I am a first generation college graduate from the University of California, San Diego. Navigating my college journey instilled my professional career to serve as an equitable educator of color, to create change in the lives of our scholars, development of my staff, and higher education systems we support in their service gaps. Since joining my current organization, I have grown in finding my voice as a leader, successfully navigated the Meritus College Fund merger, collaborating in cross-functional college success programs, and the unique position of serving scholars from all regions we currently create impact. As I grow with my educational equity career, I will continue to strive to increase the retention rate of our scholars and support systems within their educational goals. My on-the-job training has given me the opportunity to conduct efficient systems of communication within staff, manage organizational metrics by developing team members, and introduced new program models to serve our scholars holistically. As a well-rounded individual, I hope to aid our younger generation with the mentorship that once aided me to be the professional I am today.