GoGirl!

Martha Kuykendall

COD/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 2025

Martha is passionate, persistent, and deeply dedicated to nursing. From a young age, she learned how to care for others while helping her mother, who lives with a developmental disability caused by a brain injury sustained in El Salvador. These early experiences shaped her compassionate nature and strong sense of responsibility.

Having witnessed the quality of medical care available in the Coachella Valley, Martha is committed to giving back to the community she calls home. Her long-term goal is to gain experience as an RN & eventually return to school to pursue a CRNA program.

Lorena Herrera

COD/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  May 2026

Since high school, helping others has been a consistent theme in Lorena’s life. With the unwavering support of her husband, mother, and two sons, she is determined to achieve her goal of becoming an RN. Her connection to kidney care is personal-she began caring for her father’s dialysis site as a young girl, sparking her interest in nursing. She is also passionate about and eager to help GFF continue its mission of empowering women through education.

Francine Garza

COD/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  May 2026

Francine was born in Indio and raised in Thermal. With parents who never finished high school, she has defied the odds—poised, eloquent & self-aware, she’s determined not to let her family’s struggles define her. While working a street medicine pop-up, she encountered her father for the first time in four years—now homeless and battling addiction. Being able to help him in that moment gave her clarity and reinforced the impact of her work. Inspired by this experience, Francine aims to become a nurse practitioner specializing in addiction medicine, turning personal hardship into purpose.

Marcela Diaz-Arce

COD/RN | GCU/BSN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  COD/2025 | GCU/2026

Marcela, a divorced single mother of two, leans on her parents as her primary support system. One of her proudest accomplishments is traveling with her children and church group to Ensenada to help build loft homes for underprivileged families. Despite the challenge of living with hyperhidrosis, she remains determined and resilient, believing that life’s curveballs can always be worked through. A dedicated community volunteer, Marcela enjoys mentoring, public speaking, and is driven to build a meaningful, purpose-driven career.

Amanda Azar

COD/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Despite a challenging past as an orphan and foster child from the age of 13, Amanda remains deeply committed to her goal of becoming a registered nurse. She has spent the last 16 years thriving as an LVN in hospice care and now works in the ER at EMC.

Amanda is especially proud of her 250-pound weight loss journey, which also inspired her husband to lose 100 pounds. She describes herself as spiritual, outgoing, and genuinely devoted to caring for others.

Luz Medina

COD/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026
Grand Canyon University Online Program/BSN
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Luz Medina is 30 years old, born and raised in Coachella Valley. Growing up with a single mother after her parents’ divorce, she assumed a caregiver role at a young age, which inspired her pursuit of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Despite financial hardships, her family instilled in her the value of education and hard work, motivating her to overcome obstacles.

She started working at a local health clinic during high school and became a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) after graduation. Over the past 11 years, she has worked in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and special needs care. Academically, she has maintained a 3.5 GPA and earned two associate degrees from College of the Desert. She is currently in the RN program at COD and enrolled in a concurrent RN-BSN program at Grand Canyon University.

Balancing education, work, and finances has been challenging, but she remains committed to achieving her goals. She is deeply grateful for the opportunities that have shaped her and looks forward to contributing to her community as an RN.

Illiana Jimenez

Capella University Online Program/BSN

Anticipated Graduation Date: Dec 2026

Illiana was born and raised in Coachella Valley, inspired by the resilience and sacrifices of her family. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a double major in Business and Psychology. During a mission trip to Mexico, she discovered her calling: nursing. This led her to pursue her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. In Spring 2023, she earned her nursing degree from College of the Desert and entered the healthcare field. As a GirlFriend Factor recipient, she is deeply grateful for our support in turning her aspirations into reality.

Since becoming a nurse, she’s worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and currently serves in the Operating Room, striving to make meaningful differences in patients’ lives. Shortly after graduating, she became her grandmother’s caregiver when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This responsibility paused her career goals, but her dream remains: to become a Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse First Assistant to better serve her community. She has resumed her education in 2025 and will continue to support other women determined to improve their lives. She is committed to making an impact, and feels our investment will empower countless others to do the same.

Melanie Gordon

COD/ADN RN

Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2027

As Harriet Tubman once said, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer.” At 38, Melanie often wondered if she was too old to return to school, but she knew in her heart the answer was no. She dreamed of becoming a registered nurse for years, and watching her family battle cancer has been her greatest motivation.

Losing three aunts to breast cancer and seeing her mother fight through remission has fueled her passion for oncology nursing. Financial struggles delayed her journey, so she began by earning her medical assistant certification in 2009. Since then, she has worked in multiple specialties and currently works at the cancer center at Eisenhower Health.

Now, she is taking the next step toward her dream, having recently been accepted into the COD ADN nursing program. She has worked hard to reach this point, and is determined to continue. Becoming a registered nurse is not just her goal—it’s a mission to provide compassionate care for those facing the battle her loved ones endured.

Rafaela Torres

CSUSB/Single Subject Teaching Credential Program/Spanish

Anticipated Graduation Date: Dec 2026

Rafaela is a first generation college student whose family immigrated from Mexico. She is married and the proud mother of two sons.

