Cynthia Sanchez is currently an Undergraduate Advisor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at the University of California, San Diego. She obtained a Master’s degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Access and Success from the University of Michigan. While at Michigan she had the opportunity to work at the University of Michigan’s Center for Engineering Diversity and Outreach. In this role, she supported the diverse engineering student population through mentorship programs and supported statewide initiatives to increase STEM transfer student enrollment at four-year universities. After completing her master’s degree, she moved back to California to be closer to her hometown of Anaheim.

Cynthia’s passion for education stems from her experiences as a first-generation college graduate. As an undergraduate, she attended the University of California, Irvine and became involved in various student programs where she was able to gain mentors that helped her learn how to navigate college and grow as an individual. Grateful for all of the opportunities education has provided her, she is committed to helping students, especially those from traditionally underrepresented communities attain their academic and professional goals. After UC, Irvine she served a year as an AmeriCorp member in City Year New Hampshire providing support to students in the classroom and in after-school programs. As a lifelong learner, Cynthia is excited to participate in SLDA and continue to be an advocate for equitable access to education.