MARIA GUILLEN – Assistant Director, Upward Bound Classic
Maria Gabriela Guillen Ramirez is the Upward Bound Classic Assistant Director for Alvarado, Venus, Rio Vista, and Keene high schools. Originally from Apaseo El Alto Guanajuato, Mexico, Maria earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Management with a Double Minor in Spanish and Business from Tarleton State University in 2018.
Maria is passionate about the work she does for our students and works every day to improve their chances of success. Maria was a first-generation and low-income individual who migrated with her parents to the United States at the age of 11. Growing up in a foreign culture, Maria saw firsthand the value of education and participated in the ORS Upward Bound program throughout high school. During her time at Tarleton State University, Maria rejoined the ORS family as an academic tutor to provide students with similar backgrounds the same opportunities that were afforded to her. After college, Maria proudly served as a Student Development Coordinator overseeing the success and development of the students until transitioning into her current role.
Outside of work and away from the schools, Maria enjoys cooking, hosting parties, traveling to Mexico to visit family and being a mother to her two young daughters. Maria uses her skills and experience to help her brothers and sisters follow in her footsteps and pursue higher education.