Welcome to Cañada College
From Here, You Can Go Anywhere!
It is the mission of the Outreach Program to be the ‘face’ of Cañada College and support its’ mission by encouraging high school students and community members, especially those from underserved populations, to pursue a college education via the excellent Cañada College programs and services, as an avenue to reach their career and life goals.
Meet the Team
Olivia Cortez-Figueroa (she/her)
College Recruiter
Olivia has over 28 years of experience in higher education in Enrollment Services (Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, Outreach). She has worked in the San Mateo Community College District since 2012 and enjoys connecting with students, their parents, the college teams and the community at large. Her passion is to share information about Cañada's amazing academic and support programs in order to help those that are interested in attending college and changing their lives and their families' lives forever. Olivia has a BA in Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley. Having been the first in her family to go to college, she understands the challenges first-generation, BIPOC, LGBTQX students face - oftentimes, you don't even know what to ask because you don't know what you don't know. This is why she is so passionate about sharing information. Olivia, together with her 'partner-in-crime' and fellow College Recruiter, Maggie, oversees the Outreach Office and the Student Ambassador Program at Cañada College. On any given day you can find her at a local high school, connecting and planning with a community partner or training Student Ambassadors. On a personal note, family is very important to her so she is often found with her husband and two children. She likes to knit, crochet, sew and quilt. She also loves to hike and, lately, has been getting into gardening succulents too. Olivia can be reached at cortezfigueroao@smccd.edu or 650-306-3209.
Maggie De Paz Fernandez (she/her)
College Recruiter
Maggie is a seasoned higher education professional with extensive experience in student services and student development. Over the years, Maggie has designed and led comprehensive orientation programs, leadership workshops, and cohort-based learning initiatives that guide students through personal and academic growth. Maggie grew up in South City and is a graduate of Skyline College and San Francisco State University! From developing culturally responsive programming to mentoring first-generation Latine students, her work is grounded in the belief that representation and cultural affirmation are critical to student success. This dedication and experience has shaped her professional mission: to create inclusive, supportive environments where students thrive, lead, and build lasting legacies within their communities and beyond. In her current role as College Recruiter at Cañada College, Maggie brings a student-centered, equity-driven lens to enrollment and outreach. Drawing on a strong foundation in student development and mentorship, they approach recruitment as an opportunity to build relationships, reduce access barriers, and support students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—as they navigate the path to higher education. Maggie can be reached at depazfernandezm@smccd.edu or 650-381-2243.
Kaylani (she/her)
Student Ambassador
Hi! My name is Kaylani Tangatailoa and I was born and raised in Redwood City. Some of my hobbies outside of school and work is exploring nature, traveling, going to concerts, binge watching shows, trying new food spots with my friends and family, and Cheerleading! Currently, I am a Senior in Cañada’s program, Middle College, and my home high school is Woodside. I hope to go straight to a 4-year university when I graduate high school with a Social Science or Business Major. Some things that I love about being an Outreach Ambassador is getting to know people that I would have never met if I was just a student. I love talking to people of different backgrounds, cultures, and ages. I really enjoy working at events and opening new doors for people by sharing the opportunities that Cañada offers! As a first-generation student, I hope I can inspire other first-generation students to keep pursuing their passion and goals.
Maria (she/her)
Student Ambassador
bio in progress
CK (she/her)
Student Ambassador
Hi! I'm Chan Myae Khin(CK), an international student from Myanmar(Burma), studying Business Administration at Cañada College. I like to make friendships with people from other parts of the world and find out about all of their cultures. I enjoy digital illustration, photography, anime, games and reading books outside of school. Being a international student, I know that sometimes, it may be difficult to start college in a new place, however, I am here to help students would not feel intimidated, uncomfortable or afraid to ask questions and find opportunities that can help them reach their educational objectives.
