Meet the Corps
USC CAC Advisors
District
Our USC CAC college advisers are recent college graduates who work full-time at our partner high schools, helping students achieve their college dreams. We are very proud that our 36 advisers hail from diverse backgrounds but are united in their passion to help youth realize their educational potential. Get to know our advisers better by selecting the district tabs.
Vielka Guevara (B.A. University of California, Los Angeles) is a first-year adviser at Bellflower High School with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Central American Studies. She graduated early from her institution, where she primarily spent her three years serving students in K-12 and expanding her passion in the legal field. She spent two years with Teach For America, where she tutored elementary students, focusing on improving their reading, writing and comprehension skills. This inspired her to continue her work in education as she saw the difference it made in students’ lives when they had access to equitable education and a mentor with a desire to see them succeed. As such, she simultaneously spent two years as a college adviser with UCLA EAOP at Bell High School, where she enjoyed providing guidance and support to the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th-grade students seeking to attend college after high school. As a first-generation student herself, she strives to demonstrate to her students that their upbringing and barriers do not define their ability to succeed after high school. Once she graduated, she spent time at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse with JusticeCorps, where she enjoyed practicing family law and volunteering at the Self-Help Center. This gave her insight into how education and the legal fields intersect, as she saw how legal challenges can affect a student’s upbringing and education. However, as she continues her academic journey at the University of California, Irvine for a Master’s in Criminology, Law, and Society, she hopes to hold onto her passion for education, seeking ways to intersect education and law. This is what drew her to USC CAC, which allowed her to continue serving students in the educational field, many of whom come from marginalized backgrounds like herself.
Stephany Reyes (B.A. California State University, Long Beach) is a first-year USC College Advising Corps adviser serving Mayfair High School in the Bellflower Unified School District, which is also her alma mater as a part of the Class of 2020. She is a 2025 graduate from California State University, Long Beach, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Prior to attending CSULB, Stephany earned a double Associate’s Degree for Transfer from Cerritos College in Psychology and Social & Behavioral Sciences. During her time there, she began developing her skills through assisting students as a Student Ambassador for 3 years– earning the distinction of Ambassador of the Year in 2024. She developed her passion for education and helping others from a young age as she navigated school as a first-generation student who grew up in Mexico and moved to the United States at the age of 8. She seeks to use her ability to speak both English and Spanish to connect with families and help them participate in their student’s transition to higher education, regardless of their background. As a first-generation student and through her prior experience, she understands the varying needs of a diverse student population. As a USC CAC advisor, she seeks to leverage her background, experiences and tools at her disposal to help students find the best pathway to higher education for their goals and needs.
Jonathan Bartlett (B.A. University of California, Santa Barbara) is a second-year adviser serving Centennial High School. Jonathan grew up in the greater Los Angeles area, where he spent the majority of his childhood as a dependent of the foster care system. Here, he experienced first-hand the lack of resources that are present within disenfranchised communities, fueling his desire to make a difference. While attending UCSB as a first-generation student, Jonathan garnered invaluable experience through the Guardian Scholars Program. He discovered an overwhelming passion for working with underprivileged youth, leading him to serve the Youth Engagement Project as a Youth Ambassador. In this role, Jonathan is partnered with two separate counties, YOLO and Los Angeles, where he develops meaningful projects to bolster the state of child welfare. Currently, he serves as a mentor for foster youth, leads classes for the Independent Living Program (ILP) and shares his lived experience at ILP Summits. In addition, Jonathan simultaneously serves as a college adviser for USC’s College Advising Corps. Over the previous year, he supported approximately 230 first-generation low-income students in developing post-secondary plans. He assisted with over 1,300 college applications, led a multitude of college-related presentations and even worked with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation to host financial aid workshops. Jonathan is eager to return to Centennial High School for this upcoming school year. He hopes to grow in his position as an adviser and help students realize their dreams.
Jamie Morales (B.A. Scripps College) is a second-year adviser serving Compton Early College High School. She was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated summa cum laude from Scripps College of the Claremont Colleges with a major in psychology. As a low-income, first-generation student, Jamie recognizes that navigating and accessing higher education can be an arduous experience, especially without a reliable support system. Given her experiences, one of Jamie’s goals during her undergraduate years was to help push for education equity by engaging in college access programs. She served in various college mentoring roles during her college years and has assisted students and their families across LA County in demystifying higher education. Through her college mentorship work, she has enjoyed witnessing the significant growth that underserved students can achieve and the more secure futures they can attain when provided with support. As a College Adviser, Jamie aims to continue this work by further uplifting all students to pursue their higher education plans. Her goal is to present higher education as an accessible and achievable option for all students, regardless of their background and identities.
