Bianca Angeles Lacson was one of five members of the inaugural cohort of TGR Foundation’s signature Earl Woods Scholar Program. Created in 2006 to honor the life and legacy of the late Earl Woods, the program provided Angeles and her peers with a variety of resources, including an internship at the flagship TGR Learning Lab, where they grew an unshakeable bond.
With support from the program, she was accepted into the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.
More than 15 years later, Angeles Lacson remains connected to TGR Foundation. She recently took time to reflect on her journey and share highlights as we celebrate 30 years of driving dreams together, presented by EY.
TGR Foundation: Where do you currently live and work?
Bianca Angeles Lacson: I live in Los Angeles with my husband, Andrew, and our cat, Aang. I’m the Education and Outreach Manager at the Ellison Medical Institute.
TGRF: Describe your path to a career in education.
BAL: I’ve worked in a range of roles in education, starting in college when I volunteered to speak with high school students about the college application process. From early on, I was motivated to make that path more accessible for students like me – those from immigrant backgrounds who have the drive and support to pursue higher education, but not always the know-how to navigate it.
I went on to work at the University of California in several student-focused roles, including admissions, mentorship programs and academic advising. Across each of these, my goal was the same: to support students in whatever way they needed to help them succeed.
In 2022, I joined the Ellison Medical Institute, where I continue this work by supporting students as they explore and pursue careers in STEM.
TGRF: Describe an average day in your life as a professional.
BAL: No two days look the same. Some days, I’m on a high school campus helping lead science workshops. Other days, I’m focused on our internship program, supporting interns as they work through their projects. And at times, I’m meeting with educational partners to plan collaborative events that strengthen our student programs.
TGRF: What is the most rewarding element of your career?
BAL: The most rewarding part of my work is helping students take meaningful steps toward their goals – whether that’s gaining admission to their college of choice, publishing a poster or being accepted into a graduate program. I value the opportunity to get to know each student, understand their aspirations, and support them along the way. It’s especially fulfilling to then invite them to give back by mentoring the next generation. We’re able to create a community of support and growth in that way.
TGRF: What advice would you give to students who are interested in your career?
BAL: There’s so much opportunity to explore education and student support as a potential career. Start by gaining experience through volunteering on your campus – whether that’s tutoring college students or mentoring younger ones.
Education is a broad field, spanning areas including policy, assessment and beyond. There’s so much to learn and so many niches where different skills and interests can make an impact. By exploring these areas, you can find meaningful ways to support students from a variety of angles.
TGRF: What accomplishment(s) on your college and career journey are you most proud of?
BAL: I’m most proud of being able to give back to students in the same way I was supported through the Earl Woods Scholar program. I understand that mentorship, institutional knowledge about higher education, and navigating a professional career are all things that need to be learned; they don’t come naturally to every student. I’m proud to center that kind of support in my work, and I’m especially excited to now serve as a mentor through the Earl Woods Scholar Program.
TGRF: What’s one resource that helped you drive your dreams forward that every student should have?
BAL: One of the most impactful resources for me has been mentorship. Having people who could offer guidance, share their experiences and help me navigate unfamiliar spaces made a huge difference in how I approached my goals.
TGRF: How do you continue to learn as a professional?
BAL: I think it’s important to continue seeking mentors in your career, as there is always so much to learn. In education, there’s also so much to learn from other similar programs, so attending conferences and being updated on the literature is a good practice.
TGRF: What is your favorite memory with TGR Foundation?
BAL: There are so many! I’m especially grateful that I still get to call my TGR Foundation mentors my mentors today. Cristina, in particular, has been a cornerstone of my career development over the past few years.
One of my favorite memories as an Earl Woods Scholar was interning at the TGR Learning Lab with my cohort of five. We were all navigating college and our first professional internships together, and we really bonded during that time. We supported a range of classes – from marine biology labs to mousetrap car builds to rocket projects – and grew close through those shared experiences. At one point, we even decided to wear the same color to work each day, coordinating outfits and taking tons of photos. Those moments are incredibly special to me, and I’ll always look back on them fondly.
If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say to her?
BAL: I would tell my younger self not to be afraid to take risks, to explore more, and to trust that everything will work out.
As students, it can feel like there’s constant pressure to succeed and move on to the next milestone. But it’s just as important to celebrate your wins, recognize how much you’ve already accomplished and remind yourself that everything will be okay.
TGRF: What are you most looking forward to in the next five years?
BAL: I’d love the opportunity for more alumni to (re)connect. There will be hundreds of us by then. It would be incredible to come together and see just how much impact we can have collectively.
TGRF: What are the top three places to visit in Los Angeles?
BAL: There’s something special about the energy at Dodger Stadium! The buzz of the crowd and the excitement of baseball make it such a fun and uniquely LA experience to be part of.
When it comes to food, I love heading to the Sawtelle neighborhood for Japanese cuisine; there’s so much variety, and everything is delicious. And when I want to slow down a bit, the Santa Monica Boardwalk is one of my favorite places to be; it’s perfect for biking along the coast and people-watching.
TGRF: What place feels like a dream and everyone should visit at least once?
BAL: Sedona is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen! Being in nature and gaining perspective on how we fit into the entire universe is an awe-inspiring feeling that I am always seeking when I travel!
TGR Foundation has been driving dreams together in under-resourced communities since 1996. As we celebrate our 30-year anniversary, presented by EY, this series celebrates the impact of our programs and the accomplishments of esteemed alumni.
Learn more at TGRFoundation.org/30
