Imad Jobah
Founder
Imad Jobah is a visionary leader and first-generation graduate dedicated to empowering underserved communities through mentorship and leadership. As the Founder of FIRST (Fostering Inclusive Resources for Student Transformation), he spearheads initiatives aimed at narrowing the educational and career divide for first-generation high school students.
As a first-generation student, Imad embarked on his healthcare leadership journey while pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Riverside. Furthering his education and expertise, Imad obtained his Master of Health Administration degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, focusing on population health, organizational behavior, and healthcare strategy and management.
Currently, Imad is dedicated to improving patient access as he works with the Dignity Health Medical Foundation. His unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare systems and fostering equitable experiences for patients underscores his passion for creating positive change in the healthcare landscape.
Karla Aparacio
Co-Founder
Karla Aparicio is a Co-Founder for FIRST. She leads internal strategy that helps in the development of the mentorship program and other events curated by FIRST leadership. Karla is a Senior Account Executive for Summit Strategy Group. With more than 3 years in public affairs, Karla has supported various efforts in education and healthcare as well as outreach to historically underrepresented communities over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. She supported statewide earned media, ethnic media, community outreach, and public relations efforts.
Prior to her work in public relations, Karla interned for the Dolores Huerta Foundation, where she supported efforts in education policy and advocacy for the farm working community in California’s Central Valley. Karla serves on the board of Hermanas Unidas, Inc. where she coordinates the annual Statewide Conference for Latina/Chicana undergraduates and alumni from top universities to develop professional development opportunities.
Karla is a first-generation graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Political Science.
Tony To
Co-Founder
Tony To is a first generation Vietnamese American, born and raised in Everett, WA. He graduated from the University of Washington (UW) with Bachelors in both Psychology and Communication. After working a couple years in clinical research, he went back to UW and graduated with a Master’s in Health Administration from the School of Public Health.
He currently works for Atlas Healthcare Partners, one of the fastest growing ASC management companies in the country, and was named one of the Fortune 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in 2022. As the Program Manager for Strategy & Growth, he supports new growth and executes strategic planning for existing and new joint venture partnerships.
For FIRST, Tony is passionate in providing more equitable resources for first generation low-income high school students and hopes to bridge the gap in career and educational opportunities. Through his experience in strategy and social media marketing, he wants to further drive home the mission of FIRST and create a scalable model that will positively enrich the career journeys for students across the country.
Samantha Lee
Director of Marketing
Samantha Lee is a Chinese-Filipino American born in Riverside, California. She graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a B.S. in Biology and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Pharmacy at the University of California, San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Currently, she works as a Pharmacy Technician, certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board as well as the California State Board of Pharmacy. At the University of California, Riverside, she was involved in numerous organizations, such as the Nikkei Student Union, Associated Students of UCR, Delta Epsilon Mu: Alpha Theta, and the Riverside Free Clinic, holding numerous executive positions in multiple organizations.
The process to a higher education isn’t easy, therefore, Samantha’s main goal is to aid future college students personal growth and development, by providing suitable resources, guidance and support to all. At FIRST as the Director of Marketing, she hopes to impact students for generations to come, in order to benefit not only the students themselves but our communities and beyond.
Samuel Jones
Director of Recruitment
Samuel is the Director of Recruitment at FIRST, where they are committed to expanding access to mentorship and career opportunities for students pursuing STEM and healthcare careers. As a biochemistry major and pre-health student at the University of California, Riverside, they understand firsthand the challenges of navigating higher education, especially for first-generation students. Their goal is to connect aspiring professionals with the resources and support needed to achieve their ambitions.
Outside of FIRST, Samuel balances academic and clinical experiences, working part-time as a medical assistant while also engaging in Analytical Chemistry research at UCR focused on protein binding kinetics & biosensor technology. These experiences have shaped their passion for healthcare and reinforced their commitment to helping students explore careers in medicine and science. They believe that exposure, mentorship, and hands-on learning are key to breaking barriers in STEM fields.
