The founders and staff of Mission Scholars have dedicated their careers to education and specifically to helping promote educational equality among underserved populations.
As the Executive Director of our organization, Cassie leads governance, strategic planning, and organization development and management to further our mission.
A proud SBHS alumna, Cassie has dedicated the past 15 years to preparing Santa Barbara’s students for higher education. Prior to co-founding Mission Scholars, Cassie founded and operated College Specific, a local private college admissions counseling company, and volunteered her time and expertise for organizations that worked with low-income students. Outside of Mission Scholars, Cassie works with local parents to improve literacy rates in Santa Barbara County.
At age 5 I thought I’d grow up to be a: teacher
B.A. Princeton University, English
M.A. UCSB, Education
As Director of Operations, Katie leads the Programs and Marketing Teams, fostering dynamic collaboration with community partners, students, and staff.
A Fulbright Scholar, Katie is a relentless advocate for underrepresented communities, promoting social justice for low-income youth. Her work spans from teaching immigrant communities in Southern California to creating transformative college promotion programs in Chile and Colombia. Katie’s deep love of community leads her to volunteer with Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons, leading street tennis workshops for marginalized youth.
At age 5, I thought I’d grow up to be a: Dolphin Trainer
B.A. UCLA, International Development Studies and Spanish
M.Ed. UCSD Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
As trustee and key advisor to Mission Scholars, Kim serves on the development, strategic planning, and event committees. She is also a volunteer Essay Coach.
Kim has provided private, standardized test preparation to students in Santa Barbara for over two decades, often donating her services on a pro bono basis to first-generation and low-income students. Kim serves as a Board Member and Ambassador for The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, as well as the International Federation of MS Societies. She is a Trustee for the Main Idea Charitable Trust, which is dedicated to a residential summer camp program that serves economically disadvantaged girls.
At age 5, I thought I’d grow up to be a: Librarian
B.A. Williams College
MBA Harvard University
As the College Access Program Manager, Jacqueline leads comprehensive college prep and college application programming, conducts Peer Mentorship and Parent Engagement workshops, and extends Mission Scholars’ community outreach efforts by sharing our expertise to Santa Barbara’s broader underserved community.
As Bruin Advisor in the Los Angeles and Pasadena Unified School Districts, she worked in College Access, aiming to level the playing field for local, low-income, undocumented, and first-generation students. Her role involved providing guidance and imparting the necessary skills for high school completion, career exploration, and college enrollment.
At age 5 I thought I’d grow up to be a: Circus performer!
B.A. UCLA, Anthropology and Sociology
As a College Success Program Coordinator, Paige leads the College Coaching program, Leaders in Transition (LIT) programming, and assists Scholars as they secure career and internship opportunities.
Paige has over ten years of work experience in the corporate finance, wealth management, retail, and customer service industries. As part of Apple's Financial Development Program, she rotated among several finance teams, managing the worldwide unit sales forecast for AirPods and Accessories. At USC, Paige served as the Student Government's Director of Wellness Affairs, acting as the liaison to administrators on campus safety, recreation, and health.
B.A. USC Marshall School of Business, Business Administration Finance
As the College Affordability Program Coordinator, Yazmín leads financial aid and scholarship workshops, delivers financial literacy education to Mission Scholars families, and skillfully negotiates aid packages to minimize college debt.
During her time as an undergraduate at UCSB, Yazmín conducted research for the Education and Chicano/a/x Studies Department, shedding light on the challenges faced by first-generation and undocumented students in academia. As a first-generation student herself, Yazmín is passionate about promoting equal access to higher education.
At age 5 I thought I’d grow up to be a: Marine Biologist!
B.A. UCSB, Chicano/a/x Studies
As a Development Associate, Shyra supports Development and Marketing efforts, and ensures organizational alignment with events, community relations, and administrative tasks advancing strategic planning.
With a certification in project management, Shyra has dedicated her education to advancing local community organizations and school governance across the country, including internships spearheading research at the City of Chicago Treasurer's Office, as well at regenerative neighborhood organization Sweet Water Foundation in her undergrad. Versed in educational opportunities as an A Better Chance (ABC) Scholar, Shyra is passionate about educational empowerment.
At age 5 I thought I’d grow up to be a: Veterinarian on weekdays and firefighter on weekends!
B.A. Lake Forest College, Community Development, Finance, Legal Studies
As a College Success Program Coordinator, Kristine helps ensure that students receive the resources, guidance, and mentorship needed to thrive in their post-secondary academic and professional journeys.
Kristine is a San Marcos High School alumna and a Mission Scholars participant, passionate about educational equity and dedicated to empowering first-generation and low-income students to achieve their goals. She recently served as an intern at the New England Board of Higher Education and currently works at Brown University as an administrative assistant, course developer, and research assistant for the Education Department, in addition to interning with Mission Scholars for three years.
At age 5 I thought I’d grow up to be: a pediatrician, veterinarian, and a teacher.
B.A. Candidate Brown University, Education and International and Public Affairs
As the Program Associate, Mayra supports both the College Access Program Manager and College Affordability Program Coordinator, providing administrative assistance when needed, serving as the staff liaison for Scholars in College Access and Affordability Programs.
During her time as an undergraduate at UCLA, Mayra spent her summers working with underrepresented low-income students from the Bay Area to help them navigate a pre-college experience on Stanford’s campus. Her role involved facilitating college success workshops, SAT prep, and program planning. Mayra strongly believes in leveling the playing field and advocating for resilient first-generation students.
At age 5 I thought I’d grow up to be a: Veterinarian!
B.A. UCLA, Sociology