I’m from Oregon and I grew-up in rural Forest Grove, Oregon. I consider myself Mexican-American or “Chicana.” My parent’s family roots are from Zacatecas, Mexico. Very few Mexican people that reside in Oregon are from that specific Northern State of Mexico. I have family as far as Alaska to south of Guadalajara, Mexico (near Puerto Vallarta). I love to hike, read a good book, and enjoy summers at the Oregon Coast; which I refer to as “the beach” because I go to the beach year-round; regardless of the temperature or weather. I attended University of Oregon for undergrad and I’m a big Ducks fan! I love Financial Aid because it provides an opportunity to students and their family to access a higher education with the ultimate goal of transforming their future career objectives into reality. I know firsthand, between earning scholarships and being eligible for federal aid; I was able to earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Oregon which made me the first in my family to earn both degrees in the United States. I’m happy to be here at the University of Portland and I’m truly honored to serve students and their families to help them on their way to reaching their dream of earning a degree here at the University of Portland. Previously to coming to UP; I worked at Portland Community College and Mt. Hood Community College where I served in various roles to guide and prepare first-generation college students to transfer to the university of their choice. It was challenging but very rewarding work to be part of my student’s successful college journey to the university.