GoGirl!

Viviana Venegas

California Desert Trial Academy/Juris Doctor

Anticipated Graduation Date:  May 2028

Viviana Venegas is a 27-year-old single mother of two and a law student at California Desert Trial Academy (CDTA). A lifelong Coachella Valley resident, she was inspired to pursue a legal career after a judge visited her high school. That calling deepened when her fiancé was wrongfully arrested, giving her firsthand insight into the importance of fairness, due process, and protecting the rights of every individual.

While raising two young children, working full-time, and attending law school, Viviana has overcome significant challenges. After giving birth to her son, she returned to class just three days later. Although she did not pass the First-Year Law Students’ Examination on her first attempt, she persevered, passed on her fourth try, and returned to continue pursuing her legal education.

Viviana hopes to complete a post-bar clerkship with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and, after passing the California Bar Exam, serve as a prosecutor. Her goal is to seek justice that is fair, compassionate, and grounded in humanity while making a meaningful difference in the community she calls home.

Victoria Holder

California Nurses Educational Institute/Licensed Vocational Nurse, with a bridge program to Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date:  January 2027 for LVN and May 2027 for RN-ADN

Victoria Holder is a 28-year-old, single mother of three and a nursing student whose life has been shaped by resilience, determination, and compassion. Raised in the Coachella Valley, her childhood was marked by instability, but the love and support of her grandparents provided the foundation that shaped her future. Inspired by the exceptional care her younger brother received during an extended stay in the NICU, she developed a lifelong passion for nursing and helping others during their most vulnerable moments.

A dedicated caregiver since 2017, Victoria is pursuing her nursing education while raising her three daughters. She graduated high school early, completed college coursework at an accelerated pace, and persevered through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and early motherhood without losing sight of her goals.

Victoria’s long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), combining advanced clinical expertise with compassionate patient care. She hopes to serve the Coachella Valley while inspiring her daughters and other women to pursue their dreams, proving that resilience, education, and perseverance can transform lives.

Sarika “Monique” Perez

Carrington College/Licensed Vocational Nurse, with a bridge program to Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date:  April 2027

Sarika is a 34-year-old nursing student at Carrington College who never expected to find her calling in healthcare. After working in retail, banking, insurance, education, and customer service, she discovered her passion for patient care while working as a call center representative at Eisenhower Health. A chance encounter with a Medical Assistant inspired her to pursue a new career, leading her to enroll in a medical assisting program—a decision that transformed her life and set her on the path to nursing.

She now works as a Medical Assistant at Eisenhower, where she has developed a strong commitment to helping others through compassionate, hands-on care.

As a single mother of a young son, Sarika is motivated to build a better future for her family while serving her community. She is pursuing a nursing degree to expand her skills, increase her impact on patients’ lives, and continue growing in the healthcare profession. Sarika is proud to have found her purpose and is committed to a lifelong career dedicated to caring for others.

Leslie Calderon

College of the Desert/Licensed Vocational Nurse

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 2026

Leslie Calderon is a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) graduate whose career is rooted in compassionate patient care, clinical excellence, and community service. After earning her LVN in 2023, she gained hands-on experience in medication administration, vital sign monitoring, wound care, and evidence-based nursing practice while continuing her education.

As a first-generation college graduate and mother, Leslie’s determination has been fueled by her commitment to creating a better future for her family. Living in Thermal has also inspired her passion for public health and health equity, as firsthand experience with environmental health challenges strengthened her dedication to advocacy and prevention.

Balancing work, nursing school, and motherhood has shaped Leslie into a resilient, adaptable healthcare professional with a strong commitment to lifelong learning. She is scheduled to graduate with her RN in December, 2026, and plans to continue her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Leslie’s long-term goal is to become a Public Health Nurse, combining clinical expertise with community outreach to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure quality healthcare is accessible to all.

Crystal Giminez

California Nurses Educational Institute/Licensed Vocational Nurse, with a bridge program to Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 2026

Crystal Giminez is a 45-year-old mother of three who has spent the past decade rebuilding her life with resilience and determination. Following her divorce, she worked cleaning houses while raising her children and pursuing her education, often without childcare or outside support. Despite the challenges of balancing work, parenting, and college, she remained committed to creating a better future for her family.