Completing her education has always been a priority for Rafaela. She’s worked hard over the years and most recently received her Associate’s Degree in Spanish. She’s also extremely grateful to be part of the Dream Act which has helped to cover some academic expenses.

Rafaela’s primary goal is to be a Spanish teacher in the Coachella Valley and would ultimately like to continue studying for her Master’s Degree in Education.

Noel Waits

COD/Site Supervisor Certificate

Anticipated Graduation Date: On a medical leave of absence

Noel Waits is a 40-year-old woman pursuing her dreams. She began college after high school but had to leave when she became pregnant during her freshman year. At 19, she promised her children’s father she would finish school, and despite challenges, she kept that promise.

During the pandemic, with the support of her family, she decided to return to school to become a preschool teacher and possibly own her own preschool one day. She started with online classes to earn her Assistant Teacher Certificate, followed by her Head Teacher Certificate. Balancing work, school, and raising children hasn’t been easy, but she stayed committed.

She plans to graduate in May 2024 and is currently working toward her Site Supervisor Certificate, with aspirations to become a preschool site supervisor. Her ultimate goal is to manage three preschools, leading a team of teachers and providing inclusive, safe, and engaging environments for children. By advancing her education and gaining experience, she aims to make a positive impact on families in her community.

With hard work and determination, she is fulfilling her dreams and proud to set an example for her children. Fun fact: She’ll graduate one semester before her eldest child!

Alejandra Castro

Ohio University Online Program studying for BSN

Anticipated Graduation date: Dec 2025

Alejandra is the oldest daughter of immigrant parents and a single parent to three amazing children. Her parents came to this country to give she and her siblings a better life and opportunities.

Her current goal is to obtain her Nursing degree. She will then continue to study for her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with the ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine in the Coachella Valley.

She wants to focus on helping Spanish speaking patients with chronic conditions, taking the time to properly educate them and advocate for them while encouraging them to actively participate in their health. She would like to continue to do her part in making a difference and consistently do her best for our local community.

Cheyla Higareda

California Desert Trial Academy/Juris

Anticipated Graduation date: May 2026

Cheyla was born in Indio, California. She is the oldest of four sisters. Her parents fled the poverty that surrounded them in Mexico and came to the United States. Witnessing the sacrifices her parents made daily encouraged Cheyla to make their sacrifices count. Therefore, at the age of fourteen she decided to become an attorney because she realized that unlike them, she was fortunate enough to have citizenship, knowledge of the English language, and two parents who supported her dream of obtaining a higher education.

Her long-term goal is to become an established attorney within the Coachella Valley. She wants to make a positive and genuine difference within her community.

Victoria Perez

College of the Desert/Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date: Took a leave of absence in January 2025

Victoria began pursuing her dream career as a nurse right after graduating from high school in 2016.

Financial hurdles and the loss of Victoria’s mom forced her to pause her education. Losing her mom at such a young ago was very hard on her, but it also compelled her to re-enroll in school and finish her education in honor of her mother.

It was a challenging time, but Victoria soon received the news she’d been working towards; College of the Desert offered her a seat in the RN Program in February 2024.

Her goal is to become an RN in labor and delivery.

Traisa Josephson

College of the Desert/Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2025

Traisa is a forty three year old wife, mother and student.  She has been married for thirteen years and she and her husband have two daughters.  Her girls are her greatest accomplishment in life.  

Traisa has wanted to be a nurse for as long as she can remember.  She is now in her second semester in the Nursing program at COD. She is working, caring for her children and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She plans on excelling in school and will graduate from COD in December 2025.

Traisa’s goal is to work for one of the hospitals in the Coachella Valley.

Maricela Carranza

College of the Desert/Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date: Dec 2025

Maricela was born and raised in Indio. Her passion is in the health care field, and specifically Oncology.

She is now employed full time at Eisenhower Medical Center while going to school full time.  She’s working towards her RN degree and ultimately her BSN degree in Oncology and volunteers with Street Medicine. Years passed until Maricela realized that should she never have given up on her dream of going to college.

She hopes to inspire her daughters and they continue to motivate her.  They remind her on a daily basis how proud they are of their mother.

Melissa Martin Del Campo-Apodaca

College of the Desert/Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2025

Melissa is a 34 year old mother of three who grew up in the Coachella Valley.

Since returning to school she has graduated with High Honors, was placed on the Dean’s List on five different occasions for her high GPA and was granted a seat in the College of the Desert’s RN program on her first application.  

Currently, Melissa would like to specialize in the NICU ward or cardiology.

She wants to give back to the community she grew up in and strives to be the best she can be for herself, all who support her, but also her Dad who passed away in 2018.  She knows he would be so proud of her.

Laura Martin

UCR/Anthropological/Cultural Resource Management

Anticipated Graduation Date: June 2026

“Miyiiha Netwaanyan’e Piionr Honuukvetam Nehiinkeeme Shiishongna tongvet Noon’e Tongvet aweeshkone xaa ekwaane xaa Neshuun’e xaa aweeshko Motaamenpo aweeshkone xaa.” This is Laura Martin’s introduction in her native language of Tongva.

