 | Maria (Lupita) De Los Santos Interim Assistant Director of Student Support Programs mdelossa@yccd.edu (530) 668-2506 Hi! My name is Maria, but I usually go by Lupita. I graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in human geography. During college, I was part of a nonprofit organization that provided college resources to students and their families in the Santa Barbara, Oxnard and Santa Maria area. After graduating from UCSB, I started working at Woodland Community College with Upward Bound as the program specialist. I’m now working as the interim Assistant Director of Student Support Programs. Working with TRIO has been such a fulfilling opportunity as I’m a WCC ETS alumni, so I know that TRIO works! My purpose is to continue working with our students and advocating for their success. Stop by my office at 850H to say hi or if you need any help! |
Educational Talent Search (ETS)
 | Christian Saavedra ETS Specialist, Woodland Community College csaavedra@yccd.edu (530) 668-2590 I grew up in Arbuckle, California and graduated from Pierce High School, where I first became involved in the Educational Talent Search Program (ETS). As a first-generation Latino student from an economically disadvantaged background, I experienced firsthand how important guidance and access to resources can be when navigating the path to higher education. After high school, I attended Sacramento State, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with a minor in History. I am currently finishing my master’s degree in Higher Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, continuing to build the knowledge and skills needed to support students in their educational journeys. My personal experiences navigating higher education has shaped my passion for helping students overcome barriers and pursue their goals. Now, as an ETS Specialist, I have had the privilege of guiding students as they explore college opportunities, and create pathways toward their futures. |
 | Jimena Angel ETS Specialist, Colusa County Campus jangel@yccd.edu (530) 668-2512 My name is Jimena Angel, and I am from Woodland, CA. I am a proud alumna of the TRIO ETS program, which I first joined during high school. As a first-generation student, I initially felt lost and unsure about my future, but TRIO ETS provided the guidance and support I needed to pursue higher education. With their encouragement and support, I attended UC Merced, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Public Health with a minor in Psychology. Because of my own experience navigating the challenges of post-secondary education, my goal is to motivate and guide students as they work toward achieving their own college and career goals. |
Special Support Program (SSP)
 | Joanna Ramirez Counselor, Colusa County Campus jramirez1@yccd.edu (530) 668-2504 My first college experience began at Sacramento City College, where I obtained an Associate of Arts in Administration of Justice. I then transferred over to California State University, Sacramento, where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Soon after I attended Saint Mary’s College of California and obtained a Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in College Student Services. I have 15 plus years of experience working for different California Community Colleges. I’ve had the pleasure of working for Sacramento City College, Consumes River College, Laney College, and Woodland Community College (WCC). I currently have been with WCC for over 10 years, working at their Colusa County Campus (CCC) in Williams, California. |
Upward Bound (UB)
 | Maria Barajas UB Interim Specialist, Colusa County Campus mbarajas@yccd.edu I grew up in Williams, California and graduated from Williams Junior Senior High School. As a first-generation college student, I understand firsthand the challenges that can come with navigating higher education without having that guidance at home. After high school, I began my college journey at Woodland Community College before transferring to California State University, Chico, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. My own experiences pursuing higher education shaped my passion for helping students overcome barriers and explore opportunities beyond high school. Now, as the Interim Upward Bound Specialist, I have the privilege of supporting students as they build confidence, develop academic skills, and navigate the path to college. Being able to give back and provide the guidance and encouragement I once needed makes this work especially meaningful to me, and I am committed to helping students realize their potential and pursue their educational goals. |