Her experiences strengthened her perseverance and reinforced her lifelong calling to become a nurse. Crystal achieved perfect attendance throughout her LVN program, reflecting her unwavering commitment to her education. She is now a member of CNEI’s first-ever LVN-to-RN Bridge Program, continuing her journey toward becoming a Registered Nurse.

Inspired by a passion for caring for others, especially those who are vulnerable, Crystal looks forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients while serving as a positive example for her children. Her story is one of determination, perseverance, and the transformative power of education.

Betty Garcia

College of the Desert/Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 2027

Betty Garcia is a 35-year-old first-semester nursing student in the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at College of the Desert. A lifelong Coachella Valley resident, she is balancing the demands of nursing school while raising three children and managing family responsibilities with determination and resilience.

For the past 16 years, Betty has worked as a unit secretary and monitor technician, caring for patients at JFK. Her experience working alongside nurses and healthcare professionals inspired her to pursue a nursing career, reinforcing her passion for patient care and community service.

Despite the financial and personal challenges of returning to school, Betty remains committed to achieving her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. She plans to continue serving the Coachella Valley after graduation, providing compassionate care while setting a positive example for her children. Betty believes education, perseverance, and hard work can create lasting opportunities, and she looks forward to giving back to the community that has always been her home.

America Granados

California Nurses Educational Institute/Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 2026

America Granados is a nontraditional nursing student at California Nurses Educational Institute who returned to school at age 30 to pursue her lifelong goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Currently employed as an LVN, she has developed a passion for patient care, leadership, and health education through her clinical experience and work with diverse patient populations.

Committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care, America plans to continue serving the Coachella Valley as a Registered Nurse while advocating for patients and families. She is especially passionate about mentoring future nurses and hopes to one day teach in a nursing program, helping guide the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Balancing work, school, and personal responsibilities has required perseverance and determination, but each challenge has strengthened her commitment to achieving her goals. Financial barriers, including limited access to traditional financial aid, have reinforced the importance of scholarship support in helping her complete her education.

America’s dedication, resilience, and passion for nursing continue to prepare her for a career centered on service, lifelong learning, and making a meaningful impact in her community.

Yasuyo ‘Coco’ Takehara

College of the Desert/Licensed Vocational Nurse, with a bridge program to Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing

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

College of the Desert / Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing

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.

Valeria Ortiz

Grand Canyon University / Bachelor of Science Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 2026

College of the Desert / Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing | Graduated May 2026

Valeria Ortiz is a proud first-generation Mexican American and a low-income student pursuing her Bachelor of Science Nursing at the Grand Canyon University. 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

California State University San Bernardino – Palm Desert Campus / Teaching Credentials — Spanish Teacher

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 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 in her community.

Cinthya De Luna

Aspen University Online Program/Bachelor of Science Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date:  December 2027

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/Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing

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

Grand Canyon University / Bachelor of Science Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date:  May 2027

College of the Desert / Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing | Graduated May 2026

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

College of the Desert / Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing

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

Loma Linda University / Online Bachelor of Science Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date:  March 2027

College of the Desert / Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing | Graduated May 2026

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

Grand Canyon University Online Program / Bachelor of Science Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date:  2027

College of the Desert / Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing | Graduated 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.

Amanda Azar

Grand Canyon University Online Program / Bachelor of Science Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2027

College of the Desert / Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing | Graduated 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

Grand Canyon University Online Program / Bachelor of Science Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

College of the Desert / Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing | Graduated May 2026

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 / Registered Nurse First Assistant

Anticipated Graduation Date: September 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

College of the Desert / Registered Nurse / Associate Degree in Nursing

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 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

California State University San Bernardino – Palm Desert Campus / Single Subject Teaching Credential Program / Spanish

Anticipated Graduation Date: December 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.

Ashley Moore

United States University Online Program / Master of Science in Nursing Leadership

Anticipated Graduation Date: February 2028

Graduated from Western Governors University with her Bachelor of Science Nursing

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 Masters of Science in Nursing Leadership through United States University 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.