Vita is dedicated to creating access to higher education/career pathways for all youth. Vita’s volunteer/work experiences range from positions in social service, community building, education, and program and curriculum development. During her teenage years, Vita found her passion for social justice when she gravitated towards the youth group in her hometown parish.

Through her years of service there, she received a scholarship that not only provided monetary support but also provided wrap-around services so she could focus on completing college. Grateful for the opportunity to have graduated from Santa Ana Community College and Cal State Long Beach University debt-free and equipped with essential skills and networks, Vita declared her major in life as a youth advocate. While in college, Vita simultaneously aimed for invaluable work experience by working with The Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove, Campfire USA, and Orange Unified School District.

Upon graduating in 2008 with a BA in Liberal Arts, Vita moved across the country to Washington, DC. Since 2008, Vita inserted herself in the education community in DC with employment at Maret Private School, Princeton Review – Supplemental Educational Services, and The Next Step PCS (TNS). TNS is where Vita found her love for equitable education access for adult learners. In 2010, she joined the staff as the director of assessments.

In 2013, she transitioned to career and life skills evening program advisor; today, she is the department director. Her leadership at TNS has also been witnessed through roles like summer principal, special events coordinator, and board of trustees’ staff rep. During Vita’s tenure at TNS, she has accomplished/focused on:

- Passing the UDC Dream Act

- Developing an early college program

- Establishing/maintaining community partnerships

- Sustaining grant funds for department programming

- Building a solid career and life skills department