Growing up in a low-income, non-college educated, single parent family with 2 biological siblings and 6 adopted, foster and custodial siblings, I was considered an “at-risk” student. Although the odds were against me attaining a college education, my middle school teachers were not. I was constantly reminded that I didn’t have to be just another statistic. Their support, along with the encouragement from my family, inspired me to follow my dream of attaining a college education.

Now, as a first generation graduate, my goal is to empower other Arizona students by creating opportunities for success in higher education. For the past four years, I have worked with various organizations whose work focuses on dropout prevention, academic preparation, and promoting postsecondary options. I have focused my work on the critical junctures students face on the road to higher education. Most of my efforts have been geared toward students who otherwise might not have the encouragement, know-how, or means to pursue their goals in higher education. I have worked primarily with low-income, at risk, or troubled students from 6th through 12th grade.

I dedicate my time to mentoring kids on their quest to college because I know we can all profoundly change the direction of these students’ lives and have a lasting impact. I am honored to join educators, policymakers, and other leaders across the US working to bridge the gap between high school and postsecondary education. My goal is to ensure that every individual with the desire to attain a postsecondary education has the opportunity and the personal, financial, and academic support they need to succeed.


Savanna with her youngest sister

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