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
College Recruiter
Olivia has over 25 years of experience in higher education working in Financial Aid and Enrollment Services. She has worked in the San Mateo Community College District since 2012. She enjoys connecting with and serving all students but especially 1st generation, BIPOC students because she was once one of these students herself. 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 students face - often times 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 about our Cañada College academic and student support programs with students, their parents, their schools and anyone who is interested in changing their lives. Olivia 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 crochet, knit and junk journal. 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
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.
Rocio Vega
Ambassador
Rocio is from Bolivia. She is studying English as a second language at Cañada College. After completing ESL, she plans to continue her career as an accountant because she like numbers. Rocio really like dogs. She loves being an ambassador because she is a very patient person and she likes to help everyone.
Kaylani Tangatailoa
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.
Haley Estrada
Ambassador
My name is Haley. I went to TIDE Academy and this is going to be my second year of college. I am a psychology major and I plan on pursuing a career in occupational therapy! Some of my favorite hobbies are singing, learning new things in daily life and spending time with my pets. I am excited to be a student ambassador because it allows me to get involved in the community, meet new people, and learn more as well as better my skills.
Lupita Segura
Ambassador
My name is Lupita. I am a dedicated student pursuing a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, driven by a passion to combine strategic thinking and creativity to make a lasting impact in my community. My commitment to growth and service is deeply rooted in my personal journey, one in which early family responsibilities shaped me into a resilient and empathetic leader. I love being a student ambassador because it allows me to help and meet future students, serve with purpose, connect with others who share my passion, and transform opportunities into meaningful, lasting impact. Some of my favorite hobbies include volunteering in the community, networking, and attending professional events to expand my knowledge and connections.
Maliya Anderson
Ambassador
My name is Maliya Anderson, and I’m from Redwood City, California. I’m majoring in Interior Design at Cañada College and have a passion for creativity, whether it’s through design projects, cheerleading, or exploring new places. Outside of school, you can usually find me checking out new coffee shops around town. What I love most about being a campus ambassador is meeting new people and helping students feel welcome and connected. It’s rewarding to share my experiences and contribute to the positive energy that makes Cañada feel like home.
Ziara Matthews
Ambassador
My name is Ziara Matthews. This will be my third year at Cañada College as a digital art and animation major. I love drawing, editing videos and hanging out with my friends. Outside of school I’m out all over the bay. When I’m not out I’m binging shows at home and sleeping. On campus, I am not only an ambassador but also Vice President of our student senate as well as an officer of BSU(Black Student Union). I love being active on campus and consider it to be my home away from home. I’m pretty spirited and make it my goal to make everyone feel accepted and welcomed. It’s what I love about being an ambassador, being able to meet new people and connect with the community.
Chris Velasco
Ambassador
My name is Chris, and I went to Woodside High School. I am now a senior in high school, taking college courses through Middle College. I am interested in business and am working to complete my general education requirements. I am passionate about being involved in my community and networking with new people. Some of my hobbies include traveling, photography, and attending concerts. I wanted to become a student ambassador because, as a first-generation, I recognize the value in Cañada for my community and others.
Luzia Carrero Inglessis
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.
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.
- Connect with members of the community by giving tours and assisting with special events.
- Help students in "Si se Puede!", "You can do it!"
- Applications are available in the Outreach Office: Building 5, Room 108
Qualifications
- Minimum of 6 units at Cañada College
- Employment Authorization Documents
- Driver's License Preferred but not required
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!