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Janicia Centeno-Castillo, who immigrated from Nicaragua at age 13, is the first in her family to attend college. She holds a bachelor’s in Spanish and a master’s in educational leadership from Cal State L.A. and a master’s in educational counseling from the University of La Verne.

“I believe education is one way to give back to our communities and I love being part of an organization that aligns so well with my passion for equity and access to higher education for our incredible students! I love seeing our families realize that ‘sí se puede,’ that they are not alone, and that they belong!”

Karina Alcaraz graduated with a bachelor’s in child development from Whittier College.

“I love seeing students believe in themselves and their dreams. I’ve seen our students teach each other the A-Gs, help each other register for tests, seek support for one another, and even offer us support. It’s a perpetual building of community and it fills my heart.”

Lorena Almaguer has been fortunate to work for over 20 years doing something she absolutely loves – helping underrepresented families advocate for themselves.

“There is nothing more gratifying than being able to pass along lifelong knowledge, tools, and resources to empower families to redefine their future. It fills me with joy to know that GU4LA is making a difference, and even more that I can be part of this movement to close that equity gap.”

Ana Chavez loves being able to make a difference in the lives of families and their children, promoting success, and ensuring families have the information needed to make knowledgeable decisions.

“GEAR UP 4 LA gives me the opportunity to create more connections with parents to guide them in how to support their children to succeed in their education.”

Ada Cordova attended Carver Middle School, Jefferson High School, and Los Angeles Trade Technical College. She has been with GEAR UP for 20 years.

“I enjoy working with GEAR UP because it is a very good program for students and families. I like to see how everyone in the program goes above and beyond to help students and their families.”

Maria Cortez, who grew up in Jalisco, Mexico, studied computer programming in Mexico, computer operator/software application at East Los Angeles Occupational Center, and general office clerk at Glendale Community College.

“GEAR UP gives me the opportunity and great pleasure to provide our families with resources, information, and trips to universities, where they can see for themselves the opportunities their children can have. Helping my community is one of my biggest satisfactions.”

Adalberto “Beto” Dominguez – born in Mexico before arriving to the United States at 5 years old – is the first of seven siblings to go to college. He holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Cal State Long Beach, a master’s in educational counseling from National University and a master’s in educational leadership from Cal State Northridge.

“Working in education is about building positive relationships that allow us to make a difference in each other’s lives. This is why I am excited to work with and be a part of GEAR UP. “

David Gantt, who has been with GEAR UP since March 2016, holds a master’s in educational administration from Cal State Northridge and a master’s in education and a teaching credential from Pepperdine University.

“I love my job! As a high school student, no one in my family or school talked about college or what it took to go to college. I wish I had a program like GEAR UP to help prepare me and my family for college, and now I love empowering students and family with college knowledge.”

Melisa Lauer holds a bachelor’s in anthropology from Princeton University and a master’s in education from Pepperdine University.

“GEAR UP is all about breaking down walls, opening doors, and building powerful futures. The work that we do at GEAR UP in helping our students and families pave this pathway to success is not only supporting the individuals we care so much about, but also working to dismantle the barriers within our systems. Our students are the future. When they succeed, our world is brighter.”

Jill Manning holds a bachelor’s from UCLA, a master’s from Cal State L.A., and a doctorate from USC.

“I love supporting all the site teams and making it possible for them to make students’ dreams become reality!”

Jose Medina grew up in South Central Los Angeles and attended Los Angeles Middle School and Manual Arts High School.

“I want to provide resources that my parents didn’t have when I was growing up. I want to give students the opportunity that I didn’t have and at the same time inspire and be a role model for my kids.”

Rocio Pina, who grew up in Glassell Park, graduated with a bachelor’s in liberal studies with a focus on directed elementary teaching and a minor in child development from Cal State L.A.

“Programs like GEAR UP can push for policies that accommodate non-traditional college students because research allows us to add more context to an issue and inform others about students’ struggles. GEAR UP programs are vital in the quest for educational policy changes!”

Jake joins GEAR UP after serving 15 years in a hospital setting.  He’s from Manila and enjoys painting abstract art and loves eating Balut.

“I’m excited to join the School District and GEAR UP 4 LA to experience new things. I’m here to help you out in regards with Technology issues.  Happy to be a part of the team.”

Born in El Salvador, Frida Samayoa arrived in the U.S. when she was 14 years old. Like many immigrants, she had big dreams, the most important of which was transforming the lives of low-income children and their families.

“I am honored to work with every one of the GEAR UP staff, who work hard and put their hearts into making sure kids and their families overcome barriers now and in the future. I am living my dream.”

Danny Tran was among the hundreds of thousands of refugees known as “boat people” who fled Vietnam following the end of the war. He graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor’s in mathematics.

“I love seeing students grow into young adults and mature in ways I can’t describe. I find joy in my students when they are happy, when they seek help, when they joke with me, and when they see me as an adult they can rely on or turn to. It is the greatest reward to see them change for the better.”

Santasha Williams, a product of L.A. Unified, discovered her passion for student services and college access while working toward her business law degree at Cal State Northridge.

“I enjoy working with students and families from backgrounds like mine and helping them to realize all the possibilities of their future.”