Dallas College

Student Experience: Dhruv Pandya

“With my first management class, I was hooked. Everything I learned at community college was a real-life experience. I could apply what I was learning at work and really see results. My education helped me to do more and more on the job. 

“Today I’m helping to change people’s lives. The credit for what I am today goes to my education.” 

After completing his associate degree, Dhruv earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University in Cedar Hill and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. He worked for several years as Level III manager supervising a group of more than 90 employees responsible for maintaining all of the water pipes on the south side of Dallas before being promoted to his current position as assistant director of Trinity Watershed Management. He was honored with an Individual Achievement Award by the city in 1996 and 2000, was named Employee of the Year in 1988 and was given a Director’s Award for Productivity, Achievement and Innovation in 1995.


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Isaac Juarez

Isaac Juarez

Ascender student
“Ascender has helped me come out of my shell, be more active on campus, and step outside my comfort zone. It has also allowed me to build meaningful connections and find inspiration. Through this journey, I have come to see my friends as my family.”
Business
Icela Robles

Icela Robles

Realtor Sandyland Estates Home Builders
“In the classes, I learned basically everything I needed to know to work in the real estate business: ethics, laws, guidelines, about the Texas Real Estate Commission — really, all that the business entails — through the Real Estate program.”
Real Estate
Gina Becerra

Gina Becerra

Program Services Assistant Workforce Training
“I was nervous when I first started, but I soon felt comfortable and more confident in myself thanks to the instructors and staff in the BOSS program. They inspired me to try harder and to believe in myself. I feel prepared and ready for what comes my way, and I also know that there are people out there who truly care about me and others like me who want to get ahead in life.”
Business
Gilberto Tellez

Gilberto Tellez

Manager Fernando’s Mexican Cuisine
“The best and most important thing is the knowledge I learned in Richland’s program. I’ve learned things that I know I will use someday in my career. I’ve learned a lot of things that I’ll be able to put into practice.”
International Business and Trade
Dhruv Pandya
Dhruv Pandya
Assistant Director of Trinity Watershed Management Dallas Water Utilities
Business and Management
School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade
Updated September 4, 2026