Meet the team

Talofa Lava! I’m Donna Enguerra-Simpson, and I proudly hail from the Samoan Islands with Samoan and Filipino heritage in my blood. As a first-generation college student, mom, and wife, I know firsthand the importance of access and support in higher education.

I’ve spent over a decade working in Higher Education in a variety of roles, starting as an undergraduate working on outreach efforts for Pacific Islander students at the University of Washington, Seattle. My passion lies in creating opportunities for underrepresented students—through programming, education, community engagement, the arts, and beyond.

As Director, I’m thrilled to serve our communities and partnering with students, families, and colleagues to build meaningful, impactful experiences together.

Hello! My name is Savann Smith and I am the program coordinator for Outreach and Recruitment! As a first-generation graduate from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, I’m passionate about fostering inclusive environments where students feel empowered and supported throughout their higher education journey. In my role, I provide strategic oversight of operations to ensure our center is a dynamic hub for student engagement and access. Through orchestrating scheduling logistics and purchasing management, I help streamline operations to enhance the impact and reach of our outreach initiatives. Whether you’re looking to collaborate on events or explore new outreach opportunities with Highline College, I’m always happy to connect!

Hola, my name is Cristina Bautista Vega, and I’m an Outreach & Recruitment Advisor at Highline College. I support every and all future Thunderbirds through admissions/activation guidance and by leading campus tours and specialized visits. I earned my bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Davis, where I also advised students before teaching in Spain and working with learners from diverse backgrounds and age groups. These experiences have fueled my passion for creating inclusive and welcoming spaces where every student feels valued. As a first-generation Mexican American, I’m committed to fostering diversity, equity, and belonging in education. ¡Hablo español!