/ Team and Board /
Thalia Rodriguez (she/her) is a College Financial Services Coordinator at Making Waves Education Foundation. In this role, she supports students with financial planning and scholarship disbursement to ensure that they graduate from college with little to no debt. Thalia graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in political science. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, she struggled to finance college, but she was able to graduate largely due to the support she received support from an organization like Making Waves. Thalia understands how important it is to have caring and supportive adults as students and families navigate the complexities of higher education. Before joining the team, Thalia was a college advisor to high school students in the Oakland Unified School District and she is excited to continue supporting students as a College Financial Services Coordinator.
Do not stress too much about things you cannot control. College is a fun life experience so go out, be present and enjoy it.
Studying abroad! I learned about human rights and cultural memory in Argentina and Chile, then traveled to 4 other countries with friends.
One of my biggest challenges in college was financial stability, but luckily, I was part of a program like Making Waves Education Foundation. I can honestly say that the support the program provided got me to college graduation. I am new to the team but before joining, I was a college advisor at two high schools in Oakland. I love working with students and I am excited to be a part of their college journey!
I like to go to an Orangetheory workout class or try a new food spot with a friend.
