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The Secret to Our Students' Success
As the staff of UC Riverside's TRIO Scholars programs, we are focused on our students' success. That involves implementing, administering and evaluating TRIO Scholars programs and services. Our goals are based on the retention, graduation and success of first-generation and low-income students here at UCR.
The TRIO Scholars community isn't our students' only form of support. We strive to connect them to multiple resources. Faculty, administrators, staff, alumni and community leaders provide a cohesive support team and network to maximize our students' success.
Meet Our Professional Staff
Daisy Rodriguez, Director
Daisy has dedicated her career to working with programs that support students across the academic pipeline. She is passionate about serving students and has experience managing programs in both K-12 and higher education. Daisy received her B.A. in Ethnic Studies and Human Development from the University of California, San Diego and her master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego. She grew up in the Inland Empire and strongly believes in the impact that student equity programs, like TRIO Scholars, have in students’ lives and communities.
Email: daisy.rodriguez@ucr.edu
Phone: (951) 827-3888
Edith Crawford-Velasco, Student Success Coordinator
Edith holds a B.A. in both Sociology and Communication Studies from the University of San Diego and an M.A. in Higher Education Leadership from the University of San Diego. Prior to working in TRIO, she served as an Assistant Community Director through Residential Education at the University of San Diego and had a role as a Conduct Coordinator at UCR. She grew up in the Inland Empire and is a former TRIO Scholar participant who has remained dedicated to serving first-generation, low-income students to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Email: edith.crawfordvelasco@ucr.edu
Phone: (951) 827-8128
Freddy Mejia, Data & Outreach Specialist
Freddy earned his B.A. in Music with a focus on the music industry from UC Riverside. Drawing from his experience as a TRIO Upward Bound high school participant, he possesses a deep understanding of the vital role educational support systems and community engagement play in student success. During his time at UCR, he actively contributed to Chicano Student Programs and MEChA, fostering cultural awareness and advocacy among his peers. Freddy is committed to connecting with students, supporting their academic and personal development, and creating opportunities that empower them to achieve their goals.
Email: freddy.mejia@ucr.edu
Phone: (951) 827-6195
Jessica Gonzalez, Educational Advisor
Jessica holds a B.A. in both Psychology and Education from UC Riverside and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in School Counseling at Cal Baptist University. Her dedication to empowering first-generation, low-income college students drives her commitment to connecting them with essential resources for success in college and beyond. Drawing from her own experiences growing up in Riverside County and her previous role at UCR Upward Bound, where she guided high school students through their educational journeys, Jessica is deeply passionate about supporting students' academic growth and personal development.
Email: jessica.gonzalez1@ucr.edu
Phone: (951) 827-3837