Native to Orange County, Pilar’s personal educational experience through public school opened her eyes to the inequities students face each day especially in STEM education. She is passionate about bringing awareness regarding higher education to parents and students in her community. She graduated from Santa Ana High School and attended Santa Ana Community College, before transferring to San Jose State University as a first generation student. She graduated with honors in 2014 with a Bachelors in Communications Studies. Her passion for education pushed her to establish an organization at SJSU through Associated Students, which is still active today. Academic Leaders and Mentors Aiming for Success (A.L.M.A.S.) serves as a liaison between students and communities, through cultural and educational services. She is currently attending California State University, Long Beach pursuing her Masters in Education through the Social and Cultural Analysis of Education program she is hoping to gain critical understanding of historical and contemporary struggles for social and educational justice in the US and around the world. With this knowledge she aims to implement transformative practices in a variety of educational contexts. Her 10+ years of program management experience at science centers throughout California has developed her deep understanding of the importance of STEM education in K-12. On her free time she enjoys to travel.