The Camino to College

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.

MAYRA VALLE

Author + College Access Specialist

Mayra Valle is a first-generation college graduate and proud daughter of Mexican immigrants whose personal journey inspired her commitment to expanding college access. After earning degrees from Connecticut College and Texas A&M University debt-free through scholarships, including the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, she dedicated her career to helping students navigate higher education with greater strategy, access, and support.

Over the last decade, Mayra has worked across college access and educational equity spaces, including organizations such as The Posse Foundation and EMERGE. Today, she specializes in college advising and post-secondary curriculum design, helping students identify colleges that are strong academic, cultural, and financial fits.

From Ivy League universities to Top 50 institutions and local pathways, Mayra has supported students from diverse backgrounds in navigating admissions, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. Through her advising, nearly 90% of students have had their full demonstrated financial need met.

Born from Mayra’s own first-generation journey, Camino to College is a love letter to students navigating the admissions process with ambition, but without a clear roadmap. Designed to make the path to higher education more accessible, organized, and empowering, the resource helps students and families move through the college process with greater confidence and clarity.

FAST FACTS:

    • At The Posse Foundation, she served as a trained facilitator for STEM cohorts attending Texas A&M University and Wellesley College.

    • At EMERGE, she worked as both a College Advising Program Manager and Director of Learning and Design, supporting five school districts through curriculum development, and strategic programming.

    • Supported hundreds of students and families through direct college advising, financial aid guidance, and admissions support

    • Facilitated college access webinars, student panels, workshops, and counselor trainings across multiple organizations

    • Partnered with organizations such as The Posse Foundation, EMERGE, Journey Forward Mentoring, La Escuelita at Magnolia Park, and Momentum to expand college access opportunities for students

    • Designed postsecondary curriculum, workshops, and training series for school districts and organizations across Massachusetts, California, and Texas

    • Developed college and career readiness content for middle school and high school students, including customized lessons, educator trainings, and student-facing resources

    • Curriculum and programming have impacted more than 30,300 students nationwide through partnerships spanning coast to coast

    • Presented workshops, panels, webinars, and trainings with national college access organizations including:

      • National College Attainment Network (NCAN)

      • Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC)

      • ContigoEd

      • Guiding the Way to Inclusion

    • Participated in nationally recognized fellowships and leadership development programs including:

      • Pahara Institute

      • New Leaders Council

      • Latinos for Education

      • Leadership ISD

      • Proof Leadership Training

      • Narrative 4

      • Bezos Scholars Program (Mentor)

      • Emerging Leaders Institute

      • Emerging Leaders of North Texas (ELNT)

      • El Puente Institute

    • Continues to invest in professional growth through storytelling, mentorship, leadership, and culturally responsive training experiences

    • Committed to expanding educational equity and college access for historically underrepresented students and families

    • Dedicated to breaking down barriers to college access through advising, curriculum design, and community-centered support

Illustrator + Artist

PATRICK “PICO” GABALDÓN

Born 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.

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.