Larisa Korepanova
Program Specialist
School of Languages and Learning Resources
Larisa Korepanova exemplifies Irvine Valley College’s mission through unwavering compassion, dedication, and resourcefulness. As a key staff member in the English Language Center (ELC), she supports Adult ESL students far beyond registration and enrollment, connecting them with vital resources like counseling, transportation, and food services. From securing aid for a student at risk of dropping out to helping a non-English-speaking student get a textbook refund, Larisa’s advocacy changes lives.
Colleagues describe Larisa as the heart of the ELC. Academic Senate President Rebecca Beck calls her a cornerstone for Adult Re-Entry students. Counselor Sylvia Sanchez says Larisa offers hope and support to students regardless of where they are in their journey. She also contributes to departments across campus, including CalWORKs, MESA, Outreach, Financial Aid, and Basic Needs, offering translation services, warm hand-offs, and a calming presence, especially for immigrant and refugee students.
Beyond the office, Larisa plays an active role in community outreach, engaging local immigrant populations at events like Fiesta Latina and Irvine’s Global Village Festival. Her thoughtful touches—like creating kids’ activities at family events—help build bridges between IVC and the broader community.
She’s a committed learner, attending professional development events such as NCORE to better serve IVC’s diverse population. As the first point of contact for many AESL students, Larisa is often the welcoming face of the college. Her ability to explain pathways—from healthcare careers to credit classes—opens doors for students who might otherwise feel lost.
Larisa leads ELC student workers with compassion and mentorship, helping them develop both personally and professionally. Her kindness, patience, and empathy resonate deeply, earning praise from students and colleagues alike. She’s fluent in Russian, proficient in Spanish, and makes a point to learn greetings in other languages to help all students feel welcome. She even contributes her photography skills to promote IVC’s diversity and community spirit online.
In every role she plays—mentor, advocate, connector—Larisa Korepanova lifts others up and helps them succeed. She truly embodies the values of equity, care, and community that define IVC.