Honoring the FirstGen Class of 2025!
At Corazón Healdsburg, we believe in the transformative power of dreams, determination and community support. Our FirstGen College Counseling program supports students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education by providing personalized counseling, tutoring, guidance through college and scholarship applications and opportunities to attend pre-college summer programs across the country. Students also benefit from being part of a supportive community of peers with shared goals and the encouragement of their families.
This year, we are proud to celebrate our biggest FirstGen class ever, with 17 graduates.
Continuing the program’s strong tradition, 100% of FirstGen seniors were accepted to four-year universities. Their acceptances include:
3 private universities
7 University of California campuses
20 California State University campuses
Since 2017, 70 Healdsburg High School students have been accepted into the college of their dreams with the support of Corazón’s FirstGen program, building a growing network of first-generation college students and graduates in our region.
Now, we are proud to introduce the FirstGen Class of 2025!
Join us in celebrating their achievements and their bright futures!
Cristal Angel Rincon
“Education is the most powerful thing in this world because it is the only thing no one will ever be able to take away from you.”
Cristal is the daughter of Paola and Jose Angel Rincon. She grew up in Healdsburg and says FirstGen allowed her to explore different career paths, build relationships and grow as a student. She led the Mexican American Youth Organization, served as freshman class vice president and now is senior class vice president. A summer at Barnard College immersed her in political science and economics. Internships with the USF School of Law Immigration and Defense Clinic and the Sonoma County Bar Association deepened her commitment to politics and law.
Cristal was accepted to: Sonoma State University; CSU San Marcos; San Diego State University; CSU Long Beach; Chico State; UC Davis; UC Riverside; UC Berkeley
Cristal will be attending: UC Berkeley
Melissa Casas Gatica
“I saw [my parents’] sacrifices and knew I wanted to make the most of the opportunities they never had. College became my goal, not just for myself, but to honor their hard work and support.”
Melissa Casas Gatica is the daughter of Anayeli and Daniel Casas. She says a conversation at the dinner table with her parents convinced her of the importance of education and inspired her college ambitions. She led the volleyball team as captain for three years and served as ASB vice president. Melissa was part of the Mexican American Youth Organization, Ethnic Studies Club and Interact Club. Summer programs at UCLA and Long Island University confirmed her interest in business marketing.
Melissa was accepted to: Chico State; Saint Mary’s College; San José State University; University of Maine at Presque Isle; Sonoma State University
Melissa will be attending: Chico State
Alondra Flores Zamudio
“My biggest motivation are my parents who have taught me to take advantage of every opportunity I get.”
Alondra Flores Zamudio is the daughter of Tomas Flores and Leticia Zamudio. Her older brother, Tomas, is a former FirstGen student now studying at Cal State Maritime. Alondra is an active member of the Mexican American Youth Organization and her academic journey includes the NYU Law Bootcamp and the National Student Leadership Conference at Columbia and Georgetown, where she explored law and international diplomacy.
Alondra was accepted to: UC Davis; UC Santa Barbara; UC Berkeley; UC Santa Cruz; UC Riverside; UC Merced; Cal Poly Pomona; Chico State; CSU Dominguez Hills; CSU Fullerton; CSU Long Beach; San Diego State University; Sacramento State; Cal Poly Humboldt
Alondra will be attending: San Diego State University
Esteban Guzman Gonzalez
“It’s all about finding the right path.”
Esteban Guzman Gonzalez, son of Esmeralda and Miguel Guzman, has lived in Healdsburg his entire life, growing up alongside his younger brother and sister. A dedicated student-athlete, Esteban played both football and badminton. One of his most memorable experiences was participating in a sports medicine summer program in Texas, where he gained hands-on knowledge and discovered new interests. He leaves Healdsburg High and FirstGen grateful for the experiences, lessons and relationships that shaped him.
Esteban was accepted to: Sonoma State University; Chico State; Fresno State; Sacramento State; San Francisco State University
Esteban will be attending: Sonoma State University
Kimberly Lopez Cibrian
“Get involved with extracurriculars, serve your community, and prioritize education.”
Kimberly Lopez Cibrian is the daughter of Devi and Luis Cibrian. She grew up in Healdsburg, attending Westside Elementary, Healdsburg Junior High and Healdsburg High. Kimberly was part of the Mexican American Youth Organization, Young Empowered Women’s Club, Wellness Youth Council, Youth Equity Design Team and competed on the soccer team for three years. Sea Camp in San Diego and a pre-med program in New York broadened her perspective. She says the FirstGen program offered her an invaluable sense of community and support.
