Alumni Stories

Mauris dictum quam elementum varius condimentum

Show All Alumni Career Success Board Members Alumni Donors Students Volunteers Staff Corporate Partners School Partners Foundation Partners Scholarship Partners

Jacob Barrera

10,000 Degrees San Francisco Advisory Board Member

Associate at Holland & Knight LLP

"My education was a stepping stone to something bigger than I could ever imagine, and now I use that to give back not only to my family, but to my community."

Janelle Walker

10,000 Degrees Sonoma Advisory Board Member

Supporter Since 2023
Public Finance Lawyer, Nixon Peabody

"Education leads to knowledge which leads to more control and power in your life."

Anthony Garcia

10,000 Degrees Fellow, San Jose

San Jose State University, 2025
University of California, Davis, 2019

"Education is a unifying force that can never be taken away from someone"

Isela Carreras

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow, City College of San Francisco
San Francisco State University, 2020

"I came back to work for 10,000 Degrees to both grow and to help students achieve their own educational dreams."

Deborah Freed Goldman

10,000 Degrees Board Member

Chair, Napa Advisory Board
Generous Supporter & Donor Since 2005

"10,000 Degrees makes sure that any student who dreams of obtaining a college education can do so"

Charan & Sylvia Singh

10,000 Degrees Generous Supporters Since 2022

"We first became interested in 10,000 Degrees because of the students and their determination to succeed."

Caren & Nick Orum

Generous 10,000 Degrees Napa Supporters Since 2017

Co-Founders, Arborum Napa Valley Winery

“Hearing the success stories of 10,000 Degrees graduates is nothing short of inspiring."

Maria Valle

10,000 Degrees South Bay Advisory Board Member

10,000 Degrees Career Success Mentor
Program Performance Auditor, City of San José

"I am a firm believer that given the support and resources, low-income, first-generation college students can succeed and that’s why I support 10,000 Degrees."

John A. Kouns

10,000 Degrees Legacy Donor

Social Justice Photographer’s Legacy Lives on Through Scholarship

Sandy Donnell

10,000 Degrees Honorary Board Member & Former Board Chair

Generous Supporter for Over 25 Years

"I choose to support 10,000 Degrees as it is an investment in people and our collective futures."

Josue Castillo

10,000 Degrees Alum

Dominican University of California, 2025
Sonoma State University, 2018
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

“I firmly believe that everyone should have access to an education regardless of their circumstances.”

Dayane Mendoza Solis

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2017
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

“I choose to be deeply involved in my community because through my involvement, I have the opportunity to share my experiences and offer my support to individuals on the path to creating the life they desire for themselves.”

Celina Del Toro Moreno

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2019
College of Marin, 2018
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

“I have been proud to be the example for my younger siblings by going through the college process and acting as a resource for them.”

Ashley M. Blanco

10,000 Degrees Alum

Brown University, M.A., 2009
Howard University, B.A., 2008
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

“My biggest impact has been consistency in the lives of children and youth who have not had adults show up for their holistic development across their ages and stages.”

Genesis Vasquez

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University East Bay, 2022
San Francisco State University, 2020
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

“I have made a significant impact within my community by becoming part of the 5.5% of Latin Spanish-speaking therapists in the U.S.”

Edgar Jose Velasquez

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 2022
San Francisco State University, 2016
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

“I am proud to be working as a physician at a hospital that allows me to serve the community that raised me, always working to advance community health through my research focused on mitigating health disparities.”

Aimee Little Sanchez

10,000 Degrees Alum

Dominican University of California, 2017
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

“I came to realize my life’s work and passion was to utilize my accounting skills to help my community in a deeper and more impactful way.”

Victoria Chan

10,000 Degrees Alum

Golden Gate University School of Law, 2024
University of California, Davis, 2015
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

“I made a difference in the lives of others by pursuing a career in public interest law.”

Efren Oxlaj

10,000 Degrees Alum

College of Marin, 2020
Santa Clara University, 2019
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

“I am dedicated to driving impactful change by advocating for education and fostering equitable inclusion.”

Adriana Ascencion Cisneros

10,000 Degrees Alum

Santa Rosa Junior College Nursing Program, 2025
Mills College, 2019
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

“I take pride in being able to help my family with the education and opportunities I have gained.”

