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Mario Marquez Senior Development Officer at Paradise Valley Community College

Meet Mario: JAG Journey to College and Career Success

For Mario Marquez, college wasn’t always part of the plan until Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) opened the door. 

As a first-generation Latino student at Paradise Valley High School, Mario entered the JAG program unsure of what his future could hold. What he found was a life-changing experience that made college not only a possibility but a goal within reach. 

“JAG gave me the confidence that I could go to college, earn a degree, and find a career I love.” – Mario Marquez

A First-Generation Student with Big Dreams

Mario Marquez joined the JAG program at Paradise Valley High School with one major uncertainty: Was college even possible for someone like me?

As a first-generation Latino student, Mario faced many of the same barriers thousands of Arizona youth face; limited resources, lack of guidance, and uncertainty about the future. But JAG changed that.
Mario Marquez shares his JAG Journey

Faces of JAG: Mario Marquez

In this powerful 2014 video, high school student Mario Marquez shares how the JAG program helped him find his voice, believe in his future, and take the first steps toward college as a first-generation Latino student. Filmed during his time at Paradise Valley High School, Mario reflects on the impact of JAG in shaping his goals, connecting him to life-changing opportunities, and inspiring him to dream bigger. This early glimpse into Mario’s journey captures the heart of what JAG makes possible for young people across Arizona.
Mario learned how to navigate college through JAG

Turning Possibility into a Plan

Through JAG, Mario was introduced to the ACE (Achieving a College Education) Program, allowing him to start earning college credits while still in high school. JAG helped him:

  • Explore college and career pathways

  • Understand and complete the FAFSA

  • Build a strong résumé and cover letter

  • Learn how to present himself confidently in interviews and professional settings

With support from his JAG specialist and exposure to guest speakers from nonprofits, colleges, and professional industries, Mario began to see college as not just possible—but inevitable.

Leading the Way in Higher Education

“I wouldn't be where I am today without JAG. It taught me how to lead, how to give back, and how to believe in myself.”
Mario’s leadership and public speaking skills, developed through JAG, led him to share his story at local events and eventually on national television. He was invited to speak on NBC’s Education Nation in New York City, where he met leaders from the Helios Education Foundation. That connection led to multiple internships and inspired his interest in philanthropy and higher education.

Today, Mario serves as the Senior Development Officer at Paradise Valley Community College, where he raises funds for scholarships and student programs. He’s dedicated to increasing college access and completion rates; especially for students who, like him, are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
“Programs like JAG give students hope, the hope that they can go to college, find a career they love, and become leaders in their community. And one day, they’ll give back too.”
Mario with the Helios Foundation Luna
Empowering Today’s Leaders for Tomorrow’s Workforce
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