I’m Laura Escamilla, Executive Director of Stars Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit organization serving students and families across South and West Texas since 2005. For more than two decades, I’ve worked alongside families navigating one of the most important—and often overwhelming—decisions they will make: how to pay for college.

Through this work, I’ve seen a consistent challenge emerge. Many families fall into what I describe as the “middle-class gap”—earning too much to qualify for significant need-based aid, yet not enough to comfortably afford the full cost of higher education. This reality leaves families searching for answers, often without clear guidance or support.

That’s why I created Moments That Matter.

This podcast is an extension of both my professional work and my doctoral research at Northeastern University, where I am exploring how nonprofit organizations can better support middle-class families in closing the college affordability gap. Each episode brings together practical strategies, real-world insights, and expert perspectives to help families make informed financial decisions about college.

But beyond my professional role, I’m also a mom who has gone through this process twice. I’ve experienced the excitement, the uncertainty, and the financial decisions that come with helping your child pursue higher education. That perspective shapes every conversation on this podcast and keeps the focus on what families truly need to know.

Throughout my career, I’ve partnered with higher education institutions, community leaders, and organizations across Texas to expand access to scholarships and financial education.

Moments That Matter is grounded in one core belief: families deserve clear, honest, and actionable information about college costs—without confusion or overwhelm. Whether you’re just starting to think about college or preparing to make final decisions, this space is designed to help you feel more confident and informed every step of the way.

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