RFK Community Schools

Hali received her Bachelors from UC San Diego and has a Masters in School Counseling. She is excited and looking forward to continuing to support students and families. Being able to work with GEAR UP and make a positive difference in their lives as they begin to embark on their post-secondary options allows her to be a resource.    

“I was once in their shoes, and sharing my story with students can build the positive rapport and let them know that  they are not alone in their journey towards achieving their goals.” 

Alejandra Bedoy is a first-generation college graduate. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cal State Northridge and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in counseling at Loyola Marymount University. 

“I want to inspire and motivate students and make it known that education has no boundaries! I want students to know that their voice and knowledge matter and need to be shared with the world to help inspire others. Their goals and dreams are infinite and higher education is possible!”

Paola was born and raised in East Los Angeles and attended high school at Alliance Stern MASS  and from there went to UC San Diego and then on to get her B.A. from UC Irvine in Sociology with an emphasis on Diversity and Inequality.

“I am so happy to be starting at GEARUP 4 LA and to be working with first gen students. I am very passionate about higher education access and about expanding as many resources as possible to marginalized communities.”

 

Jakelin grew up in Koreatown and is a proud RFK alumni, graduating from RFK in 2018 before continuing her education at CSUN. She received her bachelors degree in psychology in 2022.

I enjoy working with students and helping them reach their full potential. I believe we all have a purpose, and my goal is to be a stepping for students to reach their dreams.

Maira was born and raised in East Los Angeles. She graduated from Whittier College in 2020 with a B.A. in Transcultural Film (Film Studies and Sociology).  She recently moved back to East Los Angeles from Eugene, Oregon, where she was working at the University of Oregon as a Student Services Program Assistant.

I have a huge passion for guiding BIPOC, first-generation, and low-income students in finding accessible and equitable educational and career opportunities.

Fernanda Paredes is a former RFK Community Schools student and class of 2021 Harris Newmark graduate.

“As a former GEAR UP student, I wanted to provide assistance and encouragement for parents and students to take advantage of all opportunities we can provide. I seek to be a reliable support system for all staff, students and parents and being a PESA definitely feels like the correct step towards that goal.”