2026 PSD Career Technical Education: Jesse Aguilar
Army veteran, father, nonprofit creator – Jesse Aguilar has a lot of roles. His motivation comes from helping others in his many ventures.
Jesse entered the military after high school and served for 10 years. Upon leaving, he saw other veterans struggle with food security. He found Operation Nourish, which serves free meals to homeless and food-insecure veterans, to meet that need.
His fellow military members are what also led him to enroll at Cypress College, where he says he found support for and from his community through the Veterans Resource Center. He became President of the Cypress College Veterans Organization and mentored students through the VA work study practice at the VRC.
Cypress also happened to have a department to suit his other passion of cooking. Jesse pursued his degree in the Hotel, Restaurant, Culinary Arts department and came out as one of its stars.
On top of all of these commitments, he manages a chronic illness: fibromyalgia. Despite this extra challenge, he still reaches for his goals. He wants to transfer to Cal Poly, Pomona to continue in Hospitality Management while expanding Operation Nourish by through increased outreach and impact.
“I chose Cypress College because of its strong support system for student veterans and its highly respected Hospitality Management program. The Veterans Resource Center gave me a sense of belonging right away, while the HRC program gave me a pathway to turn my passion for food and service into a career. Cypress was not just a school. It became a community that understood my background and helped me grow.”
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I was born and raised in the City of Orange, California. I am a proud Army veteran, having served 10 years as a mechanic and leader, including deployments overseas. My transition from the military into civilian life was a defining moment for me. It pushed me to rediscover my purpose beyond service. That purpose became rooted in community. As a father, my kids are my biggest motivation. Everything I do is to create a better future for them and to show them what resilience and service look like. During my transition, I was also faced with the challenge of learning how to live with fibromyalgia. Managing both the physical and mental aspects of it was not easy, but it taught me resilience, patience, and how to adapt. It became another part of my journey that shaped how I approach challenges and continue moving forward.
My passion for helping others led me to pursue Hospitality Management at Cypress College and to found Operation Nourish, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity among veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. My story is one of transition, growth, and continued service, just in a different uniform.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
I am most passionate about serving others, especially the veteran and military community. After transitioning out of the military, I saw firsthand how many veterans struggle with food insecurity and lack of support. That reality stayed with me. Through Operation Nourish, I have been able to turn that passion into action by serving thousands of meals and creating a sense of dignity and community.
For me, it is personal. Service did not stop when I took off the uniform. It evolved. Feeding people is more than just providing a meal. It is restoring hope.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
I chose Cypress College because of its strong support system for student veterans and its highly respected Hospitality Management program. The Veterans Resource Center gave me a sense of belonging right away, while the HRC program gave me a pathway to turn my passion for food and service into a career. Cypress was not just a school. It became a community that understood my background and helped me grow.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
At Cypress College, I have been deeply involved in leadership and service. I serve as President of the Cypress College Veterans Organization and President of the Region 8 Consortium for Student Veterans of America. I also worked as a VA work study at the Veterans Resource Center, where I mentored fellow student veterans and helped connect them to resources.
Through the HRC program, I have developed my skills in hospitality, catering, and operations. These skills directly support Operation Nourish. My path has been one of alignment. Everything I have done at Cypress has connected back to my mission of serving others.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
One of the most memorable experiences was hosting and participating in community events where Cypress College, Operation Nourish, and local partners came together to serve veterans. Seeing the direct impact, hundreds of people being fed, supported, and appreciated, was powerful. It reinforced that what we are doing matters and that the skills I am learning in the classroom are making a real difference in the community.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, an academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
The faculty and staff at both the Veterans Resource Center and the HRC program have played a huge role in my journey. The VRC staff provided guidance, mentorship, and a support system that helped me successfully transition into student life. At the same time, the HRC faculty pushed me to grow professionally, refine my skills, and think bigger about what I could accomplish in the hospitality industry.
Their belief in me made a difference during moments when I doubted myself.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
Cypress College has supported me academically, professionally, and personally. The Veterans Resource Center provided mentorship, resources, and a strong sense of community that helped me navigate my transition. The HRC program gave me hands on experience and opportunities to grow within the hospitality field. In addition, the Cypress College Foundation has been a great source of support through scholarships, which have helped ease financial stress and allowed me to stay focused on my education and my mission.
Throughout my time in college, I have also had to learn how to manage and live with fibromyalgia. There were moments where the physical and mental challenges made things difficult, but the support from the campus community, faculty, and staff helped me push through those obstacles. That experience strengthened my resilience and reminded me that asking for help and leaning on your support system is part of the journey.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
After completing my studies at Cypress College, I plan to transfer to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona to continue my education in Hospitality Management. At the same time, I will continue expanding Operation Nourish by growing our outreach, partnerships, and impact within Orange County and beyond.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
My long-term goal is to scale Operation Nourish into a nationwide organization that consistently supports veterans and military families facing food insecurity. I also aspire to integrate my hospitality background into building sustainable programs, including mobile food services and community partnerships.
Ultimately, I want to create a legacy of service, one that my kids can be proud of and one that continues helping others long after I am gone.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the impact Operation Nourish has had in such a short amount of time. Serving thousands of veterans, active-duty service members, and their families is something I never take lightly. I am also proud of my transition from the military to becoming a student leader, nonprofit founder, and father who continues to push forward despite challenges.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
Take advantage of every opportunity and resource available to you. Get involved, build relationships, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Your path may not be perfect, and that is okay. Growth comes from challenges. Stay consistent, stay focused, and remember why you started.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my children for being my motivation, the faculty and staff at the Veterans Resource Center and HRC program for their constant support, and the Cypress College community for believing in me and my mission. I would also like to thank the staff at the Cypress College Foundation.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
My journey is a reminder that service does not end. It evolves. Whether in uniform or in the community, we all have the ability to make an impact. For me, that impact is simple. Feeding hope, one meal at a time.