Congratulations to our October 2024 Member of the Month (MeMo) Alma Castillo! National College Attainment Network (NCAN) staff asked her both professional and personal questions so you can get to know her and the work she does better.
Name: Alma Castillo(she/her/ella)
Location: Yakima, WA
Alma Mater: University of Providence (Great Falls, MT)
Q: What brought you to the college access and success field initially? A: I began my journey in college access during my own college years,
working as a student ambassador at my alma mater. It was in this role that I recognized the significant impact of connecting with students and guiding them through their educational paths. After graduating, I moved into admissions and quickly saw
how the barriers I had navigated were not just personal challenges but systemic issues affecting many.
This realization fueled my passion and commitment to making postsecondary education accessible and equitable for all. Every day, I am motivated by the opportunity to use my position to break down those barriers, ensuring that others have an easier path
to success. The greatest joy in my work comes from hearing from former students, learning about their achievements, and knowing that I played a small part in their journey from high school to college and beyond.
Q: What do you love most about your role or organization? A: What I love most about the South Central STEM Network at ESD 105 is our unwavering commitment to the students and families in our region. They are our
north star, guiding every initiative and decision we make as we support the school districts in our area. From early education to postsecondary access, we never lose sight of our students and their future, ensuring that every effort aligns with their
needs and aspirations.
Additionally, I love the collaborative environment we foster with local schools, community organizations, and industry partners. Working together allows us to innovate and implement new approaches that directly address the unique challenges our students
face. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the tangible impact we make, from increasing financial aid completion rates to creating more pathways for students to succeed in postsecondary education and beyond.
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an NCAN member? A: My favorite part of being an NCAN member is the opportunity to collaborate with college access professionals from across the nation, especially through
the Advisory Task Force. Whether it’s discussing shared challenges or learning about innovative solutions, it’s reassuring and inspiring to know that we’re all working toward the same goal of equitable postsecondary access.
One of the highlights of my experience was attending last year’s NCAN Conference, where I had the chance to connect with practitioners from all over the country and learn about best practices. The insights and energy shared during the Conference continue
to motivate me in my work, as I bring those ideas back to my region to support students more effectively.
Personality Questions
Every month, our MeMos will be answering some fun questions to help us get to know their “out of office” side!
Q: If you were dropped into any movie or TV show as a new main character, what movie or TV show would you pick and why? A: I’d pick Time Bandits, the remake on Apple TV. The story follows a kid who time
travels with a group of people, and I’ve always been fascinated by history. The idea of jumping through different eras and experiencing key moments in time would be absolutely amazing. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and discovery, and being able
to see history unfold firsthand would be a dream come true for me.
Q: You get to host a dinner party with five people, dead or alive, famous or not. Who are you hosting? A: I’d choose a mix of influential figures from art, literature, and music, along with a deeply
personal guest—my maternal great-grandmother. I’ve always been fascinated by creative minds and their perspectives, but I would also love to hear firsthand about the life and experiences of my great-grandmother, especially to learn more about the
era she lived in.
Virginia Woolf – for her literary brilliance and groundbreaking thoughts. Frida Kahlo – to discuss her art and resilience. Emily Dickinson – for her unique poetic voice and insight into solitude. My great-grandmother – to connect with my
family’s history and hear her stories. Nina Simone – to talk about her music and activism.
Q: What's one thing you'd like to cross off your personal bucket list? Is there one thing you've crossed off already that you're really proud of? A: One thing I’ve already crossed off my bucket list is going to a
Broadway show last year, which was an experience I’m incredibly proud of. I’ve always loved theatre—the artistry, the humanity it takes to write, produce, and perform on stage—and seeing it live was life-changing. I was fortunate enough to see Prima
Facie, and the power of live theatre truly blew me away.
Next on my list is to see a show on the West End—hopefully next year!
Q: Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now and why? A: I’d go to Mexico City—my favorite city in the world! It has the most incredible people, food, art, and music, plus my family lives
there. If I could be there tonight, I’d head straight to dinner at Rosetta!
Q: What's your favorite food, and one food you don't like? A: I truly love all types of food, and I’m always open to trying something new! While I can’t say there’s a food I strongly dislike, I’m not the biggest
fan of overly sweet desserts—they’re just not my favorite.
Q: If you could immediately be fluent in one language AND proficiently play one instrument, which language and instrument would you choose and why? Remember to pick one of each! A: I’d choose Korean and the piano.
I’ve always been fascinated by Korean culture and would love to communicate fluently, both for the language’s beauty and the ability to connect with more people. As for the piano, it’s such a versatile and timeless instrument. Being able to sit down
and play anything from classical pieces to modern tunes would be an incredible skill to have.
Q: You HAVE to sing at karaoke. What song do you pick? A: I’m picking anything by Patsy Cline! Her songs are always a hit, and I love music that stirs up emotions and makes me cry—there’s
something so powerful about her voice and lyrics.
Email to a Friend