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.
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.
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.
Kelly Launchbaugh (B.A., California State University Fullerton) is placed at Herbert Hoover High School in Glendale. She utilizes her background in educational sociology as an advisor at Hoover to connect with students and help with all their college and career questions. During her time in undergrad, she worked full-time at a small non-profit providing education and community outreach in Title 1 schools throughout the San Gabriel Valley, inspiring her love of working in schools. As a first-generation student, education was always on the forefront of her mind, and working in the community only solidified her passion for working to make the education system more equitable and accessible for all students. Much of her undergraduate research focused on education, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis on education to further her understanding of the role of sociology in the education system. Her work and college experiences have empowered her to take action in her community through the USC Advising Corps to help the next generation of students succeed in their college and career education. It is because of her own experiences and education that she strives to help every student, and USC CAC can help her achieve that goal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Diana Figueroa (B.A., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona) is a first-year college advisor currently serving at Millikan High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies within three years and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Higher Education at California State University, Fullerton, where she is focusing on equity, access and inclusion in higher education to better support diverse student populations. During her undergraduate studies, Diana served as a Student Success Ambassador for the College of Education and Integrative Studies for two years, where she provided one-on-one guidance to college students, assisting with academic planning, connecting them to campus resources and supporting campus events and engagement initiatives. Through this experience, she discovered her passion for guiding others through their educational journeys. She also worked as a Registration Assistant for summer orientations, guiding incoming and transfer students through the enrollment process and helping them begin their college journey with confidence. These experiences deepened her understanding of the challenges students face and strengthened her commitment to their success. Diana is passionate about helping students recognize their potential and guiding them through important educational decisions. She strives to ensure all students feel supported, confident and capable as they navigate their path toward higher education and achieve their goals.
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.
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.
Quincy Joo (B.A. University of California, Los Angeles) is a first-year advisor serving at Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High in Long Beach. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs with a minor in Asian American Studies from UCLA. Quincy spent his time at UCLA as a part of Samahang Pilipino Advancing Community Empowerment (SPACE), where he advised local high school and community college students through their educational and holistic journeys. His experience navigating both 4-year university and community college pathways has helped build an understanding of the needs of students, no matter their path. Quincy also had opportunities to serve as an intern with the City of Los Angeles Council Member Marqueece Harris-Dawson, become a policy fellow with the Community Investment for Families department and compete as a member of the UCLA Wrestling Team. During his time working with students at schools like El Camino College, he developed a deep care for the importance of educational access and how transformative a system of support can be in uplifting students. Wanting to be that support system for others, he was drawn to USC CAC, where he looks forward to continuing to help students reach their own goals and dreams.
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.
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.
Sota Shimatani (B.A., University of California, Irvine) is a first-year College Advisor at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach, California. A former transfer student, Sota attended El Camino Community College before earning his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Irvine. His personal experience navigating the transfer process allows him to connect with students from diverse academic backgrounds and offer guidance rooted in firsthand understanding. At UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education, he held a leadership role assisting students with navigating resources and events, responding to their direct needs as a point of contact. These experiences not only strengthened his ability to provide reliable support, but it ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in student affairs, organizations and success. He also explored his creative side as a radio host and program producer at KUCI 88.9 FM, producing live programs and building connections with campus organizations. Sota is committed to helping students feel confident in their educational paths, and empowering students with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed beyond high school. He looks forward to continuing to grow in his role, and supporting students in making informed decisions as they take the next steps toward their goals.
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.
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.
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.
Ashley Aguilera (B.A. University of California, Irvine) is a first-year advisor serving Diego Rivera Learning Complex Public Service Community. She is a first-generation college graduate who earned her Associate’s degree in Psychology from Rio Hondo College before transferring to UC Irvine, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During her time at UC Irvine, Ashley interned with Well-Suited College and Career Planning, where she helped high school students in post-secondary planning. She understands the challenges of navigating higher education and values the support she received throughout her academic journey. Now, as a USC CAC advisor, Ashley is passionate about providing that same support to students as they navigate their own college journeys.