Kimberly was accepted to: Chico State; Sacramento State; Sonoma State University; UC Merced
Kimberly will be attending: Sonoma State University
Giovanni Eduardo Lopez Lopez
“Give it your all!”
Giovanni Eduardo Lopez Lopez first realized he might want to go to college when his love of animals inspired an interested in becoming a veterinarian. He competed in soccer and performed with both concert and jazz bands, finding music especially meaningful. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards summer program challenged him to step outside his comfort zone. With support from family, friends and Bianca, Giovanni navigated the complicated college application process.
Giovanni was accepted to: UC Merced; Chico State; Sonoma State; University; Fresno State
Giovanni will be attending: Chico State
Yaretzy Marquez
“FirstGen helped shape me into the student that I am today and it opened so many doors and opportunities for me.”
Yaretzy Marquez is the daughter of Vivian Flores and Saul Marquez. Yaretzy served as secretary of the Mexican American Youth Organization for four years and joined the Healdsburg High Cheer Team as a junior. Her leadership and role in MAYO allowed her to celebrate and share her culture while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds. Yaretzy completed pre-college programs at Harvard and Columbia, exploring psychology and business.
Yaretzy was accepted to: San Diego State University; CSU Long Beach; Cal Poly Pomona; San José State University; CSU Channel Islands; Chico State; CSU Fullerton; UC San Diego; UC Davis; UC Santa Barbara; UC Berkeley
Yaretzy will be attending: San Diego State University
Damian Santiago Medrano Aguado
“Do something you love or enjoy doing.”
Damian Santiago Medrano Aguado, who goes by Santi, is the son of Veronica Aguado Vega and Evodio Medrano Peña. He says his two younger siblings are some of his biggest motivators to pursue college, and he hopes to set an example for them of what is possible. At HHS, he played on the Boys Varsity Soccer team all four years and was on the Swimming and Diving team. Particularly meaningful moments in his soccer career include going to semifinals, being recognized as defensive player of the year and making the All-Star team senior year.
Santi was accepted to: Sonoma State University; Chico State; Sacramento State; San Francisco State University
Santi will be attending: Sonoma State University
Hector Melecio Nuñez
“Keep going, even at your worst.”
Hector Melecio Nuñez is the son of Olga and Uriel Melecio. He attended HUSD schools from Healdsburg Elementary to Healdsburg High School. Through FirstGen, Hector participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp, and took part in UCLA’s Game Lab — an experience he loved. He also played on the JV Boys Soccer team at HHS. Hector says it was his older brother’s encouragement and example that motivated him to take his studies seriously and pursue college, adding that he’s grateful to his family for supporting him throughout his academic journey.
Hector was accepted to: San Francisco State University; Sacramento State; Sonoma State University
Hector will be attending: Sonoma State University
Ariana Nuño
“My mom always tells me ‘it will all be worth it in the end,’ which helps to keep me going.“
Ariana Nuño is the daughter of Delia and Martín Nuño. At HHS, she served as vice president of the Mexican American Youth Organization, and says promoting cultural awareness is especially important to her. Through FirstGen, she was able to test out the college life at the Team and Leadership Academy at Syracuse University. Ariana credits Bianca and the FirstGen program with helping her to navigate high school and college applications smoothly, all while balancing school, extracurriculars and work.
Ariana was accepted to: Sonoma State University; Sacramento State; Stanislaus State
Ariana will be attending: Sonoma State University
Nadia Pelayo
“The advice that my parents have always given me is, ‘Don’t do it for others; do it for yourself, because in the end, it’s your future and no one else’s.’”
Nadia Pelayo is the daughter of Shani Garcia and Dagoberto Torres. She attended Cali Calmecac Language Academy before high school, where she participated in the Mexican American Youth Organization, Young Empowered Women club, Wellness Youth Council and Youth Equity Design Team. Four years with Ballet Folklórico Yolotl has had a huge impact on her life, she says. She says FirstGen has kept her organized through the college application process and made her more confident that she wanted to attend college.
Nadia was accepted to: Sonoma State University; Fresno State; Sacramento State; Chico State; UC Merced
Nadia will be attending: Sonoma State University
Perla Perez Gopar
“I want to thank my mom for always believing in me even during times that I didn’t believe in myself. She never let me give up on my childhood dreams.”
