Lorena serves the GEAR UP for the FUTURE team as a Student Specialist. In this role, she supports the Bridging the Gap outreach initiative to identify and support recent high school graduates who have not yet enrolled in college. She works with students and families to build connections to the resources and support needed to take the next step towards their college journey.

As a first-generation college graduate, Lorena strongly believes in the power of education to change students’ lives. She has previously served in roles that empower students to pursue their education, including working as a GEAR UP O+K=C College Coach, serving as a coordinator for OSU-OKC TRIO Talent Search, and as an AmeriCorps member worked with nonprofits to support literacy. Lorena earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Oklahoma State University.