(Editor’s note: This is the first in a new series called “Meet the KidWorks Alum,” where you have a chance to learn more about the many successful students who graduated… Continue Reading
Every success story begins with someone who believed in a child’s potential.
Welcome to our Alumni Stories page, where you’ll meet former KidWorks students who are turning dreams into reality—graduating from high school, earning college degrees, launching careers, serving their communities, and leading lives of purpose and influence. These stories are a testament to what is possible when young people are surrounded by consistent support, meaningful opportunities, and a community that believes in their future.
As a donor, partner, volunteer, staff member, parent, or advocate, your investment has helped pave the way for these remarkable journeys.
The students featured here are living examples of the lasting impact that generosity can have across generations. We invite you to explore their stories, celebrate their achievements, and see firsthand how your partnership is helping shape the next generation.
CelebratingKidWorks Class of 2026
First, we want to celebrate this year’s Class of 2026! Each graduate featured here has overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and worked tirelessly to reach this milestone. Today, we celebrate not only their accomplishments, but the character, resilience, and hope they carry into the future.
Whether pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, serving their communities, or exploring new opportunities, these graduates represent the promise of what is possible when young people are equipped to thrive.
Julie Cons, KidWorks alum, grew up in the neighborhoods of Central Santa Ana. During a time of hardship for her family, she leaned on music, specifically the violin, for strength and comfort. Through violin lessons at KidWorks and a mentor committed to opening up doors for Julie, she quickly became a talented individual and graduated from UC Berkeley in 2022 with a double major in Music Performance and Molecular & Cell Biology.
Haide grew up attending KidWorks’ programs at the Townsend spoke center. Now, she leads the same center as Site Supervisor. Haide graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2023 with majors in criminology, law and society.
Jesse’s KidWorks story begins in preschool where his teachers recognized his potential to become a great leader. As he grew older, he realized the importance of having a strong support system. Through KidWorks, he found that support and built a lifelong connection with the Volunteer Manager and many more. Jesse is now a Quality Controller at Oakley with dreams of retiring his dad before he reaches his 67th birthday—there’s also hopes of a 10-car garage in his future.
From first grade to her senior year of high school in 2021, Michelle built a strong support network at KidWorks. She joined the Youth Leadership Team (YLT), now known as Youth Community Leaders (YCL), during her last year in programming. Michelle is now a 3rd year education major at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She will begin her teaching credential program this upcoming spring with plans to work as an elementary school teacher after college.
From the talkative girl everyone knew in class to becoming a voice for all, Kimberly Santana has transformed her natural gift for conversation into a powerful skill for success. Kimberly is a part of the Latinx Business Association at Cal Poly SLO and mentors high school students in her free time. After college, Kimberly looks forward to working as a Business Intelligence Analyst.
Yosely began her journey at KidWorks in 2007 as the daughter of immigrant parents. During a difficult time when her mother returned to Mexico, she found comfort and support in the teachers from the preschool program. Throughout the years, Yosely has persisted through KidWorks’ programs, jumping into any and every opportunity to better herself and her career. Today, she practices law with KidWorks partner, Carrazco Law.
Jasmin began her KidWorks’ journey in preschool. In Spring 2026, she graduated with an associate’s degree in Sociology from SAC. She will transfer to California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) to pursue a degree in Human Services and initiate her career in advocacy for houseless community members in Santa Ana. Jasmin is also a mom to a beautiful little girl. Both motherhood and higher education are the catalyst for Jasmin’s success — success she hopes will motivate her daughter to push through difficult moments in her own life.
Monse, a high school senior at KidWorks Bishop Manor (KBM), is heading to USC in the fall 2026 on a full-ride track scholarship! Over the years, KidWorks staff had the privilege of watching Monse grow up in the Bishop Manor neighborhood. Even when KBM closed for a few years in 2020, Monse stayed connected with Eva, KBM Site Supervisor. Now, KidWorks remains Monse’s support system and launching pad for her college journey! In April 2026, KidWorks Women had the chance to hear Monse’s story in person at Pickleball for a Purpose.
Jocelyn and her two older sisters all attended KidWorks programs throughout their childhood. In 2025, Jocelyn graduated from Vanguard University. She completed her B.A. in three years and is now studying for the LSAT. Due to her connections with KidWorks, Jocelyn was introduced to a local law firm within the Hispanic Bar Association and she was able to secure an internship post-graduation. In 2025, Jocelyn also shared her story at KidWorks’ Festival of Chefs.
A KidWorks student from fourth grade through high school graduation, Eveline earned her Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Fullerton, in 2024. She is now a computer-aided design (CAD) drafter at EKN Engineering in Irvine, a company focused on civil and utility engineering.
When she was five years old, Julie first stepped into a KidWorks’ classroom as a preschool student. Now, Julie is almost half-way done with her business degree at Orange Coast College. Read through Julie’s story from November 2024 when she was just beginning her college journey and spoke at KidWorks’ Rosé on the Bay women’s event.
From an early age, Melisa had a passion for learning and her sights set on college. She joined KidWorks in seventh grade along with her brothers. KidWorks helped Melisa develop confidence and a sense of self. Those are skills she needed while attending Duke University, where she graduated in 2020 with a double major in classical civilizations and history. Melisa is now on a path to becoming an attorney specializing in trademark and intellectual property law.
Erika grew up in the neighborhood surrounding KidWorks and attended programs for most of her childhood. After graduating with a Masters in Transformational Urban Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, she returned to KidWorks as a Youth Coordinator and worked her way up to College & Career Manager where she developed the College Success Initiative. Erika then went on to pursue a career in leading the Hispanic Services departments at Biola University, and later Concordia University. During her time at the latter, Erika joined KidWorks as a Board Member. Now, Erika has joined us as the K-12 Director.
Javier grew up on Townsend street where he saw youth around him fall into some of the generational hardships of the community, such as gangs and drugs. Javier’s involvement in KidWorks gave him a different perspective on his future. Through mentors and the college support initiative, Javier persisted through college and eventually graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cal State Fullerton, and later, a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from USC.
Jair, like many other KidWorks students, is a first-generation college student. He credits KidWorks for helping him dream big and pursue a degree at UC Santa Cruz on an almost full ride scholarship.
Upon graduating high school in 2022, Enrique enrolled in a 6-month culinary training program at Bracken’s Kitchen. He now works at Marche Moderne, an upscale French restaurant in Newport Beach.
Fritzi is a program supervisor within the intensive services department at Olive Crest, a non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse. With the encouragement of KidWorks staff, she graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work and in 2018 with a master’s degree in social work from the university.
Are you a KidWorks alum eager to share your story? We’d love to hear from you! Email the marketing team at bryanna.paz@kidworksoc.org to get connected.
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