BAY AREA AMBASSADOR
FOR CHANGE LEADERS

UC Davis
Communication and Psychology

MACKENZIE TIERNEY

University of Florida
Business Management

ASHNA PATEL

TCU
Strategic Communications

TALIE PALMER

TCU
Nursing

BROOKE PALMER

Cal Poly SLO
Biology / PreMed Track

IZZY MONTAGUE

Cal State Long Beach

CARINA MONTAGUE

HAYDEN MOE

KATIE GUERRA

University of Oregon
Business Admin

UC Santa Barbara
Biology

JANA BARRON

University of Iowa
Nursing

Keira Barker

TRAILBLAZERS

SFSU

UC Santa Cruz

Kaamna Shnakar

Cecelia Del Rio

Aelyssa Aranas

Julia Aldaz

Cal State Northridge

College

Cecilia Del Rio

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

A step back can still be progress forward.

Empathy changes hearts, hearts change the world.

Cecilia is a compassionate and understanding individual who believes in the transformative power of empathy. With a warm and inviting smile, Cecilia is dedicated to making people feel seen and important in her presence, uplifting them with laughter and joy.

Reliability is one of Cecilia's defining traits. Whether in personal relationships or professional endeavors, she can be counted on to deliver with precision and consistency. Her independence shines through as she navigates life with a strong sense of self-reliance, showcasing a remarkable ability to take charge and make decisions confidently.

Her dream is to become a teacher, driven by the desire to impact the lives of her future students. Working with students already through an internship at her school, Careers in Teaching, keeps her dream alive with the hopes of inspiring the potential within each individual.

When not playing soccer, she plays with her dog, spends time with her family, or hangs out with her friends. Cecilia especially loves to visit her family in Mexico and go to her family's rancho, where she can embrace her culture and spend time with the family she doesn't see daily.

"I Strive for ambitious solutions."

California State University, Northridge

kEIra barker

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

A step back can still be progress forward.

Keira is a vibrant person who naturally gravitates toward new opportunities and building deep, positive relationships. She isn’t afraid to show her passion and enthusiasm! She prioritizes the inclusion of others, especially those in need of advocacy. This heart for service is what has kept her dedicated to Girls Soccer Worldwide for the past four years, where she is now honored to be a Trailblazer.

Currently a freshman at the University of Iowa, Keira is a pre-nursing major pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her fascination with the human body and helping others led her to become a Certified Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, and Nursing Assistant. Her proudest accomplishment is becoming bilingual through her K-12 school's Dual Immersion program. She is now minoring in Spanish and working toward a translation certification so she can advocate for her patients in both languages as a Pediatric or Labor and Delivery Nurse.

Soccer has always been an anchor in Keira’s life since she was five years old. From her years with Pleasanton RAGE and Amador Valley High School to her new chapter on the Travel Club Team at Iowa, she carries a deep passion for the sport and team spirit. Her perspective was forever changed during the 2022 trip to Paraguay, which sparked a lifelong commitment to empowering girls locally and globally through education, sports, and empathy.

Outside of school and soccer, Keira finds joy through baking, watching movies, and finding new gluten-free food spots. She is someone who values loyalty, a sense of humor, and kindness, and she always seeks out new relationships and opportunities that challenge her!

"I empower and energize relationships."

University of Iowa
Nursing

Aelyssa Aranas

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

A step back can still be progress forward.

Your kindness is contagious.

From her very core, Aelyssa has embraced life with a whole-hearted dedication. Some might misjudge her quiet demeanor as being an introvert, but those who truly know her see the warmth and benevolent spirit she possesses. Her approach to life is grounded and authentic, always prioritizing real connections and experiences over superficial displays with her peers.

In addition to her genuine outlook, she has a very strong moral code. This drive is what originally guided her to Girls Soccer Worldwide. She’s spread her help in other areas too, like volunteering at the SPCA and at elderly care homes. These experiences have not only deepened her compassion but also enriched her will for helping others.

Apart from community services, Aelyssa also enjoys playing sports in her free time. Soccer has been a consistent thing her whole life, but she also enjoys surfing and snowboarding. She says it’s always fun when you can do something you love with people you love. Her friends are also a big part of who she is today and she always looks forward to seeing them.

