Education changed her life. Now, it's her life's work

As director of enrollment management at Seattle Girls School, Algomeda champions equitable access to education, just as she did during her studies at UW Tacoma. 

“I had a community that uplifted me to be in this space,” said Algomeda. “Now, I can return some of that work.”

Born in Mexico and the oldest of four siblings, Algomeda came to the United States with her family at age 10.

As a high school senior, Algomeda was just beginning to explore college options when she needed to find work instead; An on-the-job accident wiped out half her family’s income when Algomeda’s mother was unable to return to either of her previous positions.

Now tasked with contributing to the household, Algomeda pursued her studies anyway, choosing UW Tacoma for the welcoming vibe on campus.

Finding the balance between hostessing, tutoring, working the front desk at a car dealership and taking public transit to reach them all, Algomeda managed to squeeze in study time, filling the gaps in her schedule with hitting the books.

Initially setting out to get a degree in politics, philosophy and economics, Algomeda ultimately switched to ethnic, gender and labor studies. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in 2019, Algomeda went on to receive a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the UW College of Education in Seattle.

With a far-reaching resume spanning two degrees with the Dawg Pack, Algomeda was a magnetic leader at UW Tacoma. 

She was a Pack Advisor, Dressel Scholar, Director of Internal Communications for ASUWT and a recipient of a Rod Hagenbuch Gift of Service Award. 

She also co-created the First-Gen Fellows program, advocating for expanded institutional support for students who are the first in their families to attend college (like her). To this day, the impact of the First-Gen Fellows program reverberates throughout the Tacoma Huskies community, where first-generation college students make up more than half (52%) of all undergraduates on campus. 

“I have always loved working with young people, whether that’s supporting high school and college students or helping out at my mom’s daycare,” Algomeda says of her position as director of enrollment at Seattle Girls School. “Once you experience the energy of this place, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it.”

On a mission to help every student thrive academically, emotionally and socially, Algomeda continues to lead in the real world just as she did at UW Tacoma, by bringing opportunity and investment to eager minds. “It’s a full circle moment.”