Alumni

Being a Simon Scholars Alum means belonging to the Simon Scholars Family for a lifetime!

Simon Scholars Alumni have completed their studies and hold degrees and certifications from colleges and universities across the country. These individuals are resilient, highly motivated, and successful. Alumni are an essential part of the culture and history of Simon Scholars and will continue to provide valuable support and engagement to current scholars, alumni, staff, and the community.

Simon Scholars
Alumni Association

The Simon Scholars Alumni Association is a community of former Simon Scholars who are committed to helping the next generation of leaders. Our Alumni Association has been developed to help current high school scholars, college scholars, and alumni to pursue their academic and professional goals and to support them on their journey to success. We are extremely proud of the achievements of Simon Scholars and want to ensure that this tradition of excellence continues for many years to come.

Membership in the Simon Scholars Alumni Association is an exclusive opportunity to make a lasting impact on young lives and to connect with a network of like minded individuals. The Simon Scholars Alumni Association is dedicated to supporting our members in their career and job readiness goals by providing a range of resources and opportunities regarding mentorship programs, career readiness, job search guidance, guest speaker series, and professional development workshops. In addition, members of the Alumni Association will have access to a variety of networking events, volunteer opportunities, special alumni events, and other community outreach initiatives. We also offer exclusive job postings to our members and opportunities for career advancement through our vast network of alumni and community partnerships.

The Simon Scholars Alumni Association plays a vital role in helping to shape the future of Simon Scholars by providing support, guidance, and mentorship. Members of the Alumni Association create a strong network of individuals who are dedicated to educational and career success and committed to making a positive impact in their communities. At Simon Scholars we strive to provide current scholars and alums with endless opportunities to support continued success!

Become a member and join the Simon Scholars Alumni Association today! If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Lea Segura, Director of Alumni Relations at lsegura@simonscholars.org.

Simon Scholars Advisory Board

The Alumni Advisory Board is a dynamic and collaborative group of alumni dedicated to supporting the mission of the Alumni Association. Board members serve as ambassadors and advocates for the Association, providing advice and counsel to Association staff and leadership on programs, services, and initiatives.

Simon Scholars Alumni Association
Advisory Board Members

Jamelle Brown, PhD

Simon Scholar ’07

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Pathobiology, Pharmacology, and Physiology from University of Alabama at Birmingham
Currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Tania Carrillo

Simon Scholar ’13

Master of Science in Social Work from California State University, Fullerton.
Currently a School Social Worker at Whittier Union High School District

Karen Cortez

Simon Scholar ’14

Bachelor of Science in Political Science from University of California, Berkeley
Currently a FMB Foundation Coordinator at Farmers & Merchants Bank

Daniel Garcia

Simon Scholar ’12

Bachelor of Science in Sociology from University of California, Irvine
Currently a Director of IT Services at A-Z Techs

Lisa Hardiman

Simon Scholar ’15

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino
Currently a HR Engagement Specialist at PIRCH

Victor Lopez

Simon Scholar ’06

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of California, Riverside
Currently a Title Operations Supervisor at First American Title

Marissa Martinez

Simon Scholar ’15

Bachelor of Science in Sociology from University of California, Merced
Currently a OER Program Coordinator at Michelson 20 Million Minds Foundation

Saúl Sandavol Estrada

Simon Scholar ’15

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Currently a MBA Candidate at USC Marshall School of Business

My life took an incredible turn when I was accepted into the Simon Scholars program. Before joining the Simon Family, I was navigating through life without guidance, mentorship, or even a glimmer of hope for the future given my family circumstances. However, the Simon Family took a chance on me and wholeheartedly believed in my potential. They offered unwavering support, providing the essential assistance I needed to achieve what, at that time, felt impossible.

When I think of the Simon Scholars Program, I think about opportunity and exposure not only on an educational level but also on a professional level. They guided me through high school and college and now they are doing the same with my career through the Alumni Association.

Becoming a Simon Scholar changed the trajectory of my life and was the reason I went to college. It gave me a voice, a support team, a platform and most importantly it allowed me to believe in myself and my abilities. I didn't know what I was capable of until I became a Simon Scholar.

Being a part of the inaugural Alumni Advisory Board gave me the opportunity to return a seedling of all the encouragement and support Simon Scholars graciously provided to me.

I joined the Alumni Advisory Board to reconnect with Simon Scholars staff, to meet fellow Alumni and current high school and college scholars, and to assist with developing programming that would benefit the Scholars and the Foundation as a whole. I’ve really enjoyed serving on this esteemed board.

I joined the Alumni Advisory Board because the Simon Scholars Program left a lifelong impact on me and I know there are so many other alumni who feel the same way and want to reconnect. I wanted to reignite the community so many of us alumni had while we were scholars and find ways to channel that through professional development since we are all in varying stages of our careers now.

Are you a Simon Scholar Alumni?

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Simon Scholars
Alumni Association

Simon Scholars Advisory Board