Willy Lepori

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow
Sonoma State University, 2021
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2019

"Working with 10,000 Degrees has really come full circle for me."

Mark Zerrudo

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow
University of California, Berkeley, 2020
College of Marin, 2018

"The students will always be the most inspiring aspect of working at 10,000 Degrees."

Lupe Calvillo

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow
Sonoma State University, 2018

"As time passes, trust is built, and 10,000 Degrees becomes more than just a program."

Colten R.

10,000 Degrees Alum Story

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, 2023

"Thanks, 10,000 Degrees, for your financial support."

Sibling Grads: Jose Jimenez & Yesenia Jimenez

A Brother & Sister's Story

"Just like many of our students, I’m humbled to be the first in my family to attend and graduate from college, creating a pathway for my sister and cousins to pass this on to future generations." — Jose

Mark Mokelke

10,000 Degrees Marin Advisory Board Chair

Bank of America Market Executive, Greater Bay Area
Bank of America

"Bank of America supports 10,000 Degrees' view that education is the foundation of a just and equitable society."

Óscar Chávez

President & CEO

Community Foundation Sonoma County

"10,000 Degrees works to make college accessible for thousands of students in Sonoma County every year."

Pat Andry-Jennings

Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Division

Napa Valley Unified School District

"Our partnership with 10,000 Degrees is one way we support our students now and as they transition into college.”

Vikki & Derek Ku

10,000 Degrees San Francisco Advisory Board Members

Supporters & Donors since 2021

"We're proud to support 10,000 Degrees"

Jennifer Nguyen

Foundation Partner

Director of Postsecondary Success, Stupski Foundation

"The one-two punch of community trust and holistic, student-centered support made 10,000 Degrees a natural partner."

Alyssa Ng

Associate Director, Inclusion and Diversity and Interim Global I&D Lead, Intercontinental Region

Gilead Sciences
San Francisco Advisory Board Member

"I believe education is an important and critical tool to remove barriers..."

Robert Fischbach

Corporate Partner

Head of the San Francisco Office, BlackRock

"BlackRock is proud to partner with 10,000 Degrees, an organization who shares our commitment to equity"

Tate Barend

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of San Francisco, 2026
University of California, Berkeley, 2020
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2017
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

"My experience as a dyslexic motivated me to establish the Lift Off Scholarship"

Isabela De Souza

10,000 Degrees Alum

Index Strategist at BlackRock
University of California, Berkeley, 2019
College of Marin, 2017

"I’m grateful for the wonderful staff and mentors who pushed and believed in me along the way."

Rhea Suh

Foundation Partner

President & CEO, Marin Community Foundation

“10,000 Degrees is an equity champion."

Pepe Gonzalez

10,000 Degrees Alum

Former Board Chair & Honorary Board Member
Director of Community Partnerships, San Rafael City Schools
Sonoma State University, 2008
Dominican University of California, 2002

"Having a degree has truly opened up endless opportunities for me..."

Bhupinder “Sonu” Singh Chandi

10,000 Degrees Board Member & Sonoma Advisory Board Chair

Supporter & Donor since 2016

"With 10,000 Degrees, I love how much engagement we provide through the Fellows, as well as putting a focus on career success."

Eli Weinzveg

10,000 Degrees Director of College Pathways, Sonoma, Napa & Lake Counties

M.A., Sacramento State University, 2012
B.A., Sacramento State University, 2008

"I feel I’ve honored my family in prioritizing education in my life and it’s a value my wife and I have also instilled in our children."

Amanda Cornell

10,000 Degrees College Access Program Manager, Lake County

Southern New Hampshire University, 2021
Yuba Community College, 2017

"As a Fellow Lake County resident, former student at LLHS, and first-generation college graduate it’s truly humbling to be able to work with students."

Will Hayes

Co-Chair, Contra Costa Advisory Board

COO, Bestomer

"The 10,000 Degrees model of how they engage the student community is incredibly organic to creating success."

