Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel

Dear WESTOP Members:

I am honored to serve and transform as your WESTOP President as we kick off the 2026-2027 year. I want to be the first to say, “welcome to your home” and officially welcome you to the Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP) region.

Our mission this year centers on you—the educational professionals who make up WESTOP. We are here to support your journey as you learn, grow, flourish, and lead in your professional development, career, and personal goals. We will continue to host five WESTOP Board meetings throughout the year, ranging from virtual to in-person at the WESTOP Annual Conference, as well as hybrid formats. In addition, we will offer programs, professional development opportunities, and create “third spaces” that support all members—from new professionals to seasoned leaders across our region.

These opportunities for connection and engagement will allow our membership to fully participate, helping to amplify the voice and impact of the WESTOP region. As I outline my priorities for the new year, we will continue to build upon the foundation established through the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. This year’s priorities will build upon the strong foundation laid previously as we look ahead to our shared vision for the future during these evolving times.

2026-2027 Priorities

Priority #1: Professional Development

We will continue to provide high-quality professional development opportunities that benefit both our members and the students we serve. Through a variety of formats and platforms, we will offer workshops, training, and forums designed to support success in both professional and personal growth. There will be multiple opportunities for members and non-members alike to engage and experience the value of WESTOP.

Priority #2: Leveraging Technology

We will utilize technology and social media platforms to connect with WESTOP members across our region and time zones. This includes showcasing our work, highlighting best practices, and elevating our association among educational access professionals. By doing so, we will expand our reach and strengthen connections with organizations that support student success. Our website and the MemberClicks platform will serve as our primary hubs for communication and engagement.

Priority #3: Financial Sustainability

We are committed to maintaining a healthy and disciplined budget while meeting the needs of our membership across all six WESTOP regions: Arizona, CenCal, Nevada, NorCal, Pacific Islands, and SoCal. We will work to expand our reach by identifying additional resources and funding opportunities throughout the year. Additionally, we aim to grow our membership by welcoming educational access professionals who align with WESTOP’s mission, values, and goals.

Priority #4: Membership & Engagement

We will host our annual membership drive and create meaningful opportunities for engagement, including programs for new members, TRIO alumni, and emerging leaders. This will include a robust Emerging Leaders Institute and expanded networking opportunities beyond WESTOP. We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and national organizations while elevating our impact through the WESTOP Factbook, sharing the powerful stories and outcomes from across our six regions.

The Next 30 Days

Over the next month, I encourage you to explore the Council for Opportunity in Education’s advocacy resources. The TRIO Media Relations Guide is an excellent tool for engaging your local community and highlighting the important work you do. Summer is also a great time to invite community leaders to your campus programs or organizations. Be sure to review the outreach toolkit available on COE’s website, which includes valuable examples from across the field.

Finally, I am deeply humbled to serve as your WESTOP President for the 2026–2027 year. Together, alongside your six Chapter Presidents, we will advance the mission, vision, and goals of our organization. We will open doors for our members—and keep those doors open for others to join us—so we can continue to grow stronger together as a WESTOP community.

I am grateful for the leadership of our immediate Past President, Maria Sandra Jimenez, and for the foundation laid by Past President Dalia Hernandez. I also warmly welcome our new President-Elect, Yara Jimenez, to WESTOP leadership.

I leave you with a quote from RuPaul: “When you become the image of your own imagination, it's the most powerful thing you could ever do.”

Let’s get out there and use your imagination!

Take care,

Horacio Aceves
President, 2026-2027