Nancy Lara

Nancy Lara is thrilled to join our team as the Site Coordinator/Success Coach at Alexander Hamilton High School. In this vital role, Nancy will be on the front lines, working directly with school administrators and students to bring CISLA’s mission to life, ensuring students have the community and resources they need to stay in school and excel in their academic and personal lives.

Nancy contributes to the organization with her extensive experience in leading college and career programs all around the nation, providing students with personalized support and mentorship that empower them to reach their full potential. She is driven by a deep commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all students, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to succeed. The values of CISLA, centered on community, integrity, and student success, perfectly align with her passion for fostering inclusive environments where every student can thrive.

Nancy’s background in education and student support is distinguished by her commitment to advancing equity and access for all students. Since 2018, she has gained experience working with various schools and organizations, including the ONDAS Student Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she served as a Program Coordinator/Peer Mentor for first-generation and underrepresented students. Additionally, she interned as a Program Manager at Step Up Women’s Network, collaborating with program leaders on program direction and implementation for young girls and women facing systemic barriers across multiple states. Most recently, she served as the Associate Director at Ashland Academic Preparation, a for-profit education company where she led their college and career program across two schools.

Nancy began her academic journey at Santa Monica College and later transferred to University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Education. She then completed a Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Educational Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.