Berenice Negrete (B.A. University of California, Berkeley), is a second year advisor placed at Compton High School. She graduated with a degree in Cognitive Science and a minor in Data Science from UC Berkeley. During her time at Berkeley, Berenice was actively involved with Hermanas Unidas, a statewide organization that provides academic, community service, and social opportunities for predominantly Chicanx/Latinx college students. She served as the chapter's Academic Chair for a year, where she organized academic workshops, efficient study halls, and a monthly newsletter filled with essential resources to support students' academic success. Later, as aCo-Chair, she led the chapter's leadership team while fostering a supportive environment for members. Berenice also gained experience as a Data Analyst for UC Berkeley’s Residential Life Department, where she contributed to the development and analysis of satisfaction and experience surveys. Her work provided insights that helped the department implement new policies and events, demonstrating her commitment to driving positive change within the community. Additionally, she volunteered her time reviewing college application essays and presenting on the college experience to seniors at her alma mater, El Rancho High School. Through these experiences, Berenice discovered her passion for helping underrepresented students reach their goals by demystifying higher education. She is excited to continue this work through the Corps, guiding more students as they plan for life after high school.
Kimberly Velasco (B.A. University of California, Davis) is a first-year College Adviser serving Centennial High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Davis. As a first-generation college graduate, Kimberly deeply values the power of higher education and the doors it opens for students to pursue their goals and aspirations. She has always believed in the transformative power of education to positively impact lives. Driven by this passion, she pursued a career dedicated to serving her community. Kimberly has experience as a Peer Advisor, where she provided socio-emotional support to underrepresented youth, and as a Math Intervention Tutor, helping students strengthen their academic skills and confidence. Kimberly often tells her students to “reach for the stars,” reflecting her belief that every student has the potential to achieve their dreams when supported by encouraging mentors. As a College Adviser, Kimberly’s goal is to uplift and inspire students by showing them that higher education is within reach and that they have the potential to achieve anything they set their minds to. She hopes to make a meaningful impact on her students, knowing firsthand how life-changing a supportive mentor can be. Kimberly is excited to guide and empower her students as they navigate their future journeys.
Victoria Cardenas (B.S. University of La Verne), placed at Duarte High School, is a first-year adviser with a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Language. As a first-generation college student and former Upward Bound participant, Victoria understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities students face throughout their educational journeys. At La Verne, she served as Vice President of Marketing for the Associated Students of University of La Verne (ASULV), leading campus-wide marketing initiatives and organizing large events to boost student engagement. She also worked as a Promotions Coordinator for the Academic Success Center, helping develop inclusive events such as study nights and finals support to foster student success. One of the best experiences of her time in college was studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, where she was able to travel to different countries and experience new cultures. Victoria is passionate about building community and connecting with students authentically. Deeply committed to educational equity, she strives to remove barriers and create opportunities for all students to succeed. She joined the USC College Advising Corps to give back and serve as a support system for students navigating their higher education journeys, just as others supported her.
As a first-generation college student, Seidy Bucio experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating the complexities of the higher education system and the initial struggle of simply figuring out how to get there. Bucio has always believed in the transformative power of education, not only for individual growth but also for shaping the future of our society. During Bucio's time with UCLA's Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP), Bucio witnessed the profound impact that student support services have on high school campuses, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Seeing students reach their college aspirations awakened a professional passion in me that Bucio hadn’t previously realized. It is this very passion that propelled Bucio to work with USC's CAC. Bucio's ultimate goal is to create lasting, meaningful change on high school campuses—one that not only enhances students’ academic journeys, but also inspires them to pursue higher education and achieve their full potential.
