counselor is being part of a collective effort to enhance the enrollment experience for Spanish-speaking students as part of WGU's Spanish Pilot program this year. “With our Spanish-speaking team's immense dedication and consistent contributions, we have now carved a pathway for students to connect comfortably in a shared language and feel a sense of community and belonging as they embark on the first steps of their academic journey.”
The LatinX Owls Employee Resource Group has been instrumental in Mark’s professional growth at WGU. “As the membership director,” he says, “I have had the immense honor of working with such a fantastic leadership team and a diverse and engaging membership group.” Stepping into this role has allowed Mark to connect with many people leaders within WGU and has fostered collaboration efforts to further WGU in its DE&I efforts.
Continuing these efforts and committing to underserved communities’ ongoing challenges is an essential part of WGU’s—and Mark’s—mission. “As we move forward against the uphill battles and waves of removal that DE&I has faced across the states,” Mark notes, “we must uphold the mission of ‘Endeavoring to be the World's Most Inclusive University’ for our successes and achievements to remain and continue to be effective and enduring.”
