Raquel Aparicio

Raquel Aparicio is the Director of Student Outreach and Engagement at UC San Diego. A proud first-generation Latina, she leads efforts to connect students and families to higher education pathways through culturally inclusive outreach and strategic partnerships. With nearly two decades of experience in higher education, Aparicio has worked at San Diego Mesa College and Point Loma Nazarene University, focusing on removing barriers for historically marginalized students. She also contributes to regional efforts like the San Diego Promise Zone and the K-16 Collaborative. Aparicio holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master’s in Management and Leadership from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School.