Aelyssa always strives to do what’s right. She hopes in the future she’ll do something that helps others around her.

"I create considerate relationships."

San Francisco State University

Julia Aldaz

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

Northstar

Your kindness is contagious.

Julia bio

"ANTHEM"

San Francisco State University

Kaamna Shankar

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

Northstar

Your kindness is contagious.

Kaamna bio

"ANTHEM"

San Francisco State University

JANA BARRON

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

Love yourself. Love others. Be the Change.

"I PUSH FOR BOLD RESULTS"

If there is an obstacle in her path, Jana can find her way around it. She prides herself on being mentally and physically strong, resilient both on and off the trails/track.

As a collegiate athlete for the Cross Country and Track and Field programs at UC Santa Barbara, Jana helped the team to their Big West Championships and NCAA regionals during Cross Country. Being a student-athlete is a difficult challenge for Jana. But, she is able to maintain that balance and achieve a high GPA, always a 3.5 or higher!

One of the most unique skills Jana possesses is her mastery of languages. Currently, she speaks three, English, German, and Spanish. This will be an asset in her future and a skill she can use to her advantage in whatever she pursues!

Jana is a skilled athlete and determined leader. Those around her know that Jana brings a positive energy to all she does, putting others before herself and always being there to lend a hand or listen. This optimism and pursuit of helping others makes Jana an invaluable Ambassador for Girls Soccer Worldwide!

University of California, Santa Barbara
Biology

KATIE GUERRA

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

Be unique. Inspire change.

"I DELIVER ENERGETIC RESULTS."

Katie is 21 years old and currently a Junior at the University of Oregon. She is a Business Administration major with a concentration in marketing and a double minor in Food Studies and Brewing Innovation. Additionally, she is a member of the UO Olympic Weightlifting Team, a member of Alpha Kappa Psi (business fraternity), and Kappa Alpha Theta (sorority). She loves being involved on campus and is constantly looking for new opportunities!

While she doesn’t know what her future career path may be she is very interested in aviation, travel, and food systems! In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her friends, exploring in nature, reading, and watching tv. Her favourite book is Brave New World, and her favourite TV show is Game of Thrones.

Katie is energized most when she is with her friends. It keeps her going throughout the day and makes her happy! In a working environment, anything relating to creativity and speaking fuels her passion. Katie's gifts are empathy and confidence. She finds joy in providing a safe space for those around her, creating an environment where others can reach their full potential without holding anything back. She also feels energized being around other people and unapologetically showing her authentic self.

One of her biggest goals in life is making a difference, whether that is making someone smile or building houses for those in need. She wants to empower young girls so they not just believe, but know that they are capable in life. Girls Soccer Worldwide is a platform where Katie feels like she can make a difference in people's lives and give back to her community. This organization is what allows her the opportunity to share her voice and be around people with the same goal as her, and work together to achieve it.

University of Oregon
Business Admin-Marketing and Entreprenuership

Hayden Moe

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

See the challenge. Take it on.

"See the challenge. Take it on."

Hayden has committed herself to being a positive difference maker, helping young girls find their voices and their strengths with GSW. She is a leader on the field and the court, in the classroom, and with her friends. GSW has given Hayden the opportunity to use her leadership skills, find ways to help others, and make an impact in her community!

Her teammates and friends describe her as empathetic, hardworking and driven to make a difference. These skills carry over in all that she takes on. As a high school student-athlete, Hayden excels in her classes and participates as varsity athlete in volleyball, soccer, and beach volleyball. Her ability to manage her ambitious schedule, along with her commitment to family and friends, has taught her the values of communication and prioritization.

Hayden loves competing and is passionate about soccer and volleyball! She’s been playing soccer for 12 years and volleyball for 7. Hayden has taken what she has learned at GSW and applied those lessons of teamwork, communication, and positive influence as leader on her teams and in in her personal life. Sports have provided her an outlet to show off her competitive nature, be herself, and have taught her lessons and skills she uses every day.

