Semi-Finalist

Brenda Figueroa Arellano

University of San Francisco, 2028
Ed.D. Racial Justice in Education

San Francisco State University, 2021
M.A. Education Special Interest

San Diego State University, 2019
B.A. Communication, Leadership and International Studies Minors

Current Profession
Site Director
Karma Club

Owner
Dogsitters of Marin

I am a first-generation student pursuing a doctoral degree in Racial Justice in Education at the University of San Francisco. Strong Mexican immigrant women raised me– my mom, Ita (abuelita), and aunt, Nana. Thanks to first-gen support systems like 10,000 Degrees, I was able to attend higher education after San Rafael High.

After my undergrad, I worked and volunteered, teaching self-defense, surf, and languages in Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Brazil, and Chile. I currently work at Karma Club, a free teen Center in Marin County. I tutor, mentor, and expose other first-gen students to career readiness opportunities.

I have published some books related to social justice issues and focused my M.A. research on understanding Latinx high school graduates’ experiences. I interviewed 54 graduates from 19 high schools and presented my findings to current high schoolers. I hope to continue sharing everything I learn in graduate school with my community.