Victoria Mavricakis
Financial Aid Counselor
University of Oregon

Meet Victoria Mavricakis, 2025-26 Diversity Leadership Program Class.

A dedicated financial aid professional with a decade of experience, Victoria has held a wide range of responsibilities, from outreach and verification, to dependency overrides, SNAP coordination, and support for homeless youth. Each experience deepened her understanding of the challenges students face. 

Raised in a small town, Victoria brings a deep sense of responsibility, empathy, and community to her work in financial aid. As the oldest of three siblings, she learned early what it meant to look out for others. She prioritizes approachability and trust, creating a welcoming environment where students feel safe sharing personal circumstances and navigating difficult conversations about money.

“I work with students from many different backgrounds, and I know that representation, cultural understanding, and inclusive communication can make a real difference in a student’s sense of belonging,” Victoria said. “I want to continue developing as a professional who understands both the financial aid process and the needs of the people behind the process.”

Beyond her current role as a financial aid counselor at the University of Oregon, Victoria co-chairs the Black Strategies Group for staff and faculty and serves as an advisor to the Black Women’s Association on campus. Through mentorship, advocacy, and program-building, she works to foster inclusion, representation, and community on campus.

Learn more about Victoria in the brief Q&A below.

1. How did you get your start in financial aid?

I got my start in financial aid as a temporary employee back when job listings were still in the newspaper. I already had a small glimpse into the work because I had been a student worker at the college I was attending, where I often helped other students complete their FAFSAs. I really enjoyed that experience, so transitioning into a full-time role felt like a natural next step.

What drew me in, and what keeps me motivated, was the appreciation from students. Something that felt overwhelming to them was something I could help make simple and manageable. Over time, I built many connections and even had “once-a-year regulars” who would find me each time they needed help with their FAFSA. Those experiences helped shape my passion for this field.

2. What have been some of the most significant milestones in your financial aid career, and how have they shaped your perspective on the profession?

I have been honored to be nominated for, and awarded, the “Making a Difference Award” twice at the Annual CCCSFAAA Conference, once in 2018 and again in 2023. This award was established in memory of Maureen Martinez, the former Financial Aid Director at San Bernardino Valley College, and recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in service by truly making a difference in the lives of others.

Being nominated by my colleagues for such a meaningful award has been one of the most memorable milestones of my career. It reminded me that the effort, energy, and passion I put into supporting students do not go unnoticed. These recognitions have strengthened my perspective on the profession and reinforced how impactful our work can be when we lead with care and dedication.

3. What’s a challenge within financial aid that you personally have overcome that you're proud of?

One challenge I’m proud to have overcome in my financial aid career is learning how to navigate constant policy changes while still keeping students supported and informed. Financial aid rules shift often, and at first it felt overwhelming to keep up while also assisting students who were already confused or stressed.

Over time, I developed strong habits around staying current with updates, asking questions, and finding clear ways to explain complex information. This helped me become a more confident resource for students and for my team. Turning something that once felt intimidating into a strength is something I’m genuinely proud of, because it allows me to better serve students and help them feel supported through a process that can be challenging.

4. What change would you like to see in financial aid?

One change I would like to see in financial aid is clearer, more consistent communication from the federal level down to institutions and students. So many of the challenges we face come from updates that are released with little notice, unclear guidance, or frequent revisions. This creates confusion not only for financial aid professionals but also for the students who rely on us for accurate information.

If changes were rolled out with more transparency, realistic timelines, and stronger support for institutions, we could spend less time interpreting shifting rules and more time directly helping students. Ultimately, improving the clarity and consistency of financial aid processes would make the entire system more accessible, especially for first-generation and underserved students who already find it overwhelming.

5. How does your perspective impact how you do your job and approach financial aid?

My perspective shapes my approach to financial aid by always leading with empathy and understanding. I know how confusing and overwhelming the process can be for students and parents, so my goal is to make everything feel a little easier and smoother for them.

When I first completed the FAFSA myself, I struggled and did not receive the help or guidance I needed. That experience stayed with me and now influences the way I work and the patience I bring to every conversation. I hold myself accountable to being the kind of person I needed at that time, someone who can guide others through a complicated process with clarity, support, and compassion.

6. What advice do you have for those in financial aid?

My advice for those working in financial aid is to lead with empathy and patience, both with students and with yourself. The work can be demanding and constantly changing, and students often come to us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or confused. Taking the time to listen and explain things clearly can make a lasting difference in their experience.

I would also encourage people to stay curious and keep learning. Policies and processes evolve, and asking questions and leaning on colleagues helps build confidence and consistency. Finally, remember the impact of your work. Even on difficult days, the guidance and support you provide can open doors for students and change the direction of their lives.

7. What do you do when you're not working?

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family, my husband Sean and our kids, Iason and Ava. We enjoy cooking together, watching movies, and playing UNO, which are some of my favorite ways to relax. For my personal time, I like going camping and having game nights with my friends. Doing these things helps me recharge and keeps me balanced so I can show up fully at work.