Assistant Director, TRIO Upward Bound
Hoover Cluster
- M.A., Peace & Justice, University of San Diego - Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies
- B.A., Criminology and Criminal Justice, Sonoma State University
Noema Aguilar was born and raised in City Heights, San Diego. She is the first in her family to earn both a college degree and graduate degree. Noema received her B.A. in Criminology from Sonoma State University and her M.A. in Peace & Justice from the University of San Diego’s Kroc School of Peace Studies.
After completing her degree at Sonoma State University, she served as a Community Health Advisor with the United States Peace Corps in Paraguay, where she managed funding for community programs, youth summer camps, and local development proposals. During her graduate studies, she worked as a Practice Fellow with USD's Kroc School, collaborating with Youth Empowerment in City Heights to research and support violence prevention programs aimed at reducing recidivism.
A dedicated community and equity-focused professional, Noema remains an active resident and advocate in City Heights. Noema’s experience also includes working with the County of San Diego on the COVID Response Team and as a Housing Rental Assistance Specialist. Currently, she serves on the City Heights Area Planning Committee and the Mid-City Homelessness Coalition. She is also a proud alumnus of the USD TRIO Upward Bound program.