Experiences

Before I pivoted into higher education, some of my favorite roles included:

  • working the in chemistry department throughout undergrad

  • leading after school education, culinary, and fitness projects and being a lead instructor at a STEAM summer camp

  • working in B2B sales

  • being a barista!

Relevant Professional Experiences~

Assistant Director/Lead Counselor, Pre-Health Programs, Adult & Continuing Education, Health Sciences and Sciences Dept Oct. 2022 - Present
Promoted after three years to lead student success initiatives through trauma-informed, holistic support for diverse adult learners. I provide crisis intervention, academic and career guidance, and foster a sense of belonging for first-gen, military-connected, student-athletes, and undocumented students.

University of California, Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA Jan. 2019 - Present

Inaugural Counselor, Pre-Health Programs, Adult & Continuing Education, Health Sciences and Sciences Dept. Jan. 2019 - Oct. 2022
As the department’s first counselor, I launched and led a comprehensive counseling program supporting over 1,500 students per quarter through one-on-one guidance, data-informed planning, and workshops focused on imposter syndrome, academic confidence, and well-being.

Career Guidance Counselor Assistant, EOPS/CARE/NextUp
Supported foster youth, single parents, and low-income students through career and academic advising, financial aid guidance, and access to basic needs and community resources. Supported data collection initiatives to enhance programming and retention.

Los Angeles Trade Tech College - Los Angeles, CA Oct. 2018 - Jan. 2019

Group Tours Specialist/Admissions, Admission Center Jan. 2017 – Aug. 2018
Designed and launched “Tommy’s Tours,” a K–8 initiative promoting higher education access to underrepresented youth. Delivered engaging campus tours and admissions presentations to hundreds of prospective domestic and international students.

University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA Aug. 2016 - Aug. 2018

Assistant Learning Specialist, Student-Athlete Academic Services Jan. 2017 – May 2018
Provided holistic academic support to student-athletes through customized plans focused on accountability, mental health, and academic resilience. Collaborated with faculty and wellness staff to increase GPA, confidence, and retention.

Career Services Intern, Marshall School of Business Aug. 2016 – May 2018
Supported major career fairs hosting 50+ companies and contributed to data analysis and newsletter production. Mentored scholarship recipients and conducted career planning sessions for business students.

Tea Taster/B2B Sales in Teas, Herbals, & Extracts
Launched office philanthropic and social initiatives that led to a 50% increase in employee engagement and workplace morale. Maintained consultative B2B sales relationships, fostering long-term partnerships with both suppliers and customers across the food and beverage sector.

Martin Bauer, Inc. - Secaucus, NJ Nov. 2012 - May 2016

Personally~

I’m a multi-ethnic, in-betweener who’s continuously seeking balance in that in-betweener life.

My mom died in my early 20s and I’ve been navigating being an adult on my own and an evolving relationship with mom ever since.

I’m an outspoken cancer, and mental and emotional health advocate.