Merrick Hoel (B.A., Occidental College) is a first-year adviser with USC College Advising Corps at Crescenta Valley High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in art history and was a committed student-athlete on Occidental’s women’s cross country and track teams, where she developed skills in time management, leadership, and teamwork. In her senior year, Merrick conducted honors thesis research through Occidental’s Summer Research Program, examining the underrepresentation of vulnerable racial and gender groups in American textbooks. Combined with her experience tutoring underserved kindergarten students, this work fueled her passion for expanding educational equity. Merrick believes education is a powerful tool that everyone deserves equal access to. She hopes to build meaningful relationships with her students, helping them feel prepared, confident, and excited about their academic futures. Inspired by USC CAC’s mission, she strives to connect students with resources, foster a sense of belonging, and empower them to pursue higher education.
Jasmine Escobar (B.A., California State University, Long Beach), a first-year adviser at Hawthorne Math and Science Academy, holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in child development and family studies, which she earned at California State University, Long Beach. She is a first-generation college graduate, which motivated her to help many students with a similar background to her own. Over the summer of her Sophomore year, she dedicated her time to working with young children at Camp Awesome, a summer camp. Here she would find her passion for working and helping others, especially children. In the summer after graduation, she volunteered for USC Allied-Health Programs, where she was able to interact with high school students interested in taking college-level classes to become certified nursing assistants, dental assistants, and medical assistants. This involvement sparked an interest in helping students pursue higher education and ultimately succeed. Being a resource for high school students who are from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds motivates Jasmine to share her knowledge of higher education with others. USC College Advising Corps presents her the perfect opportunity to give back to her community and make a difference in younger generations.
Zachary Allen (B.A. California State University, Long Beach) is a first year advisor serving Lakewood High School. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology after transferring from Golden West College. Zachary then continued his journey of higher education by enrolling in Orange Coast College’s Aviation Sciences program and ultimately earning his private pilot license. Zachary's experience navigating his local community colleges strengthened his beliefs in the power of higher education to further one’s academic and career goals. He believes it is important for students to take full advantage of the opportunities and resources that are available in college. Prior to entering this role with the USC College Advising Corps, Zachary worked as a youth program coordinator for an underserved community at Oak View Elementary School in Huntington Beach. This is where he discovered his passion for working with youth and guiding them through the education system. This role also reinforced his belief in keeping the youth engaged in academics and allowed him to appreciate the value of mentorship. Now, with USC CAC, Zachary aims to assist students in reaching their goals after high school and providing them with the skills needed to succeed outside of the classroom.
Zoe R. Avalos (B.A., California State University, Fullerton) is a first-year College Advisor at Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School, where she is dedicated to guiding students through their educational journeys and helping them find strength in their personal stories. A proud first-generation college graduate, Zoe earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Education and brings both academic expertise and lived experience to her role, offering relatable and informed support to the students she serves. Her college-going journey began in middle school through six years of participation in AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a program that shaped her understanding of higher education and empowered her to navigate the challenges of being the first in her family to attend college. She continues to draw on these experiences to support her students and inspire friends and family in pursuing their educational goals. While attending California State University, Fullerton, Zoe gained extensive experience working with youth as a Group Leader, Site Facilitator, Behavioral Technician, and Child Behavioral Therapist—supporting children and teens ages 4 to 16. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in School Counseling at the University of Southern California with a focus on social justice in high schools. As a member of the USC College Advising Corps, Zoe is committed to helping students use their lived experiences as a superpower in achieving their dreams and building their futures.
Piper Bailey (B.A., University of California, Los Angeles) is a first-year college adviser serving Lakewood High School in Long Beach Unified School District. She transferred to UCLA in 2023 from MiraCosta College, where she earned Associate’s degrees in English and Liberal Arts. At MiraCosta, Piper worked with the Honors Society, supporting students with contracts, events, and mentorship, and served as a Student Ambassador, guiding high school students through college applications and transitions. These experiences inspired her to pursue a minor in Education Studies and a career in college access and student affairs. At UCLA, Piper continued supporting transfer students as Academic Advisor for Chi Alpha Psi, mentoring first-year transfers through academic transitions, and as a Peer Advisor for the Center for Community College Partnerships, assisting West Los Angeles College students with financial aid, housing, and applications. Piper’s work also spans K–12 education, including summers with Galileo and the YMCA. Her experiences navigating the California Community College system and supporting students at multiple levels have strengthened her understanding of student needs, academic pathways, and community resources. As a College Advisor, Piper is committed to helping high school students explore higher education opportunities and successfully navigate the college journey.
