Jonathan Charres
Jonathan Charres
Assistant Director of Diversity and Outreach
Chapman University
WASFAA
Meet Jonathan Charres, 2024-25 Diversity Leadership Program Class.
A first-generation college graduate, Jonathan is a trailblazer for diversity efforts in higher education. Leveraging his substantial background in enrollment management, Jonathan stepped into a unique, inaugural position designed to bridge the gap between financial aid, diversity and outreach initiatives.
For Jonathan, the realm of financial aid is an important arena for empowering students and creating opportunities. “One of my key goals has been to make financial aid less intimidating and more approachable,” Jonathan said.
His holistic approach to financial aid sprouted from his own personal experiences. Jonathan has served as CASFAA Representative-at-Large for Diversity and Access and has been involved in the WASFAA IDEA Committee. Outside of his professional obligations, Jonathan volunteers as President of the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Forum at Chapman University.
“I deeply value mentorship and providing resources for students like me to succeed,” Jonathan said. “My journey has been about paying it forward, building community, and creating opportunities for others.”
Learn more about Jonathan in the brief Q&A below.
1. How did you get your start in financial aid?
After I graduated, I was hired full-time at Chapman University's Registrar's Office. My career has been in enrollment management, where I worked on registration, program changes, degree conferrals, and articulation credit. Later, I joined California State University, Northridge, as an articulation officer. Eventually, I returned to Chapman University’s financial aid office in the inaugural role of assistant director of diversity and outreach.
2. What have been some of the most significant milestones in your financial aid career, and how have they shaped your perspective on the profession?
A few years ago at a WASFAA conference, I attended a session led by the University of Oregon about their Financial Wellness Center. They discussed how their center positively impacted underrepresented students by improving their financial literacy. This inspired me because my institution didn’t have anything like that. I reached out to their director, got approval from my supervisor, and developed a financial wellness peer coaching program.
In addition, I worked to embed this program within our Promising Futures program, which serves first-generation students.
3. How have you seen diversity in higher education change since you began your career?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are no longer about offering the same services to everyone; they’re about providing additional resources to students who need them most so they can succeed. This evolution has led to more intentional, mission-driven financial aid programs. For example, our OC Heritage Program supports local students who meet GPA, Pell Grant, and Cal Grant eligibility criteria by covering full tuition and fees for four years.
I’ve loved watching this focus on diversity and equity expand — not just at my institution but across higher education. It’s inspiring to see how these efforts are transforming the college experience and creating opportunities for underrepresented students.
4. What change would you like to see in financial aid?
We need more positions like mine in financial aid offices. I’m starting to see colleges create similar roles now, but when I began this position two and a half years ago, there was no one else doing this. I had to build the position and the programs from the ground up, and I didn’t always know who to turn to for guidance. That’s why being part of the WASFAA Leadership Development Program was so invaluable — it gave me the opportunity to bounce ideas off my mentor and gain insights from others.
Now that I’m in this role, I clearly see the value it brings and the impact it has already made at my institution. Financial aid must be part of the conversation when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Understanding the impact and meaning of these initiatives requires collaboration between financial aid and DEI programs.
5. How does your perspective impact how you do your job and approach financial aid?
I am a first-generation college student, and navigating the college experience was a challenge for me. Eventually, I found mentorship when I was hired as a federal student worker in the Office of the Registrar. That experience showed me the importance of guidance — having someone to look up to who shared similar qualities and experiences with me.
My background in enrollment management — working in registrar and admissions offices — gives me a unique perspective. Unlike many financial aid administrators who spend their entire careers in financial aid, I understand how decisions and programs in one office impact others across enrollment management. This holistic understanding allows me to be proactive and collaborative in decision-making processes.
6. What advice do you have for those in financial aid?
Find your champions. Seek out people who will support and guide you — essentially, find your community. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get involved in state, regional, or national organizations. You’re not in this alone. There are so many other new financial aid or higher education professionals in the same position as you. Lean on those connections, and you’ll find plenty of people who can help you along the way — or you’ll help each other navigate this new realm together.
7. What do you do when you're not working?
Beyond financial aid, I make it a point to be present at campus DEI events, such as those for Black, African American, Latinx, and Queer students. For many students, especially those from cultures where discussing finances is taboo, it’s challenging to open up about financial concerns—especially with a stranger. By showing up and building connections, I aim to create an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help.
I’ve been a Disneyland annual pass holder — now called a Magic Key holder — for the past seven or eight years. I go at least once a week, sometimes once every other week. It’s become a bit of a problem. Disneyland is a bit of an escape for me. It’s like entering a whole new world where I can just leave everything behind. I even feel like Tinkerbell’s pixie dust is working its magic.