Hello! My name is Alberto Cortes-Perez and I serve as the Assistant Director for the UC, Santa Cruz Salinas Valley GEAR UP program. I have been a long standing advocate for educational equity since my start working with GEAR UP in 2015. I am happy to serve as an advocate for our students and families and help to build systemic change that can support the goals and aspirations of all students. 

In my spare time, I enjoy creating and listening to music, painting, movies/animes, and going to concerts!

I look forward to working with our partners, school staff, and most importantly, serving our students and families. 

My name is Mireya Moya, I'm the College Facilitator for Everett Alvarez High School. I have been working in the educational system for over 10 years. I received my BA in Collaborative Health and Human Services (CHHS) concentrating in Social Work, from Cal State, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and a Masters in Counseling & Guidance with a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential from Cal State University, San Jose (SJSU). 

As a life-time resident of Salinas and an alumnus of La Paz Middle School, I decided to join UCSC GEAR UP to give back to my community, particularly low-income families, first-generation students, immigrants, students with disabilities, and youth to overcome educational barriers and achieve their life goals.

During my free time, you will see me at with my daughter, husband and beagle dogs walking or simply at our local restaurants. I enjoy hearing banda music and eating traditional Mexican food. 

Hello! My name is Yadira Arredondo and I'm the College Facilitator for North Salinas High School.  I graduated from CSUMB with a BS in Human Development and Family Science. As a first-generation student, I have relied on access and support programs in high school and college to navigate my education. I aspire to do the same for my students and serve as a mentor to them.

 During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my nephews and family.  I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. I love coffee and trying new restaurants!

I’m Jessica Hernandez, the College Facilitator at Rancho San Juan High School. I’ve spent the past decade working in mental health services and education, driven by a deep passion for helping students thrive. Originally from Salinas, CA, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Child Development from CSU Long Beach, followed by a Master’s in School Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential.

As a proud first-generation college graduate, my mission is to create a safe, welcoming environment where students feel supported as they explore their academic and career goals. I’m especially honored to serve the same community I grew up in — I’m an alumna of Alisal High School and El Sausal Middle School — and I love giving back to the place that helped shape who I am.

During my free time, you will find me outside hiking with my golden retriever, Neo, at the beach or enjoying coffee/matcha/snacks/food somewhere new! I love food!

My name is Alberto Tovar and I was born and raised in Salinas. I am a first-generation college graduate. I received my B.A. from CSUMB and my Masters in School Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential from Concordia University. I have been working in education for over 10 years and I am excited to work in my community. On my free time, I love spending time with my family, going on hikes, going to the beach, concerts and reading. 

Mi nombre es Alberto Tovar, nacido y criado en Salinas. Soy el primero en mi familia en atender una universidad. Recibí mi licenciatura de CSUMB y mi Maestría en Consejería Escolar con una credencial de Servicios de Personal Estudiantil (PPS) de la Universidad de Concordia. He trabajado en educación más de 10 años y estoy emocionado de trabajar en mi comunidad. En mi tiempo libre, me encanta pasar tiempo con mi familia, pasar tiempo afuera en la naturaleza, ir a la playa, conciertos y leer.

My name is Pamela Casipe and I'm the Special Projects Coordinator for all four of our schools: Gavilan View Middle School, Rancho San Juan High School, Everett Alvarez High School, and North Salinas High School. I graduated from UCSC with a BA in Applied Linguistics and a minor in Education. I mainly support our College Facilitators and Family Involvement Coordinators in order to create events, educational field trips, and long-lasting partnerships. 

As a daughter of Filipino immigrants, I'm acutely aware that education has opened many doors for me. I hope my work can open new doors for students to come.

Some of my favorite ways to pass the time are reading, singing, and volunteering at my local animal shelter.