Sergio (he/him)
Student Ambassador
Hi, my name is Sergio, and I am a senior in Middle College. I was born in Veracruz, Mexico, and I was raised there for the first nine years of my life. I moved to the United States when I was in fifth grade. Growing up in Mexico, I enjoyed playing soccer and celebrating important traditions and holidays, such as Día de los Muertos. These experiences have shaped who I am and helped me appreciate my culture and background. I am interested in applying to a dental program because I want to become an orthodontist. If becoming an orthodontist is not possible, I would still like to pursue a career in another area of the dental field.
Mel (she/they/ella)
Student Ambassador
Hi there! My name is Mel, and I’m majoring in Economics. This is my last semester at Cañada College. If you’re thinking about pursuing a higher education degree or certificate, Cañada College is a great place to start. During my time here, I’ve developed my critical-thinking skills and gained more confidence in mathematics. I’ve also benefited from many resources, including tutoring, multicultural and intersectional identity events, free groceries, a $100 monthly dining card, and supportive, empathetic, and compassionate professors, administrators, and staff. Cañada College has provided me with a safe environment for learning and many opportunities for personal and professional growth. I’ve had the opportunity to work as an embedded tutor, serve as an LGBTQIA+ Student Ambassador at the Cultural and Pride Center, and now take on the role of Outreach Student Ambassador. Outside of academics, I’ve also really enjoyed the wide variety of dance classes offered at the Athletic Center. My experiences at Cañada College have helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally, and I’m excited to share those opportunities with other students
Luzia (she/her)
Student Ambassador
My name is Luzia, I belong to the International Students community and I'm majoring in psychology. My interest areas are the social and visual arts like sociology and animation. I believe in the power of guidance, company and peer to peer support for any kind of goals in life and I love having the opportunity at Cañada to help others through their own processes and stories.
Yanina (she/her)
Student Ambassador
Hello! My name is Yanina Jiménez, and I am passionate about connecting students with the educational opportunities and resources available at Cañada College. As a student in Bookkeeping and Payroll, I understand firsthand how essential proper support is for achieving academic goals and advancing professionally. In the Outreach Department, my main goal is to serve as a bridge for our community guiding prospective students through academic programs, development workshops, and institutional support services. I am driven to help every individual discover their potential, navigate the college experience with confidence, and make the most of the dynamic, diverse, and inclusive environment our campus offers. I am here to support you on your academic journey and help you take the next step toward your future!
Steve (he/him)
Student Ambassador
Hi, my name is Steve Guarneros. I'm a first gen latinx student here at Cañada College. I was born and raised in East Palo Alto. I grew up playing soccer. Outside of school, I like to spend time with friends and family or watch soccer. I have strong aspirations to study Game Design at a 4 year university near by.
You Could Be Our Next Ambassador!
Student Ambassador
Student Ambassador Application below!
Apply to be a Student Ambassador
Be part of our college recruitment efforts! Cañada College Outreach Program is filled with fun and passionate student Campus Ambassadors who are a valuable part of the Cañada College Community!
- Work with students and parents to provide valuable information on how Cañada College can help to achieve students' goals.
- Build strong relationships with high school counselors and teachers by providing information on high school students' successful transition to Cañada.
- Represent Cañada College and connect with members of the community while attending and assisting special events.
- Provide Campus Tours of Cañada College to prospect students, their parents and school groups/teams.
- Share your "I Story" with K-12 students and anyone interested in attending Cañada College.
- To apply, click on the "Application" link below.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 6 units at Cañada College
- Employment Authorization Documents
- Driver's License Preferred but not required
(you do need to get yourself the locations all over the bay area)
We pay: $17.00-19.00/hr for 5-20 hours per week (Some evening and weekend hours may
be required)
For more information, please email Olivia Cortez-Figueroa at cortezfigueroao@smccd.edu or Maggie De Paz Fernandez at depazfernandezm@smccd.edu
Student Ambassador Application
SMCCCD email account required to access application. Click on the link to learn more!
After you submit an application, when the Outreach Team begins to hire, they will
call you to schedule an interview.