Summit Committee

Ph.D. and M.A in Education, University of California, Santa Barbara

B.A. in Sociology, University of California, Berkeley

Graduate Division, UC Santa Barbara

Dr. Ana Guerrero has worked with first-gen students in higher education—from community college to graduate school—for over 10 years. She is a local first-gen high school and college graduate in California's Central Coast and envisioned a space where other first-gen students in her community can access vital information, clear guidance, practical tools, and inspiring role models. Dr. Guerrero believes first-gen college students deserve a community that recognizes their potential and lifts them up. Thus, grounded in research, practice, and personal experiences, she founded FirstGen_Resilience, which provides higher education information, exposure, guidance, and motivation with a holistic approach. What inspires her the most is seeing people come together with a shared vision and purpose. Community! In her free time, she enjoys punch needling, working on puzzles, exploring, and reading!

Mariana Cabrera Figueroa is a nonprofit professional who has been working in the field of international education for 3+ years. She has a passion for international education, community building, and resource-sharing. Mariana is a part of Tri Alpha National Honor Society for first-generation college students, faculty, and staff and has always looked for ways to stay involved in her community, even from afar. She believes that education is the key to building an inclusive and unified community and working on projects like the CCC First-Gen Thrive Summit inspires her to continue to challenge systematic and cultural barriers that first-generation students face.

Cassidy Pyle (she/her) is an academic researcher (Ph.D., University of Michigan, B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara) studying how emerging technologies like social media and AI shape college and career pathways, particularly for first-generation, low-income students and students of color. As an undergraduate, she worked closely alongside fellow first-generation students at UCSB's ONDAS Student Center, where she developed passions for educational equity, research, and mentorship that continue to inspire her. She believes strongly in the assets and community cultural wealth students--particularly first-generation students--bring to educational environments, and seeks to contribute to a CCC Thrive Summit as an infrastructure that facilitates first-generation student success.

Ph.D. Candidate and M.A. in Education, University of California, Santa Barbara

Ed.M. in Reading Education, Boston University

M.A. in Secondary Education, Loyola Marymount University

B.A. in English, University of California, Santa Barbara

UCSB Research Assistant

Somer Ayala Levine is a doctoral candidate at the Gevirtz School of Education. Somer’s research explores the intersection of K-12 literacy instruction and emerging technologies. Somer is a first-generation college student and was an undergraduate Pell Grant recipient. She is the first in her family to pursue a Ph.D. Her parents' immigrated from Peru and El Salvador as teenagers. Their challenging experience inspired her to pursue a teaching credential and Somer taught in disadvantaged school communities for 15 years. She is passionate about mentoring first-gen students. She has worked as a teacher educator, public school teacher, and educational researcher. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two children, dog, and chickens. In her free time she enjoys gardening. 

B.A. in English with an emphasis in Education, California State University Channel Islands

 Expected 2026: M.A. in Educational Leadership, Grand Canyon University 

Oxnard Union High School District & Oxnard Adult Education

Cynthia Hernandez began her career in 2009 as an instructional aide at a high school, became a high school English teacher in 2014, and joined the district office as an Instructional Specialist in 2023. As a Latina educator and first-generation college graduate, Cynthia is deeply committed to expanding access, opportunity, and representation for multilingual learners and their families. She is involved in the Summit because she believes in elevating student voice, strengthening higher education pathways, and creating equitable learning environments where all students can thrive. Inspired by the transformative power of education and the mentors who shaped her journey, she is dedicated to paying that forward through instructional leadership and advocacy. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and creating meaningful resources that empower teachers and students.  

Dean of Academic Affairs, Allan Hancock College

Ph.D., University of Nevada, Las Vegas

M.S.N., Walden University

B.S., University of California, Santa Barbara

R.N., Santa Barbara City College

"The Summit provides resources and tools to help students navigate their college journeys and succeed. I am eager to participate in the Summit to support students' success and be part of a community that advocates for higher education for first-generation students. 

I enjoy spending time with my family and going to Dodgers games. I am inspired by my daily experiences and the opportunities to become a better version of myself. Whether those experiences are professional, academic, or personal, I look forward to using them to help me grow in all areas of life."

B.A., Political Science, UC Santa Barbara

Communications and Policy Research Lead, Future Leaders of America

Why are you involved in the Summit? I joined the Summit because when I was in college, I noticed that much of the support I received in high school disappeared once I entered higher education. I struggled a lot during that transition, so I value this opportunity to support students who may be experiencing similar challenges.

What do you do in your spare time? In my spare time, I love spending time at the beach and going hiking with my Rottweiler.

What inspires you? The strength of my community and my parents inspires me every day. I draw strength from them to continue my work in social justice efforts.