Kate Gonzalez (B.A., California State University, Los Angeles) is a first-year College Advisor at McBride High School, dedicated to supporting students as they navigate their future pathways. A proud first-generation college graduate, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Business Management. Kate is passionate about helping students access the resources they need to succeed and guiding them toward paths that align with their goals and strengths. During her undergraduate years, Kate served as a Peer Leader at California State University, Los Angeles, supporting incoming first-year students by sharing her experiences and strategies to foster a sense of belonging and academic success. She provided one-on-one mentoring, led outreach initiatives, and facilitated workshops on college readiness, scholarships, and career exploration. Kate also participated in College Corps and Special Olympics—programs centered on youth empowerment and leadership development. These experiences deepened her passion for student advocacy and supporting students to succeed academically and personally. As a USC College Advisor, she guides students through the college application process while building their confidence and skills, and looks forward to helping them turn their dreams into reality.
Jennyfer Gonzalez-Perez (B.A. University of California, Riverside), is a first-year college advisor currently serving at Millikan High School. She earned her degree in Education, Society, and Human Development and was actively involved in campus life during her undergraduate years. Jennyfer worked in Residential Life, Housing Services, and participated in various campus organizations. In these roles, she supported a diverse student body by creating inclusive programs, providing valuable resources, building a sense of belonging, and even managing one of UCR’s mascots to promote school spirit among students, alumni, and staff. Her work with college students, as well as her own high school experience, inspired her to pursue a career in student advising. As a first-generation college student born and raised in East Los Angeles, Jennyfer understands firsthand the challenges students in underserved communities face. Motivated by her personal journey, she plans to pursue graduate studies in the coming years and aspires to become a high school counselor dedicated to helping students recognize the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Through her role with USC CAC, she views this opportunity as an important step toward that goal, allowing her to serve students who reflect her own background and experiences. She is excited to be known as “Ms. Jenny” and looks forward to being a supportive and reliable presence in the academic journeys of her students.
Lily Grudichak (M.Ed., Harvard Graduate School of Education; B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara), placed at Cabrillo High School, is a first-year adviser with the USC College Advising Corps. She recently earned her Master’s in Education with a concentration in Higher Education from Harvard, where she studied strategies for supporting students with the changing landscape of college admissions and enrollment, with a focus on expanding access to higher education. While completing her bachelor’s degree in sociology at UCSB, Lily served as a research and teaching assistant for Scitrek, supported elementary students as an After-School Assistant for the Goleta Unified School District, and competed as a member of the UCSB Women’s Rowing Team. After graduating, she worked full-time as a teaching assistant in second- and third-grade classrooms, where she developed a strong belief in supporting student needs and academic success through a holistic advising approach. Lily is driven by her passion for higher education equity and her commitment to ensuring that all students—especially those from first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds—have access to the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to pursue higher education or vocational pathways. She is excited to join the Corps and help students achieve their academic and professional dreams.
Hannah Jacobo (M.B.A., Purdue Global University) is a first-year advisor at Jordan High School in Long Beach, California, passionate about fulfilling students’ post-secondary education journey. Hannah recently earned her Master of Business Administration from Purdue Global University through the Disney Aspire Program, all while balancing two jobs- working for the Walt Disney Company and as a substitute teacher. Before her graduate studies, Hannah completed her bachelor’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Nutrition at California State University, Fullerton. During that time, she worked as an Applied Behavioral Specialist, supporting children with autism-a role that deepened her commitment to making a difference in young lives. She also gained valuable experience as a physical therapist aide, further reinforcing her dedication to health, healing and helping others thrive. Hannah’s passion for youth advocacy began at an early age—whether volunteering at her church or assisting at the preschool where her mother worked, she found purpose in creating safe and supportive spaces for young people to grow. She was actively involved in the Puente Program, which played a transformative role in guiding her through the college application process and helped shape her aspirations for higher education. That experience inspired her to give back—motivating her to become part of the USC College Advising Corps. Now, Hannah brings her diverse background in education, health, and mentorship to empower students on their college journey. Drawing from her own experiences, she is committed to equipping students with the knowledge, confidence, and resources they need to succeed. Hannah looks forward to growing both personally and professionally in this role while making a lasting impact on the students she serves.
