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Chrissy Rivera (she/her/hers) oversees two TRIO Talent Search grants serving Fort Vancouver and Hudson’s Bay high schools. Mrs. Rivera earned a bachelor’s degree at Hampshire College in Massachusetts and a master’s degree in evolutionary/behavioral ecology from the University of California Berkeley and has spent the last decade dedicating her career to student advocacy and access. Rivera was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. but has spent most of her life in Oakland, Calif., where she worked in various roles to advocate for underserved communities to pursue postsecondary education. At UC Berkeley, she co-founded a council to support multicultural, low-income and first-generation graduate students, while also volunteering as a STEM educator and mentor for K-12 public schools. She has since worked in higher education as an academic advisor, counselor and advocate for international, multicultural and veteran college students. In her current role she is dedicated to ensuring that low-income and potential first-generation students are provided with the tools and access they need to succeed in their education and pursue meaningful career pathways. Her core career philosophy is to guide others from underrepresented groups to find their voices in the global conversation, while uplifting the communities they come from.

Alicia Dearixon (she/her) is a college access coach for Fort Vancouver High School. Dearixon graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science and sociology/anthropology from the University of Redlands in 2018, and with a master's degree in public administration from Portland State University in 2020. At both institutions, Dearixon worked with diverse groups of low-income, first-generation students to empower them toward their post-secondary goals. In her most recent role at Airway Science for Kids in Portland, she piloted a college and career exploration program for teens and young adults, encouraging them to identify their passions and goals in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math) field.

Dearixon is an Oregon native, but is now proud to call Vancouver her home. She is thrilled to work at Fort Vancouver High School, acting as a positive and holistic support system for students as they make their way through high school and beyond. She will talk your ear off about college, scholarships, the Pacific Northwest and her dog and cat, Swift and Kix!

Keven Fernandez (he/him) is a college transition specialist. Fernandez graduated with a bachelor's degree in digital technology and culture from 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø. During his time at 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø, Fernandez was a student leader at the Center for Intercultural Learning and Affirmation where he worked as a mentor for incoming freshmen and helped develop community-building events for students, staff, and faculty. Fernandez's work has always centered around creating opportunities and spaces for historically underrepresented communities.

As a first-generation student, Fernandez is grateful for the guidance and support that he received from programs similar to TRiO Talent Search. He aims to provide that same support to students and help uplift them in any way he can. Fernandez is excited to be part of such a passionate team and is grateful for the opportunity to help students overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

TRIO Talent Search College Access Coach

Jenny Gomez is a College Access Coach serving Hudson's Bay High School, where she supports students in their college and career readiness. She is in her first year of the PACE Master's program at Portland State University (PSU) and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in Sociology and Chicanx/Latinx Studies. As an alumni of McDaniel High School, Jenny has a deep commitment to helping students navigate their educational paths.

Before transitioning into her current role as a College Access Coach, Jenny spent three years working with Gear Up, supporting and empowering students through mentorship. She has also served as a Community Researcher, focused on understanding and documenting the experiences of students in Portland Public Schools. Jenny is passionate about continuing her work in education, advocating for students, and contributing to creating more accessible pathways for success.

Diana Mendoza-Lagunas (she/her/ella) is a College Access Coach at Fort Vancouver High School. Diana grew up in Denver, Colorado but is excited to be in the Pacific Northwest. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University in 2020 and a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University in 2025. Diana has worked in education for the past 7 years. Her time as a high school educator helped her to develop a passion for helping high school students in their academic pursuits.

Recently, Diana worked for Access ASU, a program that prepares high school students to prepare for and access higher education. She also helped college students at Glendale Community College through basic needs resource navigation. Diana believes that when students are supported in every aspect of their lives, they will better be able to succeed both in their personal and educational goals. She is excited to be another support for students in any way she can.