Laura is on her tribal council, a member of her tribal nation and works on several committees that are involved in cultural resource management, land preservation and cultural preservation. She plans on graduating in Spring 2024 with her associate’s degree in preservation.

The motivation Laura has for completing her education is not only focused on herself and her children, but on her tribal nation and her people. Completing her degree will not only provide for her family but will provide a layer of security and support that is needed within her tribal nation and tribal family.

Dima Karsly

CSUSB/BSN

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

In 2016 Dima and her husband immigrated to the United States from Syria. Their journey was marked by profound loss, including the tragic death of Dima’s younger brother. Grateful to have survived the war and received asylum in the U.S., Dima has been motivated by her experiences to pursue a career in healthcare.

Currently, she is in her second semester of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at California State University, San Bernardino. Her immediate goal is to work as a bedside nurse in an emergency department, providing critical care in high-stakes situations. Looking ahead, Dima aims to further her education with a master’s degree and transition into a role as a Physician’s Assistant.

Dima is deeply appreciative of the support she has received throughout her journey and is committed to giving back to the community that welcomed her and her family.

Michelle Megalis

California Desert Trial Academy/Juris

Anticipated Graduation Date: June 2026

Michelle and her sister grew up in San Diego, facing significant challenges at home. School became her sanctuary, where she excelled academically, driven by her dream of pursuing a legal career. 

After high school, Michelle moved to New York City, where she worked as a nanny for high-profile clients, though the aspiration of attending law school never faded. It was in New York that she met her husband. After they had a daughter, the family relocated to the Coachella Valley. With her husband’s unwavering support, Michelle enrolled at COD in the criminal justice program. 

Now in her third year of the Juris Doctor program at the California Desert Trial Academy, Michelle specializes in trial law. Upon graduation, she aims to work in the Coachella Valley with the Innocence Program. Long-term, she hopes to contribute to a larger organization dedicated to overturning wrongful convictions.

Ashley Moore

Western Governor’s University Online/BSN

Anticipated Graduation Date: October 2025

Ashley proudly acknowledges her roots as a recipient of the Girlfriend Factor’s GoGirl! Grant. With this support, she earned her Nursing degree from College of the Desert in 2020. Over the past three years, Ashley has gained valuable experience working in the operating room at Eisenhower Medical Center and in addiction recovery at Hazelden Betty Ford.

She recently embarked on a new career path as the Clinic Supervisor for Eisenhower Desert Orthopedic Center in their Pain Management department. Concurrently, Ashley is advancing her education by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Western Governors University’s online program.

Driven by a passion for healthcare management, Ashley is committed to seeking opportunities for advancement. She remains an enthusiastic supporter of the Girlfriend Factor, advocating for its mission and impact.

Andrea Pass

CSUSB/BSN

Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2025

Andrea Pass is currently studying at the University of San Bernardino’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. As a divorced mother of three, her journey has been challenging, yet it fuels her aspiration to become a nurse midwife and a lactation consultant. She’s been navigating life post-divorce with resilience, balancing school, work as a nursing assistant at Eisenhower Medical Center, and raising her children. 

Despite the hardships of managing finances and emotional stress, her children motivate her to push forward. They are why she is committed to her education and future in healthcare. 

She is thankful for the support from the Girlfriend Factor and its GoGirl! Grant, which allows her to concentrate on her studies and her children without financial strain. Her goal is to become a nurse, setting a strong example for her children, proving that dedication and hard work lead to success. She aims to inspire them, showing that anything is possible with determination and focus.

Lori Richerson

College of the Desert/AA in Alcohol and Drug Studies

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Lori Richerson was born in Hardin, Illinois, but has resided in the Coachella Valley since 1976.  Living in the desert has shaped her journey through school and her entrepreneurial venture—a janitorial business—teaching her the value of hard work and dedication. Her career in the hospitality industry evolved from housekeeper to food & beverage manager over decades.

A layoff in 2014 pivoted her path to volunteering with Citizen’s On Patrol and battling personal challenges with alcoholism. In 2018, she embraced sobriety with the support of the Betty Ford Center, rekindling her passion for helping others. This led her back to the hospitality field and eventually to a role as a patient support technician at the same center. At 58, she is pursuing an associate degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling at the College of the Desert, aiming for a 2025 graduation. The GoGirl! grant supports her ongoing commitment to guiding others toward recovery.

Erica Solis

College of the Desert/BA Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Erica Solis is a 34-year-old aspiring nurse. Twelve years ago, she moved to the Coachella Valley and started a family. Despite working and raising children, she also pursued her dream of becoming a nurse. She enrolled at College of the Desert in 2019, but her journey faced delays due to the pandemic and personal challenges.  

Now, after four years, in May she proudly graduated with an associate’s degree in Health Science and another in Spanish. She’s also been provisionally accepted into the RN program at College of the Desert. Her passion for nursing was reinforced by caring for her father during his illness. 

Receiving the Girlfriend Factor grant allows her to focus on her studies and achieve her goal of becoming a registered nurse, setting an example for her children and others.