Our Camino to College Team
No one gets to college alone, and neither did the creators of Camino to College. Meet the author and illustrator behind the project, while honoring the many thought partners, consultants, translators, and supporters who helped bring this vision to life. This resource is truly community-made.
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Mayra Valle
Author + College Access Specialist + Content Expert Mayra Valle's passion for expanding college access is deeply rooted in her own journey. As the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first- generation college graduate, she understands firsthand the barriers and uncertainty many students face while navigating higher education.
With the support of scholarships, including the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship, Mayra earned her bachelor's degree from Connecticut College and later her master's degree from Texas A&M University with $0 in debt. Like many first-generation students, she pursued every opportunity she could find, often navigating the process through persistence rather than strategy. While those experiences opened incredible doors, they also taught her how overwhelming it can feel to navigate complex systems without a clear roadmap.
That realization would go on to shape the next decade of her career in college access and educational equity spaces, including organizations like The Posse Foundation and Emerge.
Today, Mayra is an education consultant specializing in college advising and college access curriculum across the country. Through her personalized approach, 90% of Mayra’s students have had their full demonstrated financial need met. From Ivy League universities to Top 50 institutions, to local options, she supports students individually to find the perfect culture and financial fit.
It is this passion and lived experience that Mayra has poured into Camino to College, a resource designed to make the college admission process more accessible, organized, and empowering for student and falmilies. Through her work, she hopes to create clearer pathways to heigher education while ensuring students feel seen, informed, and supported every step of the way
Patrick Gabaldón
Illustrator + ArtistBorn and raised in El Paso Texas, Patrick Gabaldón is a product of the beautiful culture and spirit of the border. He attributes his vibrant, pop-inspired aesthetic to years spent reading comics and playing video games in his youth. He is a proud first-generation graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso and St. Mary's University School of Law.
Attorney of day and artist by night, Gabaldon has made the border his home and the subject of his painted works. You can explore his digital art, paintings, apparel, and even pictures of his beloved pets at gabaldonart.com or on social media @gabaldonart