Building Healthier Communities: Alison Paxtor’s Career Path in Public Health
Now, catching up with her three years after earning her bachelor’s degree in health sciences from California State University, East Bay, Alison Paxtor is still filled with dedication to her community and impact in the public health and healthcare industry.
This is What First-Gen Day Means to Me: A Message From Isabel Reyes
First-gen college student studying cinema and media studies at UC Davis, Isabel Reyes, shares about what it means to be the first in her family pursuing higher education and how support from Making Waves donors makes a positive impact.
Why We’re Creating Education and Career Pathways for Students in Grades 11–14
Making Waves CEO Patrick O’Donnell shares a leadership update on a strategic visioning process with an emerging model focusing on the critical transition years between high school, college, and career.
Making Waves Earns Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency for Third Year in a Row
Making Waves Education Foundation has earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency for the third year in a row. Candid is a nonprofit formed in 2019 with the merging of GuideStar and Foundation Center to consolidate information about nonprofits and their financials and make it easier for funders to connect with verified nonprofits.
The Future of Work: How AI Could Impact the Path to Economic Mobility for Young People
VP of Career Launch Daisy Han breaks down how AI is impacting job opportunities and pathways to economic mobility – and which Making Waves programs are closing the opportunity gap.
Pitch Perfect: My Tips on How to Discover Your Voice in Public Relations
Loyola Marymount grad Chaylah Williams shares five lessons from PR, social media, and sports media internships.
How to Get Work Experience When You’ve Never Had Work Experience
If you’re a high school student in the Bay Area’s Contra Costa County, we have several programs designed to help you gain the experience employers are looking for, without needing any prior work background. Plus, here are other resources and opportunities that don’t require previous experience.
Making Waves College Graduates Cross the Finish Line with Confidence and Courage
The class of 2025 shares their inspiring college journeys, post-grad plans – from sports PR to vaccine development – and how Making Waves helped them thrive through challenges, internships, and community impact.
From Opportunity to Job Offer: A First-Gen Latina’s Path to Deloitte
Elaine Fernandez Bravo (she/her) shares her story pursuing internships, earning her college degree, finding confidence and her sense of belonging in the business world.
Bouncing Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating Making Waves Academy’s Class of 2025
Meet the largest class to graduate from Making Waves Academy: the Class of 2025, known as the 22nd Wave! 95% are heading to two- or four-year colleges and universities.
Making Waves Students Earn Scholarships, Mentorship, and a Network for their College and Career Journeys
86 students joined Making Waves Education Foundation’s college and career success program, earning college scholarships and support from expert college, career, and financial coaches for up to six years.
Designing Her Future in Game Design
Naidelyn Aceves (she/her) is no stranger to navigating unfamiliar spaces – from being a first-generation college student from Pittsburg, California to attending UC Santa Cruz to majoring in art and design with a focus in games and playable media.