Upward Bound Staff

Pamela Zaldana serves as a counselor for the Upward Bound Program. Pamela earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science and religion from the University of Southern California and has a Master of Arts in public administration from Kean University. 

Prior to serving as a counselor, Pamela worked in the Human Resources department at Kean University as well as the Office of the Chief Labor Counsel. Pamela truly enjoys serving the high school students/participants in the Upward Bound program.

Pamela also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and serving in her local church. 

Email: zaldanap@kean.edu

María Isabel Rijos serves as the director of the Upward Bound program.  María earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Universidad de Puerto Rico and a Master of Science in education from Fordham University.

Prior to serving as Upward Bound director at Kean, María served for thirty-three years as associate director of the Fordham University Upward Bound program, where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the program.  María is passionate about serving the academic needs of the high school students she serves as she has dedicated her professional life to this endeavor. She has also served as a trainer for special programs personnel.

Maria enjoys travel and gardening. 

Email: marijos@kean.edu