WLAC Rising Scholars

Our Team 

Program coordinator: Maria Moreno 

Maria brings a well-rounded, student-centered approach to the Rising Scholars Program at West Los Angeles College. As the current Rising Scholars Coordinator and an Adjunct Counselor at Los Angeles City College, she has effectively supported a diverse population of nontraditional students through academic planning, case management, and educational advancement. Her extensive experience in higher education, K–12 institutions, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and nonprofit organizations has further deepened her commitment to educational equity. 

Maria is well-versed in meeting grant deliverables and is dedicated to aligning program outcomes with institutional goals. She is known for her strong organizational skills, collaborative approach, and positive, can-do attitude. Passionate about student empowerment, she works to connect individuals with the resources and support they need to succeed both academically and personally. 

With a deep commitment to equity and student success, Maria looks forward to continuing her impact through the Rising Scholars Program by fostering meaningful growth and long-term achievement among justice-impacted students. 

Maria earned a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences and a Master of Science in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne. Her office is currently located in the Learning Center within the Rising Scholars area and will transition to the FA building once the program relocates 

Email: morenomg@wlac.edu 

Program specialist: Lucas Maschi 

Lucas Maschi’s career reflects his commitment to advancing equity through educational opportunities. Beginning as a program assistant working with populations of diverse social and cultural backgrounds, he progressed through roles as tutor, faculty, and program coordinator. Through classroom instruction and educational leadership, he helped students attain more than a hundred industry-recognized certificates and licenses, leading to employment above the living wage. 

As CTE faculty and coordinator of the Strong Workforce Program at Los Angeles City College, Lucas Maschi led the efforts in developing and implementing six innovative and in-demand career training programs in the areas of hospitality and allied health, including LACC’s first Integrated Education and Training (IET) and first noncredit registered apprenticeship program. In addition, he served as a consultant for program implementation at several colleges and shared his expertise in this area at regional workforce development conferences and workgroups. 

Lucas joined WLAC Rising Scholars team as Program Specialist, where he vows to apply his passion for workforce development and innovation to facilitate the success of our reentry students.  

Email: maschil@wlac.edu 

Program counselor: David Hernandez 

Email: hernanda2@wlac.edu