Kimberly Vargas Ramirez is an incoming third-year transfer student at San Francisco State University where she will major in Communication Studies with a concentration in Speech Communication and Rhetoric. She is a graduate of Richmond High School, and she joined the Richmond Promise Summer Associate program in the summer of 2026.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Is there anything in particular that motivates you as you go through college and prepare yourself for a career?

A: My name is Kimberly Vargas, and I am a first-generation college student. I earned my Associate degree in Communication Studies from Contra Costa College, and this fall I will continue my education at San Francisco State University, where I will pursue my Bachelor’s degree.

What motivates me the most is my parents. They immigrated to the United States to give me a better life, and their sacrifices inspire me to work hard every day. My goal is to use those opportunities to help uplift my community and make a positive impact by supporting others.

Q: How has Richmond Promise played a role in your education?

A: Richmond Promise has played a huge role in my education by supporting me both financially and
academically. Because of the scholarship and the paid internships, I’ve been able to focus more on my classes
instead of worrying about my finances. Richmond Promise has given me the opportunity to participate in the
Near-Peer Ambassador and Summer Associate internships which have allowed me to gain valuable work experience while earning money to help pay for school. These experiences have helped me build new skills,
grow professionally, and become more confident as I work toward my career goals.

Q: Why did you choose to be a Richmond Promise Summer Associate and what are you hoping to take from the experience?

A: I chose to be a Richmond Promise Summer Associate because I wanted the opportunity to make a positive difference in students’ lives and support them as they begin their college journey. Since I want to work with students in the future, I knew this would be a great opportunity to learn and grow. I’m looking forward to building my leadership and communication skills, learning from the Richmond Promise staff, and becoming a better mentor.

Q: What do you want to contribute to Richmond and/or the world?

A: I want to contribute by helping the students in my community succeed in their education. I know that not everyone has the same resources or support, so I want to be someone who can guide, encourage, and support them throughout their educational journey. As I continue building my career, I want to create more opportunities for young people, give back to the Richmond community, and make a positive impact by helping the next generation succeed.

Q: How has your current college experience gone, and what has been the best part?

A: My college experience has been very rewarding. I have worked hard academically, and because of that, I was accepted to every university I applied to. This fall, I will be transferring to San Francisco State University after earning my Associate degree at Contra Costa College. The best part of my college experience has been seeing how much I’ve grown as a student and as a person. Looking back at everything I’ve accomplished has made me proud and motivated me to keep working toward my goals.

Q: What advice would you give to a first-year Richmond Promise Scholar who is just heading off to a new college or CTE program?

A: My biggest piece of advice for first-year Richmond Promise Scholars would be to take advantage of the resources your school has to offer, build relationships with your professors and classmates, and stay organized. Also, remember that it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. Everyone’s journey is different, so try not to compare yourself to others, focus on your own goals, keep working hard, and don’t give up.

Q: What are you looking forward to doing after finishing school?

A: After finishing school, I hope to build a career focused on serving my community and supporting students throughout their educational journey. I aspire to become a mentor who helps students navigate college, and over time, I want to grow into a leadership role where I can develop programs that create opportunities for students and make a meaningful, lasting impact in my community.