Arizona GEAR UP Assistant Director Andrea González Sotelo was recognized as one of two recipients of the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Professional Leader of the Year Award during the NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference held in Washington, D.C.
The Professional Leader of the Year Award recognizes GEAR UP professionals who go above and beyond to make an extraordinary impact on students, communities, and the mission of GEAR UP. Andrea was nominated by Arizona GEAR UP Director Robert Neese.
Arizona GEAR UP alumni represented Arizona at the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP National Conference in Washington, D.C., this July, sharing their experiences and highlighting the lasting impact of GEAR UP beyond high school graduation.
Arizona GEAR UP Senior Marketing Content Creator Hector Ponce was joined by five GEAR UP Alumni Club (GUAC) members: Lizeth Carreon (Arizona State University), Lilliana Minor (Arizona State University), Amber Mendes (Estrella Mountain Community College), Valeria Hernandez Jacobo (University of Pennsylvania), and Luna Sebastian-Isaac (University… Read more
Maleah Davis
Youngker High School (Class of 2025)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, studying Aerospace Engineering
From Buckeye, Arizona, to building rockets in Prescott, Maleah Davis is a powerful example of what happens when curiosity, preparation, and opportunity collide.
A 2025 graduate of Youngker High School, Maleah is now a first-year aerospace engineering student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. She is pursuing a future in the aerospace industry with dreams of contributing to organizations like NASA, SpaceX, Honeywell, or Raytheon and eventually… Read more
Hailee Padgett, a 2022 graduate of Youngker High School, is continuing her education while building a life far from home. Now living in Georgia, Hailee is enrolled in a dental hygiene program, working toward her associate degree and preparing for a career in healthcare. Along the way, relocating to different states helped her build independence, adaptability, and a clear sense of direction for her future.
During high school, GEAR UP played an important role in helping Hailee explore her postsecondary… Read more
We are grateful to share that Arizona GEAR UP was honored as the 2025 North Star Award recipient from Education Forward Arizona.
The North Star Award recognizes organizations that provide steady, values-driven leadership in Arizona’s education landscape. It celebrates programs that serve as a trusted compass, guiding the way toward a more effective education system.… Read more
Arizona GEAR UP is excited to welcome Minerva “Mini” Maestas as our new Financial Oversight Manager!
Mini was born in Mexico City and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Washington High School in Glendale, Arizona, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from Arizona State University. With 25 years of experience in public, private, and governmental accounting, she brings extensive knowledge to our team.
Outside of her professional work, Mini is a proud mother… Read more