Celebrating Our 2025 Don Shalvey Award Winners

The Don Shalvey: Changing the Odds Award honors graduates who exemplify Aspire’s mission through community impact, perseverance, and purpose. Named after Aspire’s founder, this award uplifts alumni who continue to lead with heart, committed to both their post-secondary dreams and giving back to their community.

This year’s awardees reflect the power of full-circle impact. From an educator helping her former students grow into teammates, to a recent college graduate stepping into the classroom, to a teacher honoring the legacy of those who shaped his journey.

Rocio Castanon – Aspire Lionel Wilson College Prep Academy Alumna

A proud daughter of immigrants and first-generation college graduate, Rocio Castanon has been a steady presence at Aspire Monarch Academy for the past 15 years. After earning her A.A. in Child Development from Merritt College and her B.A. in Human Development from CSU East Bay, she returned to Monarch, the school her children once attended, to give back to the community that helped raise her.

As a computer skills teacher, Rocio helps students build confidence as creators, not just consumers of technology. She reminds them every day that they are “deeply loved, that they matter, and that it’s always okay to ask questions, speak up, and make mistakes along the way.”

Rocio still carries with her the lessons and encouragement of the many Aspire teachers who shaped her, including Ms. Aguilar, whose third-grade class made her feel seen and cared for, Mr. Peterson, who introduced her to digital design, and Mr. Hasan, who taught her to know her history and herself. She credits many others who pushed her to grow and dream bigger.

Today, Rocio works alongside some of her former students who now serve at Monarch themselves! Her mother has been with Aspire for 25 years, and her sister is now in her third year, making Rocio part of a proud three-generation Aspire family.

Cathalina Cordero – Aspire Benjamin Holt College Prep Alumna 

Cathalina Cordero’s Aspire journey began in kindergarten and continued through Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy, Aspire Ben Holt Middle School, and Aspire Benjamin Holt College Prep Academy. By the time she graduated high school, she had completed more than 500 hours of community service, led numerous school-based initiatives, and earned over 60 college units through dual enrollment at San Joaquin Delta College. Cathalina went on to UC Davis, graduating in just two years with degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Her commitment to service never wavered—she led community projects as Vice President of Service in Circle K International and supported college access efforts as a tour guide and outreach assistant. This school year, Cathalina returns to Aspire as an Education Specialist Teacher at Aspire Port City Academy, while also pursuing a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University of the Pacific. With every step, she continues to uplift the next generation of Aspire scholars.

Sergio Uzziel Martinez – Aspire Pacific Academy Alumnus

Since graduating from  Aspire Pacific Academy, Sergio Uzziel Martinez has remained deeply rooted in his commitment to education and growth. He has earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and recently completed his first year as a full-time English teacher—a role he takes on with gratitude and pride. For Sergio, teaching is not just a profession; it’s a way to “honor the educators who supported and believed in him.” Through his work in and beyond the classroom at  Aspire Ollin University Prep Academy, he aims to carry their legacy forward and create the same kind of transformative experiences for his students.

These outstanding alumni continue to reflect Aspire’s mission in action, showing what’s possible when education, community, and leadership intersect. We are thrilled to celebrate their stories!