A KIPPster Finds Her Calling in Advocacy

Daisy Carmona grew up in East San José with a front-row seat to the impact of school choice.

Today, she is a proud graduate of KIPP San José Collegiate and UC Riverside and works as an education organizer, but her advocacy journey began back in elementary school when her mother sought options beyond the traditional system.

“My mom knew she wanted more for us, something better,” Daisy shared. “She believed in the power of education, but also knew that not every path was the same.”

Daisy’s mom enrolled her children at Rocketship Public Schools, and her older brother was one of the founding students at KIPP Heartwood. Daisy saw the transformation in him.
“I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps, and that was our promise as a family—to pursue a strong educational journey.” Even then, Daisy sensed that access and advocacy were linked. She knew she, too, would become a KIPPster.

Middle school wasn’t an easy transition, but Daisy vividly remembers three big lessons from middle school—be kind, be smart, and “you are a team and a family.” These three grounding principles still play a role in her life today. After middle school, Daisy attended KIPP San José Collegiate where she faced new challenges, including navigating mental health challenges for the first time.

“What made a difference was how it wasn’t ignored. The school gave me space to talk about it. There were people there to support me.”
Daisy found lifelong friendships and took pride in traditions like the end-of-year celebrations and music concerts.

Some of her fondest high school memories include volleyball, which she played all four years. Daisy found meaning in tight-knit friendships and student traditions, something she continues to be grateful for. Even today, she continues to strengthen her high school friendships and finds joy in her San Josè community.

After graduating, Daisy went on to UC Riverside, where she double majored in Media & Cultural Studies and Linguistics. But college wasn’t always a straight path. She started in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic changed me. I considered dropping out.”

Honest conversations with her father helped her reconnect with her purpose—to uplift families like hers. These talks motivated her to continue to persevere, leading her to sign up as an orientation leader and take control of her college experience.

“I rediscovered that I want to help people,” Daisy said. And she learned that no matter what age a child is, parents want the best for their students.

It was this guiding inspiration that helped Daisy be the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree and ultimately led her back to Rocketship Public Schools after earning her degree at UC Riverside.

Daisy initially felt there was a stigma about going back to work where you went to school, and wondering if she was “taking three steps back”. This perception was daunting, but she was grounded in wanting to help families like her own in a community she cares deeply for.

“I realized that coming back to where I started didn’t mean I was going backwards. In fact, people don’t talk enough about how powerful it is to return to where you grew up and give back.”

That clarity drew Daisy to her calling—working with families as an Education Organizer with Rocketship. She originally applied for a social work role, but after the interview, a conversation with her mother helped her realize that her motivation to help families was better pursued through a different path. With that inkling to still help families, Daisy was drawn toward advocacy. She found a job that emphasized organizing, policy, and family engagement; and she knew it was the right fit.

“In the public charter school world, we believe that real change starts with families. Advocacy isn’t something far away—it’s in their hands. I just help them find the tools.”

“My job is about empowering families. I sit down with parents one on one to understand their priorities and help parents understand their rights and how to get involved. Whether it’s charter renewals or local policy, I want families to feel like they have a voice. Because they do.”

She’s clear on why educational advocacy is the right path for her: “There’s a misconception that public charter schools take away from traditional schools. But really, we’re giving families something vital—choice. Telling them they can’t choose a school like KIPP San José Collegiate because of politics or funding—that’s what really takes away opportunity.”

Ultimately, Daisy believes every family deserves the right to choose the best educational path for their child, just like her mother once did.