Changwoo (Kai) Kim (B.A. Long Beach State University), with his residency at Woodrow Wilson High School, is a first-year adviser with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While attending CSULB, Kai was a part of the Greek Life organization where he served as the Director of Recruitment for the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and as Treasurer for his own fraternity, Kappa Sigma. Although COVID cut Kai’s college experience short by 2 years, he managed to recruit 60 new members with the collaboration of his fellow board members, breaking the pre-existing record for most recruited students in CSULB history. During college, he advised his fraternity members on which classes to take in an attempt to help them graduate in a timely manner. This experience led him to find his passion for being of service to others. As a first-generation college student, Kai understands the importance of higher education and regrets taking on the task of applying to college alone, not seeking the help that was available. Attending CSULB gave Kai a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. During his six months abroad, Kai navigated through six countries and 23 cities, absorbing the culture and lifestyle of the locals. Through USC CAC, his goal is to guide students to find their own passions in life and be a resource they can trust.
Savannah Labarda (B.A., University of California, Irvine), placed at Sato Academy of Mathematics & Science, is a first-year adviser with a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences and Criminology. She is also working toward Spanish fluency, having taken coursework in the language during her final two years in college and continuing her studies today. At UCI, Savannah served as a learning assistant where she worked alongside professors to deliver course content to students. This experience sparked her passion for teaching and supporting student success. She later mentored five high school students, guiding them through key academic and personal milestones. Savannah’s own journey began in high school, when she enrolled in her first community college course and discovered a deep love for learning. This passion has since grown into dedication to advocating for higher education access for all students. As a first-generation college graduate, she is eager to inspire students to explore the educational opportunities available to them. For Savannah, a love of learning has been the guiding force in both her personal and professional life. She has experienced the richness of higher education and is eager to guide students towards opportunities that will help them thrive and reach their full potential.
Maddie Mantooth is a dedicated college adviser at Renaissance High School for the Arts in Long Beach, where she passionately supports students in their pursuit of higher education. A graduate of Chapman University, Maddie earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, during which she made significant contributions to her sorority's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program. As the DEI programming chair, she spearheaded the implementation of innovative initiatives and annual training sessions, fostering a more inclusive environment. After graduating, Maddie took her commitment to education abroad, teaching English in Thailand. There, she led Public Speaking and English for Career classes, igniting her passion for ensuring that students have access to higher education. In addition to her role at Renaissance High, Maddie volunteers with ScholarMatch, a mentorship program that connects first-generation high school seniors with college coaches. She is also an ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor for adult immigrants through RIIS Settlement. With a deep-seated belief in the potential of every student, Maddie looks forward to helping her students achieve their dreams and reach new heights.
Jaden Muller (B.A. University of California, Davis), is a second year adviser proudly serving Browning High School. She graduated cum laude from UC Davis with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and minors in Human Development and English. During her senior year, Jaden worked as a K-12 Education Fellow within the Sacramento Valley College Corps (SVCC), whose mission is dedicated to providing service to communities within the greater Sacramento area. Within this position, she was placed at a Special Education school in Woodland, CA, where she assisted students one-on-one as a teacher’s aide in multiple K-12 classes. This work further demonstrated to her the power that education holds, and how essential of a resource it can be to students. With her experience at SVCC, Jaden knew she wanted to pursue this passion for education in some way. As an adviser for the USC College Advising Corps, she is able to do just that. She is excited to be a resource for students in navigating the endless possibilities available to them, and hopes to help them see the power of education and all it has to offer them in achieving their dreams!
Maria Palafox (B.A. California State University Fullerton) is a first-year college advisor at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, bringing with her a solid educational background and a wealth of experience in student mentorship. Before earning a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from CSUF she previously attended Cypress Community College and earned an associate degree in Spanish and Anthropology. Maria’s passion for guiding students sparked during her time at Cypress Community College. As a mentor for incoming high school students, she gained insight into the academic and personal challenges these students often face. This experience fueled her commitment to supporting students in overcoming these barriers. Maria interned with KidWorks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing at-risk youth with access to educational resources to inspire higher educational aspirations. Her role as a College Success Initiative intern further honed her skills in fostering an encouraging and supportive learning environment. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Maria also worked as a tutor in diverse settings, including traditional classrooms and non-traditional institutions like juvenile detention centers. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of inclusive, constructive, and consistent support systems for students, emphasizing that such systems are crucial for their success in post-secondary education. Maria is excited to join the USC college advising team, where she aims to empower students and equip them with the tools and skills necessary to navigate their educational journeys. She looks forward to growing both personally and professionally in her role, contributing to the success of the students she serves.