Beyond their academic and professional pursuits, Samuel is an officer for the UCR Chess Club, where they strategy and community engagement. Through his work at FIRST, they strive to build a strong, inclusive network that empowers students to pursue their goals with confidence.
Public Relations
Currently, Sammy works as a Pharmacy Technician, certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board as well as the California State Board of Pharmacy. At the University of California, Riverside, Sammy was involved in numerous organizations, such as the Nikkei Student Union, Delta Epsilon Mu: Alpha Theta, and Riverside Free Clinic, holding numerous executive positions in all three organizations.
Catherine Mah
Director of Programs
Catherine Mah is a dedicated leader with a passion for mentorship and community engagement. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she recently earned a BA in Public Policy from the University of California, Riverside, and is currently pursuing a Master of Health Administration at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
During her time at UC Riverside, Catherine gained valuable experience working with Riverside University Health System, UCR Healthy Campus, and the UCR School of Public Policy.
Currently, she works at Hopkins Connect, where she helps align mentorship between Johns Hopkins students and alumni through an innovative online networking platform and interactive workshops.
Catherine is also excited to serve as the Director of Programs, where she will contribute to the BRIDGE program. She strongly believes that mentorship is an invaluable resource, especially for first-generation students, and is committed to ensuring that all students have access to these transformative opportunities.
During her time at UC Riverside, Catherine gained valuable experience working with Riverside University Health System, UCR Healthy Campus, and the UCR School of Public Policy.
Currently, she works at Hopkins Connect, where she helps align mentorship between Johns Hopkins students and alumni through an innovative online networking platform and interactive workshops.
DillAn Rojas
Director of Development
Dillan is a first-generation student and son of Mexican immigrants. He studied Political Science at San Jose State University. During his time there, Dillan was committed to upbringing his community and peers through community events that brought together curiosity and mentorship to middle school students in South San Jose.
Growing up as the son of immigrants in Oxnard proved to him the importance of uplifting everyone in our communities and the need of mentorship for first-generation students.
Currently Dillan serves as First’s Director of Development, responsible for the organization’s fundraising and grant efforts. His passion towards student and immigrant development was a key motivator for joining.
Simon Andal
Director of Mentorship
Simon Andal is a first-generation undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry at UCR. He
was born in the Philippines, immigrated at an early age to the U.S., and was raised in East
Hollywood.
As Director of Mentorship of FIRST, he oversees the mentorship program, ensuring a well-designed and up-to-date curriculum to support the positive growth of the mentees. As a low-income first-generation student, Simon always believed that education is the key to success. He is currently a candidate for a B.S. in Biochemistry, with hopes to further his education by attending a medical school in the future. At the University of California, Riverside,
while remaining dedicated to his studies, Simon is involved in multiple activities, such as UCR
CNAS Science Ambassadors, Supplemental Instructor for Organic Chemistry, College Corps
Education Fellow, and research in a virology lab. He also volunteers as a cuddler and a health
coach.
After his education, he wants to become a pediatrician. He is passionate about improving the
overall healthcare experience for the pediatric patients in his community, regardless of their
socioeconomic class. He hopes to use his influence to support, mentor and inspire low-income,
first-generation students into fulfilling their potential.
Rae Liu
Marketing Intern
Rae Liu is a fourth-year Biology major at the University of California, Riverside, who is passionate about healthcare, education, and service. With plans to pursue a career in nursing, he is driven by a deep commitment to patient care and community impact. Through his work as a medical scribe, research assistant, and non-profit volunteer, Rae has developed a strong foundation in healthcare while honing his leadership and communication skills.
As the Marketing Intern for FIRST (Fostering Inclusive Resources for Student Transformation), Rae leads initiatives that amplify the organization’s mission of empowering high school students as they prepare for college and their futures. He designs outreach strategies, promotes educational content, and supports FIRST’s efforts to close the opportunity gap for students from underserved backgrounds.
Rae is devoted to creating accessible, student-centered resources that inspire confidence and ambition.