Maritza Cha graduated from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles and became the first in her family to attend and graduate from college, the University of California, Los Angeles. She graduated in 2005 with two Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and History, with a minor in Education. UCLA was so nice she went there twice, earning a Master’s Degree in Education and a teaching credential from UCLA’s Teacher Education Program in 2007. She taught social studies at her alma mater, Garfield High School, for four years. 2010 Dr. Cha and several colleagues designed and launched a pilot school within the Los Angeles Unified School District – Social Justice Leadership Academy at Esteban Torres High School. Dr. Cha then decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a college counselor. Dr. Cha earned her second Master’s Degree, counseling, and child welfare and attendance credentials from Cal State Dominguez Hills in 2015. Dr. Cha worked as a school counselor for eight years. Dr. Cha recently earned her Ph.D. in Education and Urban Leadership at Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Cha is an adjunct professor at the University of La Verne.