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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
Evelin Castañeda, Retention Specialist
Evelin received her B.A. in Education with a minor in Chicano Studies from UC Riverside and an M.S. in Educational Leadership from California Baptist University. Prior to working in higher education, she served as a high school Dream Center Site-Supervisor in her hometown of Los Angeles. There, she created and implemented programs for several student organizations, as well as advised students about college and financial aid. As a former participant of TRIO Scholars and Upward Bound, Evelin is driven to serve, motivate, and empower first-generation, low-income college students.
Email: evelin.castaneda@ucr.edu
Phone: (951) 827-6195
Extension Number: 26195
Jessica Gonzalez, Data & Outreach Specialist
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
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
Extension Number: 23888