Sofia Perez (B.A. University of California, Irvine) is a second-year advisor at Wilson High School with a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science. During her college experience she worked within education and spent her free time volunteering with college access and youth leadership non-profit organizations, such as the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP) and Save Our Youth (SOY). During these experiences, Sofia found her passion for providing educational resources to college and high school students to help them reach their academic goals. As a first generation college student herself, Sofia understands the challenges that can come from navigating through the higher education system. She is very grateful to her own high school and college counselors and mentors that supported her goals and helped her see all the opportunities that higher education provides. Sofia wants her own students to see all the opportunities that are available to them, so they can make informed decisions about their future. As a CAC College Advisor, Sofia is excited to connect students to resources and help prepare them for success in their post secondary plans!
Andre Scott (B.A. California State University, Fullerton) is a first-year USC CAC college advisor at Jordan High School with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration - Marketing. Prior to transferring to CSUF, Andre attended Glendale Community College, where he earned his associate’s degree in Business Administration and also was the Captain of the Men’s Basketball team. While in his college studies and after, he explored his passion for working with youth by advising friends and family members like his younger cousins and brother through grade school, life after school and applying to college. It was meaningful to him to see the difference that he would make in their lives and always looked back at if he would’ve had the same support. As a college student and athlete, Andre experienced what it was like to be unsure about what he wanted to do in life after basketball and postsecondary education. This has inspired him to give back to the community by helping students and student-athletes like him gain knowledge about higher education so that they can create and achieve their goals. By joining the USC CAC he hopes that he can provide students with the support they need to be successful after high school and help them overcome any obstacles that stand between them and their vision.
Jazlynn Shearer (B.A., University of California, Berkeley) is a college adviser with USC’s College Advising Corps. She began her higher education journey at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, before transferring to UC Berkeley, where she earned her B.A. in Sociology and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from the UC Berkeley Extension Program. She later earned an Advanced Certificate in Communication Studies, focusing on research and leadership, from San José State University. A former Division I Track and Field athlete at all three universities, Jazlynn’s experiences balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth inspired her interest in mentorship and advising. Her athletic career fostered discipline, resilience, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges student-athletes face. Drawing from her own experiences navigating transfers and collegiate demands, Jazlynn is passionate about guiding students toward opportunities that align with their educational and personal goals. At the College Advising Corps, she helps underserved and first-generation students explore options beyond the degree, including campus culture, resources, and post-graduation pathways. Her mission is to empower students to make informed decisions that support long-term success, using her platform to inspire and equip the next generation to reach their highest potential.
Michelle Vu (B.A. University of California, Irvine), placed at Millikan High School, is a first-year adviser with a bachelor's degree in Public Health Policy. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Counseling, Student Development in Higher Education at the California State University, Long Beach. She discovered her passion for advising and helping students when she became a teaching assistant during her second year at UCI where she helped first-year undeclared students at UCI discover what major they wanted to pursue while exploring useful campus resources. Throughout her undergraduate career at UCI, she was involved in various student services and leadership positions, such as being a teaching assistant for an AIDS Fundamentals class, a summer orientation leader, an intern for the Undeclared Academic Advising Office, and more. In the past year, she was a graduate student assistant at CSULB’s College of Education’s Graduate Studies Office and Outreach & Recruitment Office. In this position, Michelle worked alongside staff and faculty to support undergraduate and prospective graduate students in furthering their professional development in teaching, counseling, education, psychology, and leadership. Through her experiences, Michelle is committed to promoting equity and access to education in addition to holistically supporting students.
Daisy Watters (B.S. and B.A. University of California, Los Angeles) is a first-year adviser at the California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS) with bachelor’s degrees in cognitive science and Chinese, and a specialization in computing. She was also a Psychology Departmental Honors student, and completed a senior thesis investigating naturalistic video selection for predicting team outcomes. Outside of academics, Daisy spent her college career in a variety of student clubs, including the International Urban Sustainability Student Corps (IUSSC)—an environmental research club—where she rose to president in her senior year. In this position, she gained experience with leadership, crowdfunding, and event planning, finding fulfillment through strengthening connections with other club members and helping peers build their undergraduate academic profiles. During her time at UCLA, Daisy also tutored high school students from Taiwan in English, practicing reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and assisting with the college application process for international universities. Providing support to students during such a vital and stressful time inspired her current involvement in USC’s College Advising Corps, where she can work locally to help students reach their full potential. By supplying resources, offering personal experience,and imparting encouragement, she hopes that each of her students will create a post-graduation plan that best fits their needs and abilities.
