Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
CSUSB alumna Marina Kamel has always found strength in duality — as an Egyptian-American, a creative turned business professional, and a student-turned-staff member at Cal State San Bernardino. Today, she serves as the communications and events specialist for the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration (JHBC), but her CSUSB story runs deep — one shaped by growth, resilience, and a profound sense of belonging rooted in heritage and community.
Born and raised in the Inland Empire, Kamel is the daughter of Egyptian immigrants who became U.S. citizens and laid the foundation for their children’s futures. “My background holds significant importance for me as it reflects a dual heritage that I embrace wholeheartedly,” she said. “While I take pride in being American, my Egyptian roots are equally meaningful.” That pride took on new resonance when Arab American Heritage Month was formally recognized in 2023 — “It felt like a long-awaited recognition, something that Arab Americans can celebrate together with pride.”
Kamel’s journey with CSUSB began in 2014, when her advisor at Chaffey College suggested that the English program at Cal State San Bernardino would be “an excellent fit, and she was right,” Kamel said. She transferred to CSUSB to pursue a bachelor of arts in English with a concentration in creative writing. “I often say that CSUSB chose me,” she said. “Without a car at the time, I spent my entire day on campus, loving every part of campus and the environment.” She graduated in 2016, but her connection to the university was just beginning.
She first joined the CSUSB workforce as a student assistant with Coyote Advertising, sharpening her skills in writing and design. After graduation, a chance encounter with Lisa Gordon, JHBC administrative support coordinator, led to her first full-time role in the college’s Department of Marketing in 2017. Since then, she has steadily grown through multiple roles and now thrives in her eighth year at the university.
“My co-workers and the students have kept me here,” she said. “I love helping the students, and I get to do that through the motivational and inspiring events we put on in the college.”
In 2022, balancing her dual commitment to professional growth and personal development, Kamel returned to CSUSB to pursue her Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree — all while continuing her full-time role at the university. Crediting her future MBA classmates and mentors — including CSUSB’s own Molly Riter and Kirstyn Hansen — with helping her take the leap, Kamel said, “Their support instilled the confidence I needed to apply, despite my academic background in English, not business.” Earning her MBA while working full-time at JHBC was no small feat, but she embraced the challenge and graduated with honors in May 2024.
What ultimately convinced her to pursue business over a graduate degree in the arts? “At the time, I was juggling a job at CSUSB and freelancing — editing manuscripts, creating websites, and doing photography,” she explained. A pivotal conversation helped her reframe those activities as entrepreneurship. “Kirstyn pointed out that my freelance work was essentially running a business … it wasn’t until Molly officially convinced me in 2022 that I realized the MBA was the right choice for me.” True to her nature, Kamel found strength in blending creativity with business strategy — two worlds she now navigates with confidence.
Kamel’s CSUSB experience wasn’t shaped by classmates alone — she also credits her “exceptional” undergraduate and graduate faculty for leaving a lasting impact. One professor who stood out was Rami Tameez, who taught her final class in the MBA program, Marketing Management. His dynamic teaching style and real-world insights encouraged students to broaden their thinking, connect ideas to everyday challenges, and approach problems with creativity and confidence. “He pushed us to challenge ourselves and explore new ideas, inspiring a genuine passion for learning,” she said.
Today, Kamel’s passion for education and student success shines through in every event she plans and every message she crafts. “Once I arrived at CSUSB, everything changed. The supportive environment, engaging professors, and amazing community sparked a lifelong love of learning that I never knew I had,” she said. “Education has become incredibly important to me.”
In 2024, Kamel was recognized as the Jack H. Brown College Staff of the Year — a meaningful milestone that underscored both her commitment and the strength of the community that surrounds her. “Winning the Staff of the Year award was an incredible honor, and I am grateful to have been nominated and chosen,” she said. She credits the achievement to the supportive team at JHBC and the guidance of colleagues like Lisa Nazario (formerly Peña), who helped her navigate projects and grow professionally. “This award not only reflects my hard work,” she added, “but also the collaborative spirit of our team. I’m excited to continue contributing and making a positive impact together.”
Throughout her journey, Kamel has remained deeply grounded in the relationships that have shaped her life and career. She is quick to recognize the many individuals who have contributed to her growth — not out of obligation, but out of genuine appreciation for the community that has supported her. Among those who have made a lasting impact are Jessica Chavez, whose student-focused leadership inspires her daily, and Chief of Police John Guttierez, whose encouragement helped her persevere through moments of doubt during her MBA. “Thanks to his belief in me, I didn’t give up,” she said.
Several others also played pivotal roles in her development. Kamel credits Dr. Francisca Beer, with whom she worked in the JHBC Office of Academic Equity, for helping her strengthen her skills in event planning and community engagement. She highlights Dr. Haakon Brown for his steady support throughout her MBA journey, ensuring she was thriving while balancing multiple roles at CSUSB. She also acknowledges JHBC Dean Tomás Gomez-Arias, who has inspired her to always strive for excellence, regardless of her position or responsibilities. For Kamel, success has never been a solo act — it is built through dedication, determination and the encouragement of a strong community that has believed in her every step of the way.
Outside of work, Kamel continues to embrace her creative side — a reflection of the dual passions that have always driven her. She keeps busy through freelance photography, an entertainment media website co-run with her sister, and a small business she launched during her time in the MBA program. “I like to stay busy!” she said with a smile.
To CSUSB students, her message is clear: “Fully embrace every opportunity that comes your way … Stay curious and make the most of your time at CSUSB!”
And in her words, a reminder for us all: “Success is no accident,” she said. “It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and, most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”