Denise Jackson (right) and her mother (left) at her college graduation
At KIPP SoCal, our KIPPsters are part of our family forever. Our KIPP Forward team supports our students and alums with individual, personalized counseling on their journeys to and through high school, college, career, and beyond.
Denise Jackson, a proud KIPP Academy of Opportunity (KAO) alumna, is just one of many examples of KIPP Forward’s promise to our students. Although Denise was reluctant to leave her friends at her local elementary school, she immediately felt the KIPP difference and quickly made connections at KAO.
One of those connections was with her KIPP Forward middle school counselor, Nicole Gutierrez, who now serves as KIPP Forward's Associate Director of High School Placement and Postsecondary Match. Nicole introduced her to the prestigious A Better Chance program, which helps high-achieving students of color access top independent and public schools.
As a result, Denise secured a spot at Vistamar High School in El Segundo through this opportunity. While at Vistamar, Denise received unwavering support from her KIPP Forward high school counselor, Denise León. As a first-generation college student, she leaned heavily on Leon to guide her through the college application process.
Leon frequently checked in with her and encouraged her to attend college info sessions, apply for scholarships, and explore majors. Believing in Denise's potential, León nominated her for the prestigious Posse scholarship, which Denise earned to secure a full ride to Kalamazoo College.
Denise Jackson (bottom left) and her fellow Posse scholars
Even during her postsecondary journey, León remained a source of support, offering guidance and feedback, especially during Denise’s study abroad experience in Beijing, China, and her most recent law school application process. To this day, León is someone Denise can count on.
Denise is deeply grateful for the crucial role her KIPP Forward counselor and her mother have played in her life. Her connections didn’t just help her navigate high school and college — they inspired her to give back.
In a full-circle moment, she returned to KIPP SoCal as a KIPP Forward high school counselor, working with juniors and seniors to guide them through their post-secondary planning. Denise’s experience of being uplifted by a dedicated counselor made her passionate about supporting her students and developing the same close bond she once had with her mentors.
Denise Jackson at her college graduation
“I’m very grateful for [Denise León]. And now, just being in the role of having the influence that she had on me, I want to have that positive influence on others,” she said. “I was able to build close connections with my students, but it all started with the relationship I had with my counselor,” said Denise.
As Denise embarks on her next adventure—attending the University of Wisconsin Law School to pursue a career in criminal law—her story exemplifies the lasting impact of KIPP Forward and the bonds made along the way.
Her journey from student to counselor showcases the power of giving back and the importance of strong mentorship. Denise’s legacy of support and persistence will continue to inspire future KIPPsters to follow their dreams.