Katherine Naveda is a first-year college adviser and proud first-generation Latina graduate from Downey, California. She recently earned her bachelor's degree from the University of California, Irvine, where she double majored in Psychological Science and Education Science. As a first-gen student, Kathy considers attending college the best decision she ever made, as it gave her the chance to discover her passions, find her voice, and grow into leadership roles. At UCI, she explored different academic interests before committing to fields that aligned with her love for education and human development. She was actively involved on campus as a Peer Academic Advisor for the School of Social Ecology, a research assistant in the Child Narratives Research Lab, and on the board of the Latinx Student Psychological Association as the Community Outreach Chair. Dedicated to supporting others, she also founded Wellness Professionals of Tomorrow, an outreach program connecting community college students to higher education and career guidance through personalized campus tours and peer mentorship. In addition, she proudly served as an Achieving College Excellence (ACE) mentor, guiding first-year and transfer students through the transition to university life. Now, as a college adviser, Kathy hopes to bring her lived experience and passion for equity in education to help students reach their college and career goals with confidence.
Janet Pasillas (B.A. University of California-Riverside), placed at Diego Rivera - Green Design STEAM Academy High School, is a first-year adviser with a bachelor’s degree in education and liberal studies. Throughout her college career, she was working with students in Pasadena to help boost their creativity and confidence through summer programs. Janet’s senior year at UCR was spent as a College Corps fellow, for an underserved elementary school in Riverside, where she tutored low-income students and introduced a college-going mindset to elementary students. Simultaneously, Janet was volunteering in Inglewood at the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) as a Soccer Coach. Through her experiences she discovered her passion working with underrepresented youth and wanted to provide students a supportive environment. Janet has felt that working for the USC College Advising Corps enables her goals of working with underrepresented youth. She plans to demystify college for first-gen applicants and help students apply.
Paul Rodriguez-Fitzgerald (B.A. University of California, Los Angeles), placed at Public Service High School within the Diego Rivera Learning Complex, is a first-year College Advisor. Paul received his degree in History as well as Chicanx Studies from UCLA and has been dedicated to increasing access to higher education for his entire career which is what initially drew him to the CAC College Advising Corps. He attended Norco Community College before attending UCLA where he would work with two equity programs at the CC as well the Transfer Center where he worked to help his classmates achieve their goals of attending four year universities. At UCLA he worked for the Comumunity Programs Office where he helped in efforts to retain marginalized students who had already made it to the university. He understands that everyones journey through higher education looks different and he hopes to help serve the students at Public Service HS regardless of what their path looks like. He hopes to be a living example of someone that did not take the traditional path to a Bacholers degree for the students that he serves as well as someone that they know is on their side.
Jessica Ramirez (B.A. Pomona College), is a first year adviser placed at Firebaugh High School. She is a proud first-generation college graduate from Pomona College, where she earned her B.A. in Chicanx/Latinx Studies. Born and raised in Southeast LA to Mexican immigrant parents, Jessica benefited greatly from college access resources that made higher education possible for her. Jessica developed a passion for expanding access to post-secondary education during her undergraduate experience. She served as a Student Ambassador at Chicano Latino Student Affairs (CLSA) an academic and cultural center at the Claremont Colleges, where she worked closely with students and their families to support their transition to higher education. She further nurtured this passion as a College Success Program Coordinator for Thrive Scholars, a nationwide college access organization, where she oversaw a peer mentorship program across various universities. Most recently, Jessica also carried out a senior thesis project in partnership with a Pomona-based organization, Uncommon Good. She implemented a series of college prep workshops for Spanish-speaking parents to address their concerns about transitioning to college life. This sparked a love for providing culturally competent, and holistic support to underrepresented students and their families. She is excited to continue this culture of care, support and collaboration to bridge resources for all of her students as they transition to life after high school!
