GoGirl!

Elizabeth Torres

CSUSB/Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials

Anticipated Graduation Date:  Spring 2026

Elizabeth Torres is pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at CSUSB. In 2017, she left hospitality to begin this path, but caregiving responsibilities for her grandmother and financial demands as a first-generation college student led her to pause her studies.

Over the years, she gained professional experience, volunteered as a case manager with Jewish Family Service, and reaffirmed her desire to teach. In 2024, after a personal loss and deep reflection, she chose to leave her job and return to the credential program, knowing the sacrifices involved.

Teaching has always been part of who she is—from helping family members learn English to tutoring children in her community. She has completed her first semester and is currently student teaching. She is fully focused on becoming the best educator she can be for future generations.

Yasuyo ‘Coco’ Takehara

COD/LVN to ADN-RN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  May 2027

Yasuyo Takehara’s nursing journey has taken her from assisting births in Japan, to supporting mothers in Nepal, and now to rebuilding her career in California. She began in midwifery, but one moment—watching a mother with valvular heart disease place her baby’s safety above her own—taught her that birth is both medical and profoundly human.

In Nepal, she learned resilience and adaptability, delivering babies by flashlight and caring for families with limited resources. Those experiences showed her that trust, communication, and cultural humility are as vital as clinical skill. In the United States, working as a CNA reinforced the importance of credentials and continuing education to better serve patients.

Returning to school later in life has been challenging amid financial strain and health issues, yet her commitment to maternal and child health remains unwavering. With experience across three countries, she strives to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive care—because nursing and midwifery know no borders.

Elena Russell

COD/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  Spring 2027

Elena Russell’s journey to becoming a registered nurse is rooted in resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to caring for others. After relocating from Tucson to be closer to family, she became a single mother, and her daughter remains her greatest motivation.

As a first-generation college graduate, she earned her Associate’s degree in Health Science in May 2025 and completed nursing prerequisites with strong academic performance while balancing work and motherhood. Entering the RN program at College of the Desert required the difficult decision to significantly reduce her work hours, creating financial strain but allowing her to fully commit to her studies.

Clinical experiences have shaped her passion for geriatric care, where she finds purpose in advocating for comfort, dignity, and connection. Her long-term goal is to become a registered nurse, pursue her BSN and MSN, and serve vulnerable populations while mentoring future nurses.

Alejandra Razo

California Desert Trial Academy/Juris Doctor

Anticipated Graduation Date:  2029

Alejandra grew up in the Coachella Valley as a first-generation Latina, and learned early that education is a pathway to opportunity and change. Her parents’ sacrifices instilled in her a deep commitment to service, leadership, and perseverance. While preparing to apply to dental school, her path shifted after the sudden loss of her brother during the COVID-19 pandemic—a tragedy that reshaped her purpose.

Through grief, she discovered a calling in law as a means of healing and advocacy. She came to understand that justice is not abstract; it impacts real lives and families like hers. Today, she is pursuing her Juris Doctor degree to become a legal advocate for marginalized individuals and communities affected by systemic inequities.

This degree represents more than a personal milestone—it reflects generations of sacrifice and her commitment to serving others. With financial support, she can fully focus on her studies and continue transforming loss into purpose, justice, and meaningful community impact.

Valeria Ortiz

COD/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  May 2026

Grand Canyon University/BSN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 2026

Valeria Ortiz is a proud first-generation Mexican American and a low-income student pursuing her ADN at College of the Desert. At 16, she helped care for her grandmother during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease, an experience that shaped her empathy and desire to serve in healthcare.

She is balancing full-time nursing school, work, and caring for her young daughter. The GoGirl! Grant support allows her to reduce work hours and remain academically focused. Her healthcare experience includes medical assisting, phlebotomy, surgical oncology, and urgent and emergency care at Eisenhower Health, where she currently works nights to gain hands-on experience.

After completing nursing school, she plans to work in oncology or labor and delivery and to continue to work towards her NP. Motherhood has deepened her compassion and commitment to providing patient-centered care.

Alma Morales

CSUSB/Teaching Credentials; Spanish Teacher

Anticipated Graduation Date:  Fall 2026

Alma Morales was born in Mexicali, Baja California, and immigrated to the United States in 2010 in pursuit of opportunity and education. Raised by hardworking parents, she learned early the value of responsibility and perseverance. Following her parents’ divorce, she and mother shared the financial responsibilities of their household.

She began her education at College of the Desert, earning an Associate Degree in Spanish, then transferred to California State University, San Bernardino, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish in Spring 2025. She is currently enrolled in a teaching credential program and expects to graduate in Fall 2026.

