Originally from Los Angeles, California, Gilbert earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He has held a variety of roles across higher education, including Financial Aid Business Analyst at the University of California, Santa Cruz and San Francisco State University; Information Technology Analyst for the Los Rios Community College District; and Product Manager for Workday and the California State University Maritime Academy, before ultimately rejoining the Los Rios Community College District.
Gilbert began his career as a work-study student in the UC Santa Cruz Financial Aid Office and, after graduating, spent 11 years as a Financial Aid Systems Analyst. With more than 20 years of experience in financial aid, he brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to supporting student success.