Kei-Dee Romero is a first-year advisor at Lynwood High School, dedicated to demystifying higher education for students. She began her college journey at El Camino College, where she participated in the Honors Transfer Program. After transferring to UCLA, she obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Global Studies, graduating with College Honors. During her time at UCLA, Kei-Dee enriched her studies with two internships in Washington, D.C., and a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain. In 2023, she was selected as a Bridge to Asia Fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, where she conducted research on India’s digital public infrastructure initiatives. In her final quarter, she gained valuable experience interning for Congressman Ted Lieu in the U.S. House of Representatives. These diverse experiences have shaped her interests in the intersection between public policy and education and fuel her desire to work directly with communities. As a first-generation college student and daughter of Mexican immigrants, Kei-Dee deeply understands the importance of family, community, and mentorship in achieving academic success. Now, as a USC college advisor, she aims to draw from her personal journey to guide students toward the wealth of opportunities available to them in higher education.
Avery Boyer (B.A. California State University, Long Beach) is a second-year adviser at Odyssey STEM Academy in Lakewood. She grew up in Pico Rivera, a community that shaped her appreciation for diversity and the importance of supporting others. Avery earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Cal State Long Beach, where she developed a real passion for helping students and advocating for educational equity. While working in the Outreach office at CSULB, she found joy in empowering students to pursue higher education and creating opportunities for everyone. Additionally, her experience as a member of the National Charity League helped her build leadership skills and a strong sense of community service—experiences that continue to inspire her in her work today. Now, as an adviser, Avery is dedicated to guiding students on their educational paths and loves collaborating with fellow counselors to make college accessible for all. She truly believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to inspiring and supporting each student to reach their full potential.
Ashleigh Gilfort (BFA AMDA College of the Performing Arts), placed at Paramount High School, is a first-year adviser with a background in acting and a deep commitment to educational equity. She began her college journey at just 16 at Bard College at SImon’s Rock, giving her a unique perspective on the complexities within the college application process. Ashleigh’s passion for learning and her goal of becoming a professor drives her mission to expand access to higher education. She previously volunteered with the Unusual Suspects Theater Company, where she got to witness firsthand the importance of the arts in low-income and underserved communities. Through her work with USC CAC, Ashleigh aims to demystify the college process for those who may not know all of their options. She believes that everyone has a place in higher education, and that no student’s background should be a barrier to their success. In her current role, she is committed to helping students achieve their post-secondary goals and empower them to overcome the things that stand between them and their dreams.
Kessie Aguilar (B.A. University of California, Riverside) is a first-year advisor at West Covina High School. As a first-generation college student, she earned her bachelor's degree in Education, Society, and Human Development, with a minor in Public Policy. Her journey through college was made possible by the support of nonprofit programs like Bright Prospect, Upward Bound, and Student Rising Above, which guided her along the way. During her senior year of college, Kessie gained valuable experiences through internships, starting with teaching English to children in Merida, Yucatán, and later assisting freshmen with course registration for their fall classes at UCR. These experiences helped her discover how much she enjoyed working with students and how meaningful she found the work. After college, she was determined to work for a nonprofit program focused on helping students in her community and empowering them to pursue higher education. She is incredibly grateful for her education and believes that all students should be able to have this opportunity. She is extremely excited to be a part of the USC CAC program as a college advisor and hopes to positively impact students' lives just as these programs have impacted hers in the past.
Guadalupe Carranza (B.A., University of California, Riverside), currently serving as a first-year adviser at Edgewood High School, holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Education. During her senior year at UCR, Guadalupe was involved in College Corps, where she tutored low-income and underserved elementary students and helped instill a college-going mindset from an early age. Additionally, her roles as a board member of Mujeres Unidas and as a peer mentor for first-year and transfer students showcased her dedication to motivating and supporting others. After graduating, Guadalupe served as a college adviser with the Destination College Advising Corps at the University of California, Berkeley, where she guided students from freshmen to seniors on their post-secondary options. Upon returning to Southern California due to personal circumstances, Guadalupe remained committed to her passion for college advising, which ultimately led her to join the USC College Advising Corps. She is dedicated to helping students, particularly first-generation and low-income individuals, as she relates to their experiences. Guadalupe views the Corps as an ideal platform for achieving her goal of supporting students in exploring their future possibilities.
