Meet Your HBCU Success Coach

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Coaching for Your Success

InsideTrack is proud to collaborate with the HBCU Transformation Project and your esteemed institution to provide student success coaching. Our HBCU Student Success Coaching program offers one-on-one personalized, holistic support along your academic journey to help you achieve your goals. Our coaches are here to provide guidance on:

Our coaches not only contribute their expertise, skills and dedication, but also bring their genuine passion for the work they do with HBCUs and their unwavering belief in the potential of the students they support. 

Participating institutions have carefully selected a cohort of eligible students to receive Student Success Coaching. Our coaches collaborate closely with your institution's staff to ensure that every student is primed for success.

Success Coaching is an initiative through the HBCU Transformation Project.

Connect With Your TMCF and UNCF Coaches!

Be on the lookout for a message from your coach. All you need to do is reply to connect virtually with your coach over phone, email or text message.

Learn About the HBCU Transformation Project

The HBCU Transformation Project, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund and Partnership for Education Advancement, is providing a multi-campus initiative of one-on-one success coaching for students at a network of up to 16 TMCF member schools and up to 28 UNCF member schools. The initiative will help remove barriers to college enrollment and success by improving student outcomes in retention and graduation rates. 

Through HBCU Success Coaching, students gain one-on-one personalized, holistic support for their academic journey. Coaching helps students clarify goals, identify potential obstacles, persist through challenges, and stay connected to their reasons for pursuing their educational dreams. HBCU Student Success Coaches, UNCF and TMCF Coaches, will help students tap into available campus resources — such as financial aid, advising, tutoring and career services. Coaching meetings will focus on creating action plans to address student-centered challenges such as time management, effectiveness, wellness and many other topics crucial to academic success.

Participating Institutions

THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND (TMCF)

UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND (UNCF)

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Logo
UNCF logo
Partnership for Education Advancement logo

Meet Your TMCF and UNCF Coaches:

Bria Anderson

Bria joined the coaching team in April of 2024. She is a double graduate of Virginia State University. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and a Master’s in Sport Management. Her educational journey at VSU laid a strong foundation for her career, instilling in her a deep appreciation for learning and personal development. 


From her collegiate athlete days to her current role as a coach, her journey has been guided by a passion from empowering others especially within HBCU communities. This commitment extends beyond the sports arena, encompassing academic excellence and personal growth. 


Prior to joining the team, Bria was an Academic Coordinator at Norfolk State University where she played a pivotal role in guiding student-athletes towards academic success. In this capacity, she meticulously crafted academic plans tailored to each student-athletes needs, ensuring they met both NCAA eligibility requirements and progressed towards their degree goals. Her dedication to their holistic development extended beyond academics offering mentorship and support to navigate the challenges of collegiate athletics.


Bria currently resides in Los Angeles, California with her husband and 3-month old son, Brodie. In her free time, she likes to attend sporting events and play volleyball. Fun fact, Bria's all-time favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant, and her all time favorite rapper is Lil Wayne.

Ernesha Bland

Ernesha joined the coaching team in April of 2024. Ernesha holds a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from the University of Central Missouri. Her scholarly interests revolve around minority women in higher education and fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within online learning environments.


Before joining this intiative, Ernesha provided retention coaching for four universities within a university system. Her primary goals included developing inclusive outreach initiatives for online learners and those with visible/invisible disabilities. Additionally, she served as a program coordinator for a mentoring program, dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences of underrepresented groups through advocacy and programming. Ernesha is committed to establishing safe and welcoming environments where students feel comfortable sharing their college and life experiences.


Outside of work, Ernesha volunteers as a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) advisor for Alpha Phi Fraternity. She also finds joy in juicing, gardening, creating flower arrangements, and attending concerts.



Portrait of coach, Maya Chapman

Maya Chapman

Maya started student success coaching in June of 2023 with the goal of supporting and advocating for learners through coaching. Maya is a proud Hokie and graduate of Virginia Tech, where she completed her bachelor’s in Public Relations and Professional Writing. During her time at Virginia Tech, she was a student leader, intern, and member of the Vice President of Student Affairs’ Advisory Board Committee. She also obtained her master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration. While there, she was the first graduate student to create a living learning community in the residence halls that focused on supporting first-generation college students.

Maya has a passion for showing up for learners in the ways that help them maximize their experience. This includes offering academic, career, extracurricular, and emotional support. Being a successful student, person, leader, etc. is not easy, and it’s imperative to have support along the way. Maya is not new to the field. She previously served as an Area Coordinator for the Department of Residential Life at North Carolina Central University. During her time there, she truly enjoyed getting to know her students and cheering them on as they navigated college and beyond. 

In her free time, Maya acts as a real estate agent in both Georgia and North Carolina. She is passionate about working with first time home buyers. Maya loves to travel and visit new wineries and restaurants. Her life motto is “what’s for me won’t pass me.

Portrait of coach, Lorin Fonville

Lorin Fonville

Lorin Fonville became a student success coach in January 2022 with the intention to help make a positive impact in many students' lives. He is the Lead Student Success Coach for our team. Despite being new to education, Lorin has a strong desire to be an integral part of student development, and help students realize their full potential. Lorin possesses an array of innate skills that translate perfectly to education, with problem solving and active listening at the forefront.

Prior to becoming a Success Coach, Lorin worked with North Carolina State Employees Credit Union for 2 years after graduating from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a B.S. in Finance. While in school, Lorin also gained managerial experience at Autobell Car Wash, where he got the opportunity to sharpen his leadership and interpersonal skills in particular. 

In his free time, Lorin enjoys reading, listening to informative podcasts, and exploring various museums with his wife. He also enjoys working out, playing basketball, watching sports, cooking in his free time, and spending time with his wife and chihuahua, Lito.

Portrait of coach, Jasmine Holeman

Jasmine Holeman

Jasmine began student success coaching in June 2021 and is the Coach Supervisor for our team. Jasmine is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in English.

During her time at NCCU, Jasmine immersed herself in student activities. She participated in student government,  residential life, the campus newspaper as a reporter/journalist and founded a mentoring/tutoring program called ‘Shepard helping Shepard’ which allowed college students to mentor/tutor students at a local low-income middle school.

She is passionate about supporting students in their personal, academic and professional goals. She is also a huge fan of story-telling and she uses that skill and understanding throughout her coaching. Jasmine was surrounded by coaches and mentors all her life and is passionate about being that support person for others. Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her two kids, helping small businesses sharpen their social media marketing skills, creating video content and spending time in the sun.

Sararesa Hudson

Sararesa Hudson began student success coaching in 2021. She is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University, where she earned a B.A. in English. Sararesa was born in Salisbury, MD, and raised in Burgaw, NC, where she enjoys country living. 

Prior to joining InsideTrack, Sararesa served as a Student Support Specialist for nearