Irene Sotelo

Irene graduated with her Master’s in Social Work in Spring 2021, as an undergraduate student, she helped co-found Rising Scholars—an on-campus student organization that supports formerly incarcerated and system impacted students. Using both her lived experience and the knowledge she has gained in academia Irene has discovered her calling, to empower those who feel marginalized in society to pursue higher education. Through her commitment and passion over the last five years, she has been instrumental in bringing Project Rebound to California State University, Long Beach. Irene was hired as the Program Coordinator for Project Rebound and within a year, in 2021, was promoted to Director.