Meet the Admin Team
Our team is committed to helping motivate and prepare students to pursue and succeed in higher education.
Lupe Garza
Lupe Garza serves as the Assistant Director for the University of Washington GEAR UP RISE UP and is a passionate advocate for low-income and first-generation college students. As someone who walked a similar path, she understands the unique challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing higher education. Her personal journey through GEAR UP, CAMP, and TRiO programs opened her eyes to the incredible opportunities that a college education can provide. This journey fueled her passion for helping students in realizing their dreams of attending college and obtaining a career they truly love.
With over fifteen years of experience in higher education, Lupe has dedicated herself to empowering students through two GEAR UP programs in collaboration with the University of Washington, Washington State University, and several school districts in the Yakima Valley. Her work is deeply focused on providing students with linguistically and culturally relevant college readiness services, as well as engaging in STEM activities. Her knowledge also includes managing various college access programs and navigating federal and state regulations. Her understanding of the college-going process is further enriched by her personal experiences, allowing her to empathize with the challenges students face. Her commitment to helping others is rooted in her own story, and she strives to create pathways for success for every student. With her guidance, students have found the support they need to turn their dreams of college into reality.
Irwin Godinez-Cruz
Irwin Godinez is the Program Services Manager for the University of Washington’s GEAR UP RISE UP. As a first-generation GEAR UP alum, he understands firsthand the challenges faced by students from rural and first-generation backgrounds. Having navigated these struggles himself, Irwin developed a deep passion for college access programs that helped him succeed on his own academic journey.
After earning his undergraduate degree in English, Irwin returned to the programs that shaped his path, dedicating himself to helping others achieve the same success. His career in college access began as a mentor for first-year students in the College Assistance Migrant Program at Heritage University. He then went on to become an instructor for the High School Equivalency Program, supporting students as they worked toward their GEDs, and later served as an academic counselor for the University of Washington’s TRIO ETS Program.
Irwin continued his education with a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University, which has further strengthened his commitment to student success. In his current role, he is focused on creating intentional experiences that inspire students to dream big and pursue their academic goals. As an alum of the program, he hopes to serve as a model of perseverance, determination, and hard work.
Irwin graduated from Toppenish High School in 2017, Heritage University in 2021, and Western Governors University in 2023.
Dina Ibarra
Dina Ibarra serves as Director for the University of Washington GEAR UP RISE UP. As a first-generation college student, and a TRIO UB Alumna, Dina knows firsthand the importance of college-access programs in underrepresent communities. Going to college was not really on her bucket list, but the activities and exposure through TRIO UB changed her perspective. Fast forward, Dina has had the opportunity to witness firsthand life changing decisions made by students she’s come across with, through her college access work. Dina has been working in higher education for over 14 years, working primarily with underrepresented, first generation and income eligible students. Her prior work experience includes working at Heritage University College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), as the Assistant Director for Enrollment Counseling at Washington State University (WSU), and with University of Washington (UW) TRIO ETS program and most recently with the UW GEAR UP RISE UP program serving over 15,000 students in 14 school district partners in the state of Washington.
Dina graduated from Grandview High School and Washington State University 2002 & 2015.
Carolina Moran
Carolina Moran is the Program Coordinator for the University of Washington GEAR UP RISE UP. As a first-generation graduate, Carolina understands firsthand the complexities of attending college and how important college access programs are both at the university level and high school level. Finishing her first year of college during a pandemic would not have been possible without the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). With CAMP, a sense of community in a time where there was none, helped her continue with her education. Carolina has been working for college access programs for almost 2.5 years. Her prior work experience includes serving as a College Advisor at Granger High School with the University of Washington College Advising Corps (UWCAC). Carolina graduated from Granger High School and Yakima Valley College in 2020 and Heritage University in 2022.
Romie Swails
Romie Swails is a Contract Analyst for the University of Washington GEAR UP RISE UP program, where she passionately advocates for college access in minority communities. As a low-income, first-generation college student, Romie understands firsthand the challenges faced by students in underserved populations. Her own journey to higher education, shaped by her experiences working in the fields and overcoming significant barriers, fueled her desire to succeed and pursue a college education.
With over 29 years of experience in supporting low-income families and students, Romie has made a profound impact primarily within minority and first-generation communities. Through her work with the GEAR UP RISE UP program, she has played a significant role in serving over 15,000 students across fourteen school district partners in Washington state. Romie is committed to creating pathways for diverse populations, facilitating access to post-secondary opportunities through dedicated support and guidance from the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity.
Romie’s vision is clear: to empower students to achieve academically, prepare for college, persist through their college journey, and engage parents in the process. She remains resolute in her mission to support the success of college access programs, ensuring that every student can realize their educational dreams.
Joe Trenkenschuh
Joe Trenkenschuh serves as the STEM Curriculum Manager for the University of Washington GEAR UP RISE UP. He is a first-generation college student and alumnus of the University of Washington where he received his bachelor’s degree and continued on to obtain his master’s degree in High Education Administration from Central Washington University. He has over 8 years working in the education sector. His professional experience includes previous work at CWU GEAR UP as a Site Director where he worked at a middle and high school in rural Eastern Washington. He managed the grant budget and facilitated college access and STEM education work to support underrepresented populations of students. Joe has also worked for Yakima Valley College, where he designed and implemented programs for students to obtain their high school credential while simultaneously earning a certificate in a high-demand career field. He also has experience teaching at the K-12 and graduate college level. Joe’s passion for serving students and creating open access to higher education is supported by the belief that education should be attainable by all–without barriers and any preconceived notions concerning the ability to succeed. His public health background motivated him to work in Sierra Leone, West Africa where he delivered malaria intervention and prevention education and supplies. He believes in the importance of contextualizing STEM education with real world problems—especially those in developing nations. Joe aims to design and provide curriculum and experiences to UW GEAR UP’s partner schools that aligns with this. In his personal time, Joe enjoys skiing, backpacking, cycling and spending time with his Golden Retriever Garth and family.