A retired educator with over 25 years of experience in school counseling and the proud founder and president of Bridge2College. My passion lies in helping underrepresented students achieve their dreams of higher education and creating opportunities that empower them to excel.

I was born in Mexicali, Mexico, and grew up in Fresno, California. My journey has been one of perseverance and commitment, both personally and professionally. At 17, I married my middle school sweetheart, Susan, and together we’ve raised three wonderful sons: Michael, Joseph, and Gabriel.

Education has always been central to my life. After graduating from Fresno High School, I pursued my associate degree from Fresno City College, balancing work and night classes for five years before graduating in 1983. I later earned my Bachelor of Arts from Fresno State University in 1993 and my Master of Arts in Education from Fresno Pacific University in 1997, along with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential.

In 2018, I retired from school counseling and channeled my passion for education into founding Bridge2College. This program is designed to support underrepresented exemplary students in their college readiness journey. Through leadership workshops, college tours, and scholarships, we aim to inspire and equip students to thrive academically and make a positive impact on their communities.

Since its launch, Bridge2College has:

• Conducted leadership workshops for over 100 students,
• Organized transformative college tours across California and Ivy League universities, and
• Awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to outstanding students.

My goal is to create a ripple effect of empowerment, helping students leave a lasting impact in their homes, schools, and communities.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I invite you to explore Bridge2College and join us in shaping the next generation of leaders.