About Us

Meet Your Coordinators

College Access Manager

Britney Colorado - College Access Manager

britney.colorado@bealeader.org

My why is “As a first-generation college student and Dreamer, I want to help provide equitable pathways to education for all students in Arizona, regardless of their status.”

Fun Facts:

She has a dog named Pepper

Phoenix Union

Mackenzie Gibson - College Access Coordinator

mackenzie.gibson@bealeader.org

Mackenzie grew up in Mesa, Arizona as a second generation Cambodian-American. She graduated from Highland High School, and knew early on that she wanted to be the first in her family to pursue higher education. In Cambodia women, such as her grandmother, were not allowed to pursue an education beyond a 'middle-school level'. This is one of the driving forces that influenced Mackenzie to get her degree in Organization Leadership with a minor in Business at Arizona State University. While in University, Mackenzie took part in ASU's LEAD program, won the Principled Innovation Academy, and studied abroad in Kyoto, Japan, as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar. As a College Access Coordinator, she is highly passionate about encouraging future generations to take hold of leadership opportunities, and attain a higher education that allows their voice to be heard.

Fun Facts:

Mackenzie enjoys quieter hobbies such as crochet, knitting, or reading to decompress; especially if it's outdoors such as a park or camping.
She loves to learn new languages and cultures. She currently speaks English, Cambodian, and Japanese and would love to learn more.

Find Me At

Alhambra
Bioscience
Trevor Browne
Camelback
Fairfax
Franklin
Carl Hayden
Maryvale
North
South Mountain
ASU Prep

West Valley

Gaven Mejia - College Access Coordinator

gaven.mejia@bealeader.org

Gaven Mejia grew up in Avondale, Arizona, where he witnessed firsthand the impact that education, mentorship, and community support can have on a young person’s future. He attended Brophy College Preparatory and later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Arizona State University. Currently, Gaven is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at ASU, where he is building the skills necessary to create positive change through public service and community engagement. As a College Access Coordinator at Be A Leader Foundation, he is passionate about helping students navigate the often-complex journey to higher education. Having benefited from the guidance of mentors and educators throughout his own academic journey, Gaven understands how life-changing access to information and support can be. He is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the knowledge, resources, and confidence to pursue their educational goals. Through his work, he strives to empower students to see college as an attainable option, make informed decisions about their futures, and recognize their potential to become leaders in their communities.

Fun Facts:

Gaven enjoys listening to music, watching movies, and reading new books. He is always on the lookout for a great recommendation!
Gaven recently started enjoying baking sourdough bread. His favorite type to make is pesto sourdough because of its unique flavor and homemade touch!

Find Me At

Tolleson Union & University High School
Sierra Linda High School
Agua Fria High School
Millenium High School
Peoria High School
Western School of Science and Technology
Dysart High School
South Ridge High School

Outreach

Michael R. Nowakowski, Jr. - College Access Coordinator

michael.nowakowski@bealeader.org

Michael Ray Nowakowski, Jr., is a Phoenix native with a strong commitment to faith, family, and community. Guided by a desire to serve others, he developed a passion for leadership, service, and education, leading him to become actively involved in mentorship, community engagement, and student leadership opportunities. After graduating from Brophy College Preparatory, he pursued higher education at Arizona State University, where earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication along with a Minor in Spanish. These experiences provided him with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate across diverse communities, advocate for educational opportunities, and support student success. Building on his passion led him to his work as a College Access Outreach Coordinator, where he serves as an advocate, guide, and mentor for students navigating their educational futures. At the heart of Michael’s work is a commitment to being a consistent and trusted mentor for students who may feel uncertain about their future or lack access to guidance. He strives to empower young people with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to navigate their educational journeys, pursue their goals, and realize their full potential.

Fun Facts:

He love to preform Ballet Folklorico
He is Devin Booker's #1 fan
He will proudly tell anyone that Phoenix is the best city in the United States.

Schedule a workshop with me!

bit.ly/BALF-Schedule

Middle School

Dulce Martinez - Sr. College Access Coordinator

dulce.martinez@bealeader.org

Dulce was born in Mexico and came to the U.S. at the age of 3 where she grew up in Mesa, AZ. Growing up in a mixed-status family and becoming a DACA recipient emphasized to her the importance of pursuing higher education. So, after graduating from Westwood High School and obtaining her International Baccalaureate diploma, Dulce continued her studies at the University of Rochester in upstate New York, where she graduated in May of 2022 with her Bachelor's in English. Since graduating, Dulce moved back to Arizona to work at a non-profit, Aliento, then at the City of Tempe for a college access program. Both experiences allowed her to explore her passion for aiding students on their educational and professional journeys. Dulce looks forward to expanding her reach to middle school students in the Phoenix area through Be A Leader!

Fun Facts:

Dulce enjoys puzzles, arts & crafts, music, and attending concerts.

Find Me At

Roosevelt School District
Murphy School District
Miscellaneous middle schools throughout the valley

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