Region III Representative Nominee

Angelica Parrales

Statement of Candidacy

I am so thankful to have been nominated to run for the position of FASFAA Region III Representative. I am a financial aid specialist with over 12 years of experience at Valencia College. I began my financial aid journey assisting students with completing forms, counseling students with FAFSA completion and over-seeing a multitude of reports. In my current position I oversee, along with my Assistant Vice President, majority of the institutional awarding college wide. I work along various programs, requiring my attention to detail and financial aid knowledge, to assist students with their financial aid. Working with these programs to host various events from training presentations to the staff and other departments. I also train and provide presentations to our Enrollment Services department, approximately a team of 30 advisors. I am currently hosting a series “Budget 101: Tips and Tricks to a healthy relationship with money” with the Honors program to share more information with student’s on how to manage their finances, credit card debit, and retirement.

My journey began as a federal-work study assisting students complete their forms and application information before meeting with a specialist and during this time my passion for assisting students to meet their educational goals evolved. I am a non-traditional student, everything that could occur to prevent me from completing my educational goals came my way. I can empathize with students the difficulties of earning a degree. Because of my challenges and the challenges I see students may face I have a passion for sharing knowledge and training. I encourage learning and growth to empower those around me and myself. I want students and anyone who crosses my path to be confident they can succeed and I am here to support them.

I had various persons come and go from my life that supported me to get where I am today. This position is important to me because I want to give back to the FASFAA community that has supported me for the past 10 years. I have full support of my leaders to pursue this opportunity. I have also been selected to be part of the FASFAA mentorship program under the direction of Jennifer Towers for leadership development. I am eager to learn and continue to grow as a financial aid professional. I have experiences in a variety of areas within the financial aid realm that I believe can benefit the association. I thank you for taking the time to review my nomination and look forward to discussing more my commitment with FASFAA.

Best Regards, 

Angelica Parrales