Jovany Cardenas Vargas

Computer Science Student, Cybersecurity Intern & SkillsUSA National Medalist


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About Me

Hello! My name is Jovany Cardenas Vargas, and I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in Santa Maria, California, and come from a family with two younger brothers and two older half-brothers. My parents, originally from Mexico, work in the strawberry fields, and their strong work ethic has inspired my own dedication.

I discovered my passion for Computer Science during a high school web design class, which led me to pursue an Associate of Science in Computer Science at Allan Hancock College. My coursework includes Intro to Programming (Java), Computer Organization (Assembly), and Discrete Structures. I plan to transfer to San Jose State University to complete my bachelor’s degree and explore areas like AI, cybersecurity, and software development.

Beyond academics, I am actively involved in SkillsUSA, where I’ve earned three California state gold medals, a national silver medal, and a national bronze medal in Computer Programming. I’ve also served in chapter leadership as Secretary, Vice President, and President.

Professionally, I currently work as a Cybersecurity Intern with the Allan Hancock College IT Department, where I help support cybersecurity awareness, data center operations, website quality assurance, and security-related projects. I also continue serving as a Student Worker for the Career Center and College Corps, supporting students, events, outreach, and program operations.

Work Experience

Cybersecurity Intern - Information Technology

Allan Hancock College IT Dept.
February 2026 – Present

Develop and present cybersecurity best practices to students and staff. Support data center operations by auditing hardware, managing inventory, and decommissioning outdated systems. Conduct website quality assurance by identifying and resolving bugs, broken links, and inconsistencies to improve performance and user experience. Support the implementation and evaluation of security tools and assist in identifying security risks and system vulnerabilities.

Owner / Operator

Cardenas Auto Detail
August 2025 – Present

Founded and manage a mobile auto detailing business, handling customer service, scheduling, branding, and business operations.

Special Project: Website Development

Allan Hancock College
August 2025 – October 2025

Worked on a special project with the Dean of Academic Affairs to develop and implement a Django-based web application that helps faculty generate syllabi more efficiently. Supported deployment and integration into the college system while helping ensure smooth performance and usability.

Student Worker

Allan Hancock College: Career Center / College Corps
October 2022 – Present

Serve as a student worker supporting both the Career Center and College Corps with student services and program operations. Assist students with job searching, resumes, interview preparation, and general career support. Help with workshops, campus events, outreach materials, social media, logistics, and student support for College Corps activities.

Interim Career Center Program Specialist – College Corps

Allan Hancock College: Career Center
September 2024 – December 2024

Temporarily filled the role of Program Specialist for the College Corps initiative, ensuring smooth operation of program activities. Coordinated site visits, tracked fellow hours, organized monthly training sessions, and developed visual materials for outreach and internal events.

Student Intern

Santa Barbara County Education Office: Early Care & Education Program
January 2022 – April 2022

Provided general administrative support at a county office focused on early childhood education. Managed phone calls, organized documents, and prepared materials for families and staff while ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.

Agricultural Worker

Cardenas Bros. Farming Inc.
Summer 2021 & 2022

Worked seasonally in strawberry fields performing harvesting, sorting, and quality control. Operated agricultural machinery and supported supervisors with crop care, fertilizer preparation, and daily field operations under challenging conditions.

Education

Allan Hancock College

Santa Maria, CA
2022 – 2026

Associate of Science in Computer Science for Transfer (View Degree - December 2025)
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts: Mathematics and Science (View Degree - December 2025)
Associate of Science in Mathematics for Transfer (View Degree - May 2026)
Associate of Science in Physics for Transfer (View Degree - May 2026)
Certificate of Achievement: Intersegmental General Education (IGETC) (View Certificate - December 2025)

Relevant Coursework: Java Programming, Computer Organization (Assembly), Discrete Structures

Active in SkillsUSA, Career Center, and College Corps leadership and program operations.

San José State University

San Jose, CA
Starting Fall 2026

Admitted Transfer Student – Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science / Software Engineering (Fall 2026)

Pioneer Valley High School

Santa Maria, CA
2018 – 2022

High School Diploma

Skills

Technical Skills

Java

Python

HTML

CSS

JavaScript

Django

SQL Databases (PostgreSQL, SQLite, ...)

Git & GitHub


C++

Swift

React.js

Node.js

Linux

Docker

AWS

Render (Hosting)


IT & Cybersecurity

Modern Campus CMS

Sophos Central

Deep Freeze Cloud

Endpoint Security

Data Center Operations

Network Troubleshooting

IT Asset Management

Device Setup & Deployment


Security Risk Assessment

Vulnerability Identification

Security Best Practices

Network Diagnostics

Website QA & Debugging

System Testing (QA)

System Troubleshooting

Technical Documentation

Soft Skills

Leadership
Communication
Collaboration
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Adaptability
Organization

Work Ethic
Flexibility
Decision-Making
Detail-Oriented
Fast Learner
Innovative
Problem Solver
Troubleshooting & Technical Support

Fast Typing (65+ WPM)
Office 365 Apps
Graphic Design
Bilingual

SkillsUSA Projects

All of these programs were developed during SkillsUSA Computer Programming competitions. Each challenge was given without prior notice, requiring rapid problem-solving and full implementation within tight time limits.

SkillsUSA Awards & Leadership Timeline

2022-23

Chapter Secretary | 🥇 SkillsUSA California State Gold Medalist – Computer Programming | 🥈 SkillsUSA National Silver Medal - Computer Programming

2023-24

Chapter Vice-President | NLSC Delegate | Computer Programming Proficiency Award | 🥇 SkillsUSA California State Gold Medalist – Computer Programming

2024-25

Chapter President | 🥇 SkillsUSA California State Gold Medalist – Computer Programming | 🥉 SkillsUSA National Bronze Medal - Computer Programming

2025-26

Chapter President | 🥇 SkillsUSA California Regional Gold Medalist – Computer Programming

Accomplishments

Memberships & Involvement

Extracurricular Activities

Student Support Programs

Past Clubs

Contact Me








Contact

Email: 16jovany2004@gmail.com

Instagram: View Profile

LinkedIn: View Profile

GitHub: JovanyCardenas