The staff at CALSOAP is dedicated to working with our local schools, organizations and community to facilitate and increase the availability of information about the existence of post-secondary education, the sources of financial assistance, and student career opportunities. Our staff members understand the adversities that majority of students endure while trying to pursue higher education. Their enthusiasm in helping our students is driven by their own experiences in being first-generation graduates. To contact our staff, you may email directly or Make an Appointment.
Cal-SOAP Staff:
Joanna Romo
Project Director
Email: joanna.romo@calsoapsb.org
Joanna has been working in the field of education for over 20 years in various districts throughout California. She was born in Santiago, Chile and moved to Santa Barbara at the age of 8. She was the first in her family to attend college and graduated from UCSB. She later moved to Northern California to attend graduate school at Sonoma State University and lived in the North Bay area for 10 years. Her passion for working with low-income, first-generation, college-bound students comes from her own experience as a first-generation college graduate, and years of experience of working with public schools and nonprofits in rural and urban capacities. Joanna has developed a well-rounded understanding for the need to help underserved students achieve academically, prepare for higher education, and pursue career goals.
Rafael Alvarado
Program Coordinator
Email: cscsupervisor805@calsoapsb.org
Rafael Alvarado is a graduate from the California State University Northridge with a Bachelors in Sociology and Criminology. Rafael is both a first-generation high school and College graduate. He has been mentoring and empowering youth in Santa Barbara County since 2018. His experiences have helped him understand the challenges that underserved and underrepresented students undergo when pursuing higher education. He looks forward to supporting students in their pursuit of post-secondary opportunities.
Cal-SOAP Financial Aid and College Success Coaches:
Our CALSOAP Coaches are not only CALSOAP staff, they are also currently enrolled students at UCSB, SBCC, and VCC. Their objective is to meet with junior high and high school students to ensure that they are receiving adequate information pertaining to financial aid, college applications, career opportunities and academic support. They also serve as advocates to each individual for their academic needs and advisement and assist in informing their parents. CSC appointments and hours can be accessed here.
Meet our Cal-SOAP FA Coaches:
Danalee le Fevre
Email: Danalee@calsoapsb.org
Danalee is a second-year UCSB student majoring in Psychological and Brain Sciences.
She looks forward to working with students and contributing towards their future success.
Julie Vang
Email: Julie@calsoapsb.org
Julie Vang is a third year at UCSB and is majoring in Communications with a minor in Asian American Studies.
She is excited to be helping students pursue higher education and support them on their academic journey.
Meet our CALSOAP College Success Coaches:
Daniela Orozco
Email: Daniela@calsoapsb.org
Daniela is a 4th year at UCSB majoring in Sociology and minoring in Education. She was born and raised in Riverside, California and is a first-generation college student.
She is also part of the CDV organization (Corazon de Vida) that supports children in orphanages in Baja California. She was also in the foster care system which motivated her to give back to children in need.
She is passionate about supporting first-generation students and guiding them toward success and hopes to one day become a school counselor.
Estevan Garcia
Email: Estevan@calsoapsb.org
My name is Estevan Garcia and I am currently a fourth year Political Science Major and I am currently attending UCSB. When I graduate from college I want to work towards city engagement and pursue a career in community organizing.
As a Cal-Soap College Success Coach I am looking to help students gain access to higher education and even help them figure out their future after highschool no matter their goals. I find it important to motivate our students and let them know that higher education can become a reality.
Alexandra Guerrero
Email: Alexandra@calsoapsb.org
I’m a first-generation student, currently studying at SBCC with plans to transfer to a four-year university. I’m majoring in Art studio. As an Immigrant and first-generation student, I know how difficult and overwhelming pursuing a higher education can be. I wish to be able to provide as much aid to help students succeed with their goals, and hopefully make the process easier and less stressful.
Nat Acosta
Email: Natalie@calsoapsb.org
Nat is currently pursuing a double major in Global Studies and Chicanx Studies at UCSB, as well as minoring in Education. They are currently in the ÉXITO program at UCSB and also have research experience within the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. As a first-generation college student, they know the stress of being the first in your family to go to college, therefore they are excited to help other students going through the same process with a little more guidance.
Sonny Mendez
Email: Sonny@calsoapsb.org
Sonny is a fourth-year UCSB student, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Applied Psychology. He is a College Success Coach / Financial Aid Specialist for Cal-SOAP. Sonny is happy to have the opportunity to help students gather support in applying for higher education.
Jakob Quezada
Email: Jakob@calsoapsb.org
Jakob is a 4th year at the University of California Santa Barbara pursuing a degree in Sociology. Jakob plans on furthering his education with a master’s in urban planning with a specialization in Housing, Community, and Economic Development. CALSOAP is a great opportunity under Jakob’s field of study and looks forward to supporting a network of students who are interested in continuing their education.
Tania Figueroa
Email: Tania@calsoapsb.org
Tania is currently a fourth year Aquatic Biology and Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology double major. She also plans to minor in Chemistry.
As a first-generation student she is passionate about guiding students, like her, in the right direction as they plan for higher education.