Victoria Kupu

Victoria Kupu

Senior Manager of Financial Coaching
About me

My approach

I look forward to working with you and seeing you through your college journey. As Senior Manager of the Financial Coaching team we work together to educate you on student loans, the habit of paying bills on time, and the details of each bill.

My bio

Victoria Kupu is the Senior Manager of Financial Coaching for Making Waves Education Foundation. In this role she assists students with financial aid and disburses scholarships. She grew up in San Francisco where her passion for assisting those in marginalized communities began. As a first-generation born Polynesian American it was important to attend college. She is a first-generation college graduate from Mills College in Oakland, CA. She received her bachelor's in English and political, legal, and economic analysis (P.L.E.A.) During her time at Mills College, she worked with the Mills College Summer Bridge Program for low-income, first-generation college students. There she learned the importance of guiding first year college students through financial aid and showing others the various resources on campus. After Mills College, she worked in the Financial Aid office at the Academy of Art University. She joined Making Waves Education Foundation in October of 2018. She enjoys working with Making Waves students and helping them through the financial aid process because she knows how confusing it can be to navigate. She states the best thing about working at Making Waves Education Foundation is assisting students through their college career. It is great seeing students from all backgrounds achieve their education goals, whether it is a bachelor's or associate's degree.

If you could do college over again, what is one piece of advice you would give yourself?

Explore, explore, explore—explore different topics/classes outside of your major, explore study abroad, explore different internships and jobs, and explore collaborating with various students in your class.

What is your favorite college memory?

I was a Resident Assistant, or RA, for the Mills College Summer Bridge Program, a program for low-income, first-generation college students. It was great helping students adjust to college and mentor them through their 1st year.

What led you to your current role?

I worked in a financial aid office after college and realized students did not fully understand award letters and student loans, so I shifted and found Making Waves Education Foundation and love the mission to guide students through college.

Contact

Education

  • Mills College, BA in English and BA in political legal and economic analysis

Fun facts

  • A bucket list goal is to visit all U.S. National Parks – I have been to 4/63
  • I am a Lego collector and Lego enthusiast
  • I do not know how to swim but love water and ocean activities ("with a life vest on, of course")

When I'm not coaching

I travel with my family.

Learn more about Making Waves

Model and Impact 
Mission, Vision, Core Values 
Ways to Get Involved or Donate