As a full-time student completing extensive classroom and student-teaching requirements, she is unable to work full-time. The GoGirl! Grant helps her cover essential living and educational expenses and allows her to remain focused on completing her credential. This support brings her closer to her goal of serving and inspiring students her community.

Alma Jaber

Copper Mountain College/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  May 2026

Alma Jaber’s journey has been defined by resilience, healing, and determination. She became the first in her family to graduate high school, earn a college degree, and pursue nursing after surviving years in a domestic violence relationship that forced her to rebuild her life from the ground up.

As a single mother of two with no family support, she has faced immense challenges, yet each one strengthened her resolve to create a safe, stable future for her children. She is currently a full-time nursing student working toward her Associate Degree in Nursing, with plans to graduate in May 2026. Her clinical experiences have affirmed her calling, particularly in critical care, where she thrives under pressure and feels drawn to advocate for patients in their most vulnerable moments.

Her goal is to become an ICU nurse, earn advanced certifications, and continue her education while building a life rooted in stability, compassion, and hope for her children and the patients she serves.

Cinthya De Luna

Aspen University Online Program/BSN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  May 2026

Cinthya is a former GoGirl! Grant Recipient who graduated with her ADN-RN from COD in May 2025.

After passing her NCLEX, she enrolled at Aspen University on-line to continue studying for her BSN.

She has maintained a strong GPA and is committed to maintaining the same excellence in the BSN program as she did in the RN program.

Her goal is to continue working at Eisenhower in the oncology department and eventually become a Certified Oncology Nurse.

Cinthya is motivated by her supportive husband and four wonderful daughters. They have been a great support system to help her reach her goals.

Cinthya realizes this is her greatest desire and she knows that her accomplishments, sacrifices, late night study sessions and sleepless nights will make this possible.

Adaney Escudero

San Joaquin Valley College/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  November 2026

Adaney Escudero’s life has been shaped by resilience, hard work, and a commitment to caring for others. She began working in healthcare over thirteen years ago and became a Certified Nursing Assistant nine years ago, gaining experience across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and mental health settings, including Desert Regional Medical Center and Bayshire Skilled Nursing in Rancho Mirage.

Balancing work and motherhood have been both challenging and deeply motivating, strengthening her determination to build a stable and meaningful future for her child. In April 2025, she enrolled in the Registered Nursing program at SJVC in Rancho Mirage, with an expected graduation in November 2026. Nursing school demands discipline, sacrifice, and long hours, but she remains fully committed to this path.

Her long-term goal is to become a compassionate Registered Nurse who advocates for vulnerable populations, gives back to the community, and supports patients and families with empathy, strength, and heart.

Maritza Avila

COD/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  May 2026

Grand Canyon University/BSN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  May 2027

Maritza’s decision to pursue nursing is deeply personal. When her mother became seriously ill, the nurses who cared for her provided calm, compassion, and reassurance during a frightening time. Witnessing their impact inspired her to begin her journey in nursing.

Before entering the program, she spent nearly twenty years in veterinary medicine at VCA Desert Dunes Animal Hospital. That experience strengthened her ability to communicate clearly, work as part of a team, remain composed under pressure, and provide comfort to patients and families—skills that translated seamlessly into human healthcare.

During her studies, she has remained actively engaged, serving as class delegate for the Nursing Student Association at College of the Desert and completing forty-nine volunteer hours with Street Medicine and community health events. She is also pursuing her BSN through Grand Canyon University. Balancing both programs has reinforced her discipline and commitment to becoming a skilled, compassionate nurse serving the Coachella Valley.

Natalie Albert

COD/RN

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 2027

Natalie Albert is a 44-year-old single mother of two pursuing an RN-ADN. Her path to nursing has been shaped by perseverance, service, and a deep commitment to patient care. After relocating between California and Oregon, she ultimately returned to California to focus her career goals.

Her experience at Eisenhower Health in phlebotomy, patient care support, and administrative coordination have affirmed her calling. Working closely with patients and clinical teams revealed how skilled, compassionate nursing can profoundly impact healing and dignity.

Academically, she has completed all prerequisites for the nursing program with strong grades, all while balancing parenthood, full-time hospital work, and a rigorous course load.

She is pursuing nursing independently while supporting her family. The GoGirl! Grant eases this transition and allows her to continue progressing toward becoming a capable, dependable nurse serving her community.

Martha Kuykendall

Enrolled in an online BSN program at Loma Linda University

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 2026

Graduated from COD with her RN

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 or her RNFA/NP

Anticipated Graduation Date: February 2026

Graduated from Capella University with her BSN

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.

Alejandra Castro

Ohio University Online Program studying for BSN

Anticipated Graduation date: Spring 2026

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.

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

WGU for her MSN

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Graduated from WGU with her BSN

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.

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.