About ROOTS

Resources, Opportunities, and Outreach for Tomorrow’s Scholars

ROOTS to Academic Excellence was founded on the belief that students should not have to navigate their educational journey alone.

Students and families often face complicated decisions about graduation, college applications, financial aid, career pathways, and transitioning into higher education. Without access to guidance and support, these processes can feel overwhelming.

ROOTS exists to help bridge that gap.

We provide students with educational guidance, mentorship, resources, and connections to opportunities that help them make informed decisions and confidently take their next steps.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower students through resources, opportunities, outreach, mentorship, and educational guidance that create pathways to academic and lifelong success.

Our Vision

We envision communities where every student has access to the information, support, mentorship, and opportunities they need to pursue their educational and career goals.

We strive to create stronger connections between students, families, schools, colleges, and community organizations so students are supported throughout their educational journey.

Why ROOTS?

A strong future starts with strong roots.

ROOTS stands for:

R — Resources

Connecting students with educational, financial aid, scholarship, college, career, and community resources.

O — Opportunities

Helping students discover educational programs, scholarships, mentorship, career pathways, and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

O — Outreach

Meeting students and families in their communities and making educational information more accessible.

T — Tomorrow’s

Helping students prepare today for the opportunities and decisions they will encounter tomorrow.

S — Scholars

Recognizing the potential of every student and supporting them as they pursue their educational goals.

Our Leadership

The people that make this all work.

Maria Fernada Solis Olmeda, M.Ed

Co-Founder | Co-CEO | Director

I am a first-generation college graduate, educator, and advocate who is deeply passionate about helping students and families navigate education with confidence. I immigrated to the United States at six years old, and my own experiences learning a new language, adapting to a new environment, and navigating the education system have shaped the work I do today.

My journey has allowed me to work closely with youth, adult learners, first-generation college students, and families. Through those experiences, I have seen how powerful it can be when someone has the right guidance, encouragement, and resources at the right time.

I co-founded ROOTS to Academic Excellence because I believe every student deserves to have someone in their corner. Whether that means helping a student understand FAFSA or WASFA, explore college and career options, find scholarships, connect with community resources, or simply believe that higher education is possible for them, I want ROOTS to be a place where students and families feel supported.

For me, ROOTS is personal. It represents where we come from, the opportunities we create, and the future we can build when our communities have access to the resources they deserve. My goal is to help students recognize their potential, find their path, and know that they do not have to navigate their educational journey alone.

Juan Carlos Rocha Gonzalez

Co-Founder | Co-CEO | Director

I believe every young person deserves the guidance, resources, and opportunity to build the future they envision. Born and raised in Skagit County, I’ve spent my career supporting youth, including young people experiencing homelessness, foster youth, and high school students. My work across nonprofit and child welfare settings has given me firsthand insight into the barriers many students face when preparing for life after high school.

We founded this organization to help make the path after high school more accessible for Skagit County youth. Whether they’re exploring careers, applying to college, completing the FAFSA, or searching for scholarships, my goal is to make sure young people have the support and information they need to take their next step with confidence.

Meet Our Board of Directors

Evelyn Rocha	Isabel Baez	Kali Ortiz
Secretary \| Director	Treasurer \| Director	Community Director
Evelyn supports the governance and organizational development of ROOTS while helping ensure the organization remains focused on its mission and responsibilities to the community.	Isabel supports the financial stewardship of ROOTS and helps promote responsible management of the organization’s resources.	Kali supports ROOTS in developing community relationships, outreach opportunities, and partnerships that strengthen the resources available to students and families.

Rooted in Community. Focused on the Future.

ROOTS believes meaningful educational change happens when students, families, educators, colleges, and community organizations work together.We are building those connections one student, one family, and one opportunity at a time.