Your First Year - College Ready AZ

Here’s College Ready AZ’s best advice for a successful freshman year.

Vanesa Contreras Rodriguez

Vice President of Programs and Chief Impact Officer at New Pathways for Youth

Vanesa (Vané) Contreras Rodríguez, M.Ed., is a dynamic and accomplished leader in the field of education and youth development. With a robust background in program administration, strategic partnerships, talent development, and curriculum creation, Vané has dedicated her career to empowering students and families.

Born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, her family’s pursuit of the American Dream brought them to the U.S., a journey shared by many immigrants. As a proud product of public education, she has witnessed firsthand the disparities that hinder student success, such as language barriers, socioeconomic challenges, and cultural differences. These obstacles have fueled her passion for educational equity, driving her to create opportunities for marginalized communities to access post-secondary education, regardless of the path they choose.

Throughout her career, Vané has advocated for educational reforms and equitable college access and success programs that resonate with diverse cultures. Her career and personal mission are intertwined; she is an education advocate and changemaker, not just by profession but also by conviction, shaped by her own academic experiences. Vané has demonstrated a strong ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships, develop and implement effective programs, and support students in achieving their post-secondary goals. Her bilingual skills in Spanish and English, combined with her expertise in program innovation, strategic visioning, project management, and social networking, make her a versatile and impactful leader.

Vané currently serves as the Vice President of Programs and Chief Impact Officer at New Pathways for Youth, where she leverages her extensive experience to drive program excellence and innovation. In this role, she oversees the strategic planning and execution of programs that support youth in achieving their full potential. Her leadership ensures that the organization’s initiatives are aligned with its mission and goals, and that they effectively address the needs of the communities they serve. Having greatly benefited from the mentorship and care of adults throughout her youth and early career, she deeply values the impact New Pathways for Youth has on kids in the Valley. She enthusiastically joined the organization in September 2024.

Prior to her current role, Vané was the Director of College Access at Bottom Line in Massachusetts. There, she led a high-performing team that supported over 250+ students annually through the college application and financial aid process. She also cultivated strategic partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations, formalizing agreements and facilitating collaboration to enhance program delivery and impact.

Vané holds a Master of Education in Leadership in Higher Education from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Business Entrepreneurship from Arizona State University. Her academic background, coupled with her professional experience, equips her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the field of education and youth development.

In addition to her professional achievements, Vané is actively involved in the community. She has been an advocate of Be A Leader Foundation, serving as a volunteer, staff member, and long-time champion of their work. She is also a WeGrad Facilitator for Access ASU, and a former mentor for the Los Diablos Latino Alumni Chapter, for which she was a scholar during college. Her volunteer and mentoring commitment reflects her dedication to giving back to the community and supporting the next generation of leaders.

When she’s not working, you can find Vané cooking or baking, spending time with her husband, Samuel, and their dog, Mocha, or sipping an iced coffee at a local shop.

Rachel Kist

Program Manager at Arizona State University- First Star ASU

Rachel Kist is a higher education leader and youth advocate with nearly a decade of experience supporting students through education, mentorship, case management, and student success initiatives. She currently serves as the Program Manager for First Star ASU Academy at Arizona State University (ASU), where she leads a college access and success program serving youth impacted by foster care and housing instability. In her role, Rachel oversees program operations, strategic partnerships, student support services, staff supervision, and community engagement efforts designed to help young people achieve their educational and career goals.
At ASU, Rachel works closely with school districts, the Department of Child Safety, community organizations, and university partners to build coordinated systems of support for youth facing significant barriers to success. She also collaborates with the ASU Foundation on donor-supported initiatives and funding opportunities that expand resources and opportunities for students. Under her leadership, First Star ASU Academy has achieved strong student outcomes, including a 100% high school graduation rate among its most recent graduating class and high rates of postsecondary enrollment.
Prior to joining ASU, Rachel served in several leadership roles at Grand Canyon University, including Appeals Administrator and Student Conduct Coordinator. In these positions, she managed complex student cases, collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, developed policies and procedures, supervised student employees, and worked to create equitable and supportive educational environments. Her experience in student affairs strengthened her ability to navigate challenging situations, implement effective systems, and advocate for student success. She also worked as a Military Enrollment Counselor at Grand Canyon University, helping prospective students navigate the college enrollment process and access educational opportunities. Before transitioning into higher education leadership, Rachel worked with United Services Automobile Association (USAA) as a Non-Injury Auto Adjuster, where she investigated claims, resolved disputes, and served as a mentor and resource for fellow team members.

Throughout her career, Rachel has remained passionate about creating opportunities for young people to discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and pursue meaningful futures. She holds a Master of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University and is committed to building programs and partnerships that empower young people to reach their full potential.