Perla Perez Gopar is the daughter of Alba and Pedro Perez and says she has known she wanted to go to college since she was in kindergarten. At HHS, she participated in sideline cheer, competitive cheer and Girls Soccer, as well as the Mexican American Youth Organization, Ethnic Studies Club, Interact Club, Equity Design Team, Wellness Youth Council and four years of leadership. Pre-college programs at Syracuse University and American University sparked her interest in psychology and a goal to become a therapist.
Perla was accepted to: Sonoma State University; San José State University; Chico State; CSU Channel Islands; CSU Dominguez Hills; CSU East Bay; CSU Monterey Bay; CSU Northridge State; UC Merced
Perla will be attending: CSU Northridge
Natalia Soriano
“My only limits are myself and my mind.”
Natalia Soriano is the daughter of Genaro Soriano and Magdalena Ruiz. She was active in extracurriculars, including volleyball, soccer, Mexican American Youth Organization, California Scholarship Federation, Future Farmers of America, Redwood Empire Invitational Basketball Tournament, ballet folklórico and Jardín Del Pueblo. Natalia says ballet folklórico was especially meaningful because it gave her a way to share her culture. Through FirstGen, Natalia attended SEACAMP San Diego, a hands-on marine science camp for youth that opened her eyes to new fields of study and careers.
Natalia was accepted to: Sonoma State University; Sacramento State; CSU East Bay; UC Davis; UC Berkeley
Natalia will be attending: Sacramento State
Iara Valdez Sarmiento
“It may seem hard, but you're only put through what you can handle, and the end goal is worth it.”
Iara Valdez Sarmiento is the daughter of Manuel Valdez and Balvaneda Sarmiento. As a FirstGen student, she is following in the footsteps of her older brother, Edsel, who graduated from HHS in 2023 and is now studying at UC Davis. In high school, she was involved in the Mexican American Youth Organization, Young Empowered Women, Key Club, 10,000 Degrees and soccer. She says she’s always known she would attend college, and that she wanted to make the most of the opportunities her parents had given her by immigrating to the U.S.
Iara was accepted to: Sonoma State University; Sacramento State; San José State University; CSU San Marcos; CSU Los Angeles; UC Merced; UC Santa Cruz
Iara will be attending: San José State University
Jordan Valencia
“Take advantage of your opportunities!”
Jordan Valencia is the son of Jannette and José Valencia. He was raised in Healdsburg, first attending Alexander Valley School before attending HJH and HHS. Growing up, Jordan stayed active by playing soccer, both at the club level and through school.. During high school, Jordan participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp. His older brother, Jair, was also a FirstGen student and is currently studying at Sonoma State University.
Jordan was accepted to: Sonoma State University; Sacramento State; Cal Poly Humboldt; UC Davis
Jordan will be attending: Sonoma State University
Jonathan Vazquez Mondragon
“Don’t be a quitter!”
Jonathan Vazquez Mondragon is the son of Consuelo Mondragon and Arturo Vazquez. During high school, Jonathan was involved in the Mexican American Youth Organization, the California Scholarship Federation, the Youth Equity Design Team and the Wellness Youth Council. He says FirstGen offered a supportive space where students with similar backgrounds could work together toward their goals.
Jonathan was accepted to: Sonoma State University; San Diego State University; San José State University; Sacramento State; CSU Northridge; Cal Poly Humboldt
Jonathan will be attending: San José State University
Stephanie Velazquez Torres
“It was never just about my future; it was about opening doors for my family. Every late night, every moment of doubt, I carried the weight of dreams bigger than my own. It was hard, but it encouraged me to keep studying and keep moving forward.”
Stephanie Velazquez Torres is the daughter of Diana Torres and Armando Velazquez. During high school, Stephanie participated in soccer, cheer and the Mexican American Youth Organization. Through FirstGen, she attended the Business is Global Program at Indiana University Bloomington, where she deepened her interest in studying international business. Knowing her younger sister and cousins look up to her, Stephanie was always determined to go to college.
Stephanie was accepted to: Sonoma State University; University of the Pacific; Saint Mary’s College of California; CSU Stanislaus; CSU Long Beach; Cal State Fullerton
Stephanie will be attending: Cal State Fullerton
