Meet the Enrollment Team

Program Specializations: BARCH, B.A.A, BIAD Maia serves as an Outreach & Recruitment Specialist at NewSchool of Architecture and Design, where she is committed to helping students discover educational pathways that align with their passions and career goals. With over two years of experience as an Outreach Mentor at San Diego Mesa College, Maia worked directly with high school students to help them feel confident in their college decisions. She has a talent for breaking down the college application process, answering questions with clarity and care, and creating a welcoming space where students feel supported and empowered. Whether working with students one-on-one or speaking to classrooms, Maia brings energy, empathy, and a strong sense of purpose to every interaction. With an extensive background in sales—emphasizing leadership, training and development, and retention—Maia combines strategic insight with a student-centered approach. She is passionate about building meaningful connections, guiding students toward the right program fit, and helping them take the first steps toward the career of their dreams.

Program Specializations: BARCH, B.A.A, BIAD With a deep commitment to equity, education, and community engagement, Oby Ugwuegbu brings passion and purpose to her role as Outreach & Recruitment Specialist at NewSchool of Architecture & Design. She combines experience in public speaking, career readiness, and social impact programming to connect prospective students with educational opportunities that align with their goals and identities. Prior to joining NewSchool, Oby served in multiple community engagement roles across San Diego, where she collaborated with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies to support underserved youth, immigrant families, and first-generation students. Oby’s background in user-centered design and digital communication adds a unique layer to her outreach approach—she is intentional about making every interaction informative, inclusive, and impactful. Whether she's speaking at high schools, supporting students one-on-one, or partnering with community organizations, her mission remains the same: to help others thrive through education.

Program Specializations: BSGDIM, BAPD, BSCM, BIAD Mary Sasso serves as the Outreach and Recruitment Specialist at NewSchool of Architecture and Design. She holds a Communications degree from the University of California, San Diego. Prior to joining NewSchool, Mary worked at the Basic Needs Center, where she provided crucial support to students by ensuring they had access to essential necessities such as food and housing throughout their academic careers. Mary brings a deep passion for student support and advocacy to her role. She is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students as they pursue higher education. Her dedication to ensuring that students feel comfortable and empowered in their academic journey is reflected in her approach to outreach and recruitment initiatives at NewSchool.

Program Specializations: BARCH, MARCH 4+3 and 4+2, MSA, MAS, MCM As Assistant Director of Enrollment at NewSchool, Jess Schroeder brings both expertise and compassion to guide students through the college enrollment process. With years of experience in the behavioral health field, Jess transitioned into higher education where she specializes in student enrollment and outreach support. With over a year of experience in higher education, along with previous roles in Admissions and Case Management, Jess brings a well-rounded perspective to student support. Her mental health background uniquely positions her to understand and address the diverse needs of students navigating the college transition. Coming from a family rooted in Architecture and Construction Management, Jess understands the passion behind the degree. She is committed to working with students, families, and community partners to streamline enrollment and promote equitable access to education. Jess holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Science from California State University San Marcos, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Jess remains passionate about creating inclusive, supportive learning environments.

With her expertise in outreach strategy, community engagement and public speaking, Izzy is thrilled to serve as NewSchool’s Outreach Manager. She began her career at the executive search and leadership development firm N2Growth, where she focused on one-on-one client communication and engagement, using data analytics to present strategies to executive-level stakeholders. To broaden her outreach experience to larger audiences, she transitioned to Jeff Sussman Management, a celebrity comedy management agency. As a Business Analyst, she applied advertising research and community data to boost audience interest in comedian Kevin James’ national tours, live shows, and streaming specials. To strengthen NewSchool’s connections with local and industry partners, Izzy enjoys speaking at high schools, colleges, conferences, and employer events. Leveraging research and data-driven insights, she builds relationships that support student success at every stage—from enrollment to graduation and beyond. Izzy holds a Bachelor of Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Administration from the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego.