Raised in Southern California’s Inland Empire and daughter to immigrant parents, Estephani grew up in a Spanish-speaking household in a primary Latino community. She is the eldest of two daughters and the first in her family to go to college, achieving both an undergraduate and an advanced degree. In 2017, she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, San Bernardino. After completing her undergraduate studies, her commitment to advocating for students in her community and enhancing access to higher education led her to become a college advisor. In this role she assisted high school students with college readiness, applications, financial aid, and the transition to higher education.
Her passion for serving students and educators motivated her to further her education. In 2020, she earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree from the University of California, Riverside, specializing in education policy and race and immigration policy. During her time at UCR, Estephani also served as a teaching assistant, instructing courses in political science, public policy, economics, sociology, and philosophy.
Prior to joining the Campaign for College Opportunity, Estephani served as a District Representative at the Office of State Senator Richard D. Roth, where she proudly served the constituents of California Senate District 31. Her primary coverage area was the City of Riverside, and she led issue coverage on Education, Latino, Women’s, and LGBTQ+ affairs, as well as Labor issues for the district office.
Estephani’s devotion to the field of education is rooted in her personal experience maneuvering the complexities of the higher education system along with working with educators and students alike. Her greatest passion lies in improving access to higher education for underrepresented communities and low-income students. She aspires to continue working with policymakers and relevant organizations to enhance higher education and career development opportunities for youth in the Inland Empire and across California.
Alma Mater(s): Cal State University, San Bernardino (Undergrad); University of California, Riverside (Masters)
Your role in one sentence: As part of the Public Affairs team, my role focuses on harvesting and maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders to help support our organization’s mission and values.
When I am not at work helping students get to and succeed in college I am… Nine out of ten times you can catch me at a movie theater watching the latest film drop or out in the city out with my cousins.
If not higher education then what cause? If not higher education I think I would focus on social justice initiatives for our immigrant population and other underrepresented communities. Higher ed is one avenue in which I explore this intersectionality.