I'm Laura Escamilla, Executive Director of Stars Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit organization serving South Texas families since 2005. Over my 20-year journey with Stars, including 12 years as Executive Director, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges families face when navigating college financing, particularly those who fall into the "middle-class gap": too wealthy for need-based aid, yet still struggling with affordability.
My passion for supporting these families led me to pursue doctoral research at Northeastern University, where I'm investigating how nonprofit organizations can better serve middle-class families in college preparation. This research directly informs the conversations we have on Moments That Matter, bringing evidence-based insights to the real challenges parents and students face.
Throughout my career, I've collaborated with statewide boards, higher education institutions, businesses, and fellow nonprofits to transform Stars into a more visible and influential organization. My educational background includes a Bachelor's in Business Administration (Management) and Master's in Public Administration from UT-Pan American, and I'm an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association.
Beyond my professional work, I bring the perspective of a parent who has navigated this journey twice. My daughter earned both her BS and MBA and now works in higher education, while my son is completing his final year of college. My husband Isaac, who serves as my tech guru and works as a Database Administrator in education, keeps our family, and podcast, running smoothly behind the scenes.
Moments That Matter was born from my belief that every family deserves access to clear, actionable guidance about college financing. Each conversation aims to demystify the process and provide practical strategies that families can implement regardless of their income level.

Isaac Escamilla is the producer of the Moments that Matter podcast, a parent to two outstanding children, two fur babies, and husband to an extraordinary woman. He lives in McAllen, is a professional right-clicker/professional developer, misses Austin, and lives and breathes for good company, good music, and great friends. Send feedback to isaac@momentsmatterpod.com and tweets to @That1saac