Welcome to HSC’s Newest Staff Member, Malia Santos

Head Start California is thrilled to welcome our newest team member, Malia Santos, who joins us as a part-time Administrative Assistant. In this role, Malia will support HSC's conferences, daily office operations, board and committee logistics, member engagement, and data and reporting.

Malia is no stranger to Head Start. She attended the Kidango Head Start program in Fremont, and her mom spent years working as a Head Start teacher's aide.

"Coming from an underprivileged background, I understand how vital Head Start is," Malia said. "It has always been my passion to help California's minority communities succeed. I deeply admire Head Start's mission to serve California's most vulnerable children and families, while also empowering its staff to grow and advance in their careers. I cannot wait to begin my journey at Head Start!"

Malia brings that passion to HSC while balancing her studies. Malia will complete her bachelor's degree at the University of California, Davis, next spring, with a double major in Political Science and Philosophy. Her arrival comes at an exciting time for the organization.

"Head Start California has been growing, and it made sense to expand our team now to increase our capacity, especially in a role that touches and supports everything we do," said Executive Director Melanee Cottrill. "This is going to help us a lot. We're also grateful to have another Head Start alum on our team, which makes three out of seven!"

Outside of work, Malia enjoys listening to music, working on sewing projects, teaching and performing Philippine cultural dance, and learning to play guitar.