For Denise Prado, education was more than a goal; it was a pathway to service and purpose. A Riverside native, U.S. Army combat veteran, single mother, and first-generation college student, Denise’s journey through Norco College laid the foundation for a career supporting vulnerable populations.
Returning to school after eight years in the military, Denise sought a campus that felt welcoming and supportive. At Norco College, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) helped her navigate Veterans Affairs benefits, enrollment, and academic planning. Through the VRC, she joined the Veterans Club, participated in work-study, and took a veteran support course, connecting her to tutoring, counseling, and other resources that supported her success. She was also active in the Puente Program, gaining mentorship, structure, and a strong sense of belonging that helped her persist through challenges.
As a sociology student, Denise explored how social systems shape behavior and life
outcomes. Earning her associate degree in Sociology for Transfer was a major milestone,
especially as a single parent balancing school and family responsibilities. The degree
represented perseverance, progress, and her commitment to serving others.
Building on her Norco College foundation, Denise earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of California, Riverside, and a master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Southern California. Today, she works as a foster care social worker, where her day-to-day responsibilities are as dynamic as the children and families she supports. Denise conducts home visits, assesses children’s emotional and developmental needs, coordinates with schools and healthcare providers, and develops individualized care plans to ensure safety and stability. She also advocates for children and families in court and agency meetings, provides crisis intervention, and mentors foster youth and parents to navigate the system with confidence. Her work requires compassion, organization, and resilience, as she helps children heal, thrive, and find permanence in safe homes.
In addition to her professional work, Denise continues to give back by mentoring students in the Puente Program, sharing guidance and encouragement with the next generation of learners.
“Norco College showed me what I was capable of and helped me realize my potential,” Denise says. “The confidence and purpose I gained there continue to guide my work and service to others.”
Her advice to students: stay persistent, seek support, and believe in yourself. “The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing.”