Eslly Hernandez

10,000 Degrees Alum

2023 One Amazing Community Keynote
Executive Assistant, Industry Ventures
San Francisco State University, 2022
College of Marin, 2019

"Continue to fund programs like 10,000 Degrees so they can continue to support future generations of students like me and my siblings."

Finance

Tashi Sherpa

10,000 Degrees Alum

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2021

"10,000 Degrees started as just a program, but now I see them more as a family."

Graham Brandt

10,000 Degrees Alum

Former Board Chair & Honorary Board Member
Vice President, Goldman Sachs
University of California, Los Angeles, 1999

"For more than 25 years, my family and I have supported 10,000 Degrees."

Britney N.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Santa Rosa Junior College, 2022
University of California, Davis, 2024

"Over the years, 10,000 Degrees had my back, encouraging me to be self-motivated."

Yuliana M.G.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sacramento State University, 2024
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2022

"Tashi (my 10,000 Degrees Fellow) really helped me strive forward, continually saying 'you're almost there.'"

Yesenia J.

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University, Sacramento, 2023

"Earning my Bachelor’s degree is something that no one can take away from me."

Gaida A.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of Washington, 2023

"My children are inspired by me."

Su Z.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California Santa Cruz, 2023

"10,000 Degrees gave me amazing support and advice."

Reeti J.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2025
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2023

"I loved the 10,000 Degrees resources I was provided."

Jacqueline O.M.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California Riverside, 2023

"My involvement with 10,000 Degrees was amazing and so beneficial to me."

Emma N.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Berkeley, 2025
College of Marin, 2023
College of Marin Commencement Speaker

"10,000 Degrees has provided a strong structure in my education."

Lan H.N.

10,000 Degrees Alum

City College of San Francisco, 2023

"I never thought I could transfer to UC Berkeley."

Jessica A.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sacramento State University, 2023

"My education is something that no one can take away from me."

Aurora C.T.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2023

"10,000 Degrees helped me start my journey and transition from high school to college."

Julian Toro Solis

School Partner

Director of Outreach and Partnerships
College of Marin

"10,000 Degrees continues to be an invaluable partner for College of Marin."

Imani L.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Grambling State University, 2021
2022 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

"My experience with 10,000 Degrees helped me become an ambassador for change."

Emily G.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Contra Costa College, 2023
San Diego State University, 2026

"10,000 Degrees has been one of the only people who have supported my transfer journey."

Jessica Mena Flores

10,000 Degrees Alum

Contra Costa Advisory Board Member
Iowa State University, 2019
Sonoma State University, 2017

"Higher education didn't seem like a possibility for me..."

Cinthya Cisneros

10,000 Degrees Alum

Scholarship Partner
Sonoma State University, 2012

"10,000 Degrees helped me with scholarships and provided a mentor who believed in me."

Amanda D

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Santa Barbara, 2023

"I feel grateful that I am in a position where I can pursue my boldest dream..."

An H.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Santa Barbara, 2023

"It let me focus more on my studies while it helped pay for my tuition and living expenses."

Ryan Y.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Jose State University, 2023

"Thank you 10,000 Degrees for believing in me and supporting me throughout my journey, even through the hard times. I wouldn’t have done it without all of you.”

Arts

Hana Ma

Program Officer, Postsecondary Success

Sobrato Philanthropies

"Sobrato Philanthropies is honored to partner with 10,000 Degrees."

Glenn Vander Zee

School Partner

Silicon Valley/Peninsula Advisory Board Member
Superintendent, East Side Union High School

“We are proud to partner with organizations like 10,000 Degrees..."

Luz H.

10,000 Degrees Alum & Fellow

University of California, Davis, 2022

"10,000 Degrees is the reason why I was able to go to college."

Kristopher M

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Riverside, 2022

"My career path has been greatly helped by 10,000 Degrees and their mentorship program."

Alumni Stories

Mauris dictum quam elementum varius condimentum

Jacob Barrera

10,000 Degrees San Francisco Advisory Board Member

Associate at Holland & Knight LLP

Janelle Walker

10,000 Degrees Sonoma Advisory Board Member

Supporter Since 2023 Public Finance Lawyer, Nixon Peabody

Anthony Garcia

10,000 Degrees Fellow, San Jose

San Jose State University, 2025 University of California, Davis, 2019

Isela Carreras

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow, City College of San Francisco San Francisco State University, 2020

Deborah Freed Goldman

10,000 Degrees Board Member

Chair, Napa Advisory Board Generous Supporter & Donor Since 2005

Charan & Sylvia Singh

10,000 Degrees Generous Supporters Since 2022

Caren & Nick Orum

Generous 10,000 Degrees Napa Supporters Since 2017

Co-Founders, Arborum Napa Valley Winery

Maria Valle

10,000 Degrees South Bay Advisory Board Member

10,000 Degrees Career Success Mentor Program Performance Auditor, City of San José

John A. Kouns

10,000 Degrees Legacy Donor

Sandy Donnell

10,000 Degrees Honorary Board Member & Former Board Chair

Generous Supporter for Over 25 Years

Josue Castillo

10,000 Degrees Alum

Dominican University of California, 2025 Sonoma State University, 2018 2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

Dayane Mendoza Solis

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2017 2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

Celina Del Toro Moreno

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2019 College of Marin, 2018 2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

Ashley M. Blanco

10,000 Degrees Alum

Brown University, M.A., 2009 Howard University, B.A., 2008 2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

Genesis Vasquez

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University East Bay, 2022 San Francisco State University, 2020 2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

Edgar Jose Velasquez

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 2022 San Francisco State University, 2016 2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

Aimee Little Sanchez

10,000 Degrees Alum

Dominican University of California, 2017 2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

Victoria Chan

10,000 Degrees Alum

Golden Gate University School of Law, 2024 University of California, Davis, 2015 2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

Efren Oxlaj

10,000 Degrees Alum

College of Marin, 2020 Santa Clara University, 2019 2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

Adriana Ascencion Cisneros

10,000 Degrees Alum

Santa Rosa Junior College Nursing Program, 2025 Mills College, 2019 2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

Willy Lepori

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow Sonoma State University, 2021 Santa Rosa Junior College, 2019

Mark Zerrudo

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow University of California, Berkeley, 2020 College of Marin, 2018

Lupe Calvillo

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow Sonoma State University, 2018

Colten R.

10,000 Degrees Alum Story

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, 2023

Sibling Grads: Jose Jimenez & Yesenia Jimenez

A Brother & Sister's Story

Mark Mokelke

10,000 Degrees Marin Advisory Board Chair

Bank of America Market Executive, Greater Bay Area Bank of America

Óscar Chávez

President & CEO

Community Foundation Sonoma County

Supporter Since 2023
Public Finance Lawyer, Nixon Peabody

San Jose State University, 2025
University of California, Davis, 2019

10,000 Degrees Fellow, City College of San Francisco
San Francisco State University, 2020

Chair, Napa Advisory Board
Generous Supporter & Donor Since 2005

10,000 Degrees Career Success Mentor
Program Performance Auditor, City of San José

Dominican University of California, 2025
Sonoma State University, 2018
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

Sonoma State University, 2017
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

Sonoma State University, 2019
College of Marin, 2018
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

Brown University, M.A., 2009
Howard University, B.A., 2008
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

California State University East Bay, 2022
San Francisco State University, 2020
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 2022
San Francisco State University, 2016
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

Dominican University of California, 2017
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

Golden Gate University School of Law, 2024
University of California, Davis, 2015
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

College of Marin, 2020
Santa Clara University, 2019
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

Santa Rosa Junior College Nursing Program, 2025
Mills College, 2019
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

10,000 Degrees Fellow
Sonoma State University, 2021
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2019

10,000 Degrees Fellow
University of California, Berkeley, 2020
College of Marin, 2018

10,000 Degrees Fellow
Sonoma State University, 2018

Bank of America Market Executive, Greater Bay Area
Bank of America

Gilead Sciences
San Francisco Advisory Board Member

University of San Francisco, 2026
University of California, Berkeley, 2020
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2017
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

Index Strategist at BlackRock
University of California, Berkeley, 2019
College of Marin, 2017

Former Board Chair & Honorary Board Member
Director of Community Partnerships, San Rafael City Schools
Sonoma State University, 2008
Dominican University of California, 2002