Hayden is bilingual and used her ability to speak fluent Spanish within our community and while traveling abroad. While traveling to Paraguay with GSW, she saw firsthand what an amazing gift it is knowing multiple languages and the different opportunities that are created. In Paraguay, Hayden was able to use her Spanish, deepening her experience and the connections that she was making with the young women she was helping.

Giving back to her community has been something modeled for Hayden since she was young. She remembers volunteering with her family, cleaning creek beds and packing Thanksgiving meals for those less fortunate, and knows how impactful those experiences have been. With her dad, she’s also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and with her mom she’s worked with Hively.

Amador Vally High School
Class of 2026

Carina Montague

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

Be Brave. Be Kind. Be you.

"I AM A PROACTIVE PROBLEM-SOLVER."

Carina is an “ideas person”. She is creative, imaginative, and is known for making out-of-the-box suggestions! If there is a problem that needs fixing, Carina has the ability to focus on small details and engage others to find a solution.

Carina is a natural leader. She has a strong personality and doesn’t shy away from sharing her opinions. Being more of an independent person, Carina prefers to work on her own, but knows the benefit of working as a team. She strives to make herself and those around her better.

Soccer has been an important part of Carina’s life since she was little. It is a central part of who she is, and she has always had a passion for the sport. On the field, she is able to work with others, push limits, be competitive, and overcome challenges.

As a student-athlete, Carina balances her priorities expertly. She not only excelled at soccer, track, and flag football she also achieves high grades in all classes. When she isn’t busy with school and sports, she loves to paint, run, draw, and watch Netflix! Carina’s favorite season is fall because she finds it peaceful.

Carina is very kind. She stands up for others and checks on those around her, seeing if they need help and pushing them to be the best they can be. These both led her to Girls Soccer Worldwide. Carina is accountable, approachable, and trustworthy. She loves being a Trailblazer.

California State University, Long Beach
Kinesiology

Izzy Montague

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

Embrace change. Keep working. Persevere.

"I GENERATE DETAIL-ORIENTED SOLUTIONS."

Isabella believes that every problem, no matter how big or small, has a solution. Being goal-driven, she values the hard work and perseverance needed to achieve her goals.

Isabella uses humor to break barriers and connect with people. If you’ve met her, you know that she loves to laugh and lives a life filled with joy! She puts people at ease, builds trust with others, and is consistent. Isabella knows that through hard work, one can accomplish anything they set their mind to!

Sports make up a big part of Isabella’s life. She played soccer for almost 11 years, she was a member of her neighborhood swim team during the summer, and she loves to go snowboarding. In college, she has joined a womans workout club and is a member of Cal Poly’s first women’s flag football club. Isabella also loves adventures, enjoying traveling and experiencing other cultures. Some of her hobbies include baking, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Isabella is committed to helping others. This passion led her to become a Red Cross certified lifeguard and sparked an interest in practicing medicine. She is majoring in Biology at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and volunteers at Dignity Health French Hospital, hoping to become a doctor one day! As a Girls Soccer Worldwide Ambassador, Isabella aims to inspire other girls to dream big, work hard, and accomplish their goals.

California Polytechnic State University, SLO
Biology-premed track

Brooke Palmer

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

There’s no limits from being the best you.

"I VALUE SELF-RELIANT AND REPUTATION LEADERSHIP."

Brooke is known for her independence… she doesn't shy away from taking tasks and responsibilities herself. She embraces challenges and consistently seeks opportunities for personal growth. Brooke values connection and authenticity and is passionate about empowering others, especially young girls, to own their voice, pursue their goals, and reach their full potential.

Driven by a personal mission to inspire others, Brooke lives by her North Star: “There are no limits to becoming the best version of yourself.” Her goal is to empower girls everywhere to embrace their individuality and never let external expectations define their potential.

Brooke will be beginning her freshman year at Texas Christian University in the fall of 2025, where she is pursuing a degree in nursing. Her decision to enter the healthcare field reflects her commitment to helping others and making a meaningful impact through compassion, resilience, and leadership, especially in moments when care and advocacy matter most.

Soccer has been a defining part of Brooke’s life, especially her role as a goalkeeper. The game has taught her discipline, resilience, and teamwork- lessons that have shaped her both on and off the field. She played soccer at the competitive club and high school levels while maintaining her academic achievements.

Texas Christian University
Nursing

Talie Palmer

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

Observe what life is trying to teach you.

"I ACHIEVE CLEVER IDEAS."

Talie is able to be creative and persevere, even during tough situations. Her core values are being a visionary and independent person throughout life.

She continues to live by her personal mission statement, her Northstar, which encourages others to “observe what life is trying to teach you.” Talie believes there is meaning in everything, and that as humans, we grow through both successes and setbacks.

Now a college student at Texas Christian University, Talie is entering her third year in Fall 2025. Her experiences with Girls Soccer Worldwide and her academic journey have deepened her passion for social impact and communication. She’s dedicated to seeing where she can contribute and make a difference.

Talie’s love for soccer and global connection remains strong. In 2018, she traveled to Japan as an exchange student, where she immersed herself in new cultures and built relationships that continue to inspire her. She hopes to visit many more countries and create lasting, meaningful memories.

FUN FACT: Talie’s happy place is on the lake. She’s an avid wakeboarder and wake surfer, especially during the summer!

Texas Christian University
Strategic Communication; Business Minor

Ashna Patel

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

Show up, show out, every day

"I lead with heart, precision, and purpose."

Ashna has a strong reputation for being dependable, efficient, and someone you can always count on to get things done. She’s driven by her love for seeing a project come full circle, from idea to impact, and finds joy in the small details that make a big difference. Whether it’s organizing a workshop or solving a tricky problem, Ashna brings creativity, precision, and a can-do attitude to everything she does.

She believes in the power of showing up for others and making a positive impact every day. Ashna is known for her attentiveness to the people she cares about and is often described as their loudest supporter. Her energy is contagious, and her encouragement is heartfelt. She’s the kind of person who notices the little things and turns them into meaningful moments for others.

Sports have been a constant in Ashna’s life. From baseball and softball to swimming and gymnastics, she’s tried it all, but soccer has always been her home base. Outside of athletics, Ashna loves decorating cookies, playing games, and spending time with friends. Her creative side shows up in everything she does, especially when she’s baking or brainstorming new ideas.

Her journey with Girls Soccer Worldwide has been nothing short of transformative. Through two international trips and countless grassroots workshops, Ashna has deepened her understanding of leadership, community, and the power of sport. She’s learned how soccer can be a tool for change and how stepping into leadership can spark growth not just in others, but in herself. Ashna hopes to continue using these lessons to create lasting, meaningful impact in the world around her.

University of Florida
Business Management

Mackenzie Tierney

AFFIRMATION to the WORLD:

Be strong, work hard, stay focused.

"I MAINTAIN DEDICATED RELATIONSHIPS."

Mackenzie is a sophomore at UC Davis, majoring in Communication and Psychology, and minoring in Food Science & Nutrition. She is a part of many clubs on campus including Davis Women in Business, Kesem, and RunIt. She is also a member of Pi Beta Phi, and serves on the Member Conduct Committee for her chapter. She is a very driven student with the goal of working in sports. She currently interns at the UC Davis Athletics department.

Mackenzie has a strong reputation for her compassion towards others. She cares a lot about people and always tend to put others first. This trait, and her love for sports, has driven Mackenzie to Girls Soccer Worldwide.

“Be strong, work hard, stay focused,” is a truth she lives by. She believes good things come from strength, hard work, and focus. She believes your dreams become reality when you combine these actions.

Mackenzie's communication is one of her unique qualities and definitely sets her a part. When you talk with her you have no doubt relationships are one of her core values and this is showcased in the way she shows up in conversation. When she talks, emails, or even texts, other people are able to grasp her intentions. She is compassionate, engaged, and you know you matter by the way she listens.

Mackenzie has a lot of empathy and uses this when problem solving in group environments. She makes well thought out decisions, with others' feelings taken into account.

Mackenzie enjoys going to the gym, running, traveling, surfing, pilates, reading, and baking. Overall, she loves trying new things and is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone. She preaches that this discomfort is where we grow the most.

University of California, Davis
Communication and Psychology

2023-2025 Ambassador
Foothill High School

vanessa olivier