Congratulations to our March 2025 Member of the Month (MeMo) Angela Bugayong! 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: Angela Bugayong
Location: San Francisco, CA
Alma Mater: California State University, Los Angeles
Title and Organization: Interim CEO, Students Rising Above
Professional Questions
Q: What brought you to the college access and success field initially? A: As an undergraduate
at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), I worked with an AVID program and was assigned to Woodrow Wilson High School in the El Sereno neighborhood of Los Angeles. At the time, I was a political science major, a year away from graduating,
and considering law school. However, after attending a UCLA Law School info session, I realized that wasn’t my path. Working with students and fostering their curiosity about higher education deeply impacted me. While I wasn’t sure exactly what I
wanted to do after graduation, I knew I wanted to work for mission-driven organizations that create meaningful opportunities for students.
Q: What do you love most about your role or organization? A: Having been with
the organization for nearly four years, I love collaborating with my team on strategy: asking questions, challenging our thought processes, and ensuring that every decision centers on students. I also value the opportunity to work with the leadership
team on big picture initiatives that sustain the organization, allowing us to serve more students and invest in long term growth.
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an NCAN member? A: No matter which organization
I’ve worked for within the college access and success space, I have always relied on NCAN for guidance, leadership, and community. One of my favorite aspects of being an NCAN member is the connections I’ve built, especially being part of a text group
chat with my NCAN Leading for Equity Fellows cohort (shout out to cohort 2!). Having a network of peers who share insights, challenges, and encouragement in real time has been invaluable.
Q: What advice do you have for people who are new to college attainment work? A: Curiosity
and adaptability are key. This field is constantly evolving, and being open to learning will help you navigate its complexities. Embrace a growth mindset. There is always more to understand, whether it’s policy changes, student needs, or best practices
in the field. Building a strong network is also essential. Connect with peers, learn from other organizations, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance. Collaboration and continuous learning will not only enhance your impact but also sustain your passion
for this work.
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: "Shrinking"
on Apple TV. It’s such a great show that blends comedy with serious, meaningful topics. I’m a strong advocate for mental health and therapy, and I appreciate how the show tackles these conversations in a thoughtful and relatable way. Some of the themes
really resonate with me, and the way they’re presented is both heartfelt and beautifully done.
Q: You get to host a dinner party with five people, dead or alive, famous or not. Who are you hosting? A: Donna Summer - I'd want to ask her who left the cake out in the rain. Members of the Bee Gees: Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb
(who died in 2012), Maurice Gibb (who died in 2003), and Diana Ross. I want to have a dinner with great music, amazing food and a dance party with some disco greats!
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: See
the Northern lights! In my early 30s I went skydiving.
Q: Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now and why A: On the beach in the Maldives. It's remote and I would really
appreciate a moment in the sun, listening to the ebbs and flow of the waves, and swimming in crystal clear water.
Q: What's your favorite food, and one food you don't like? A: I love sushi! I like
everything but my least favorite food is Chinese.
Q: What’s one topic, not related to education/college attainment, that you could give an impromptu 45 minute TEDTalk about? A: How much I love my Oura
ring and how it's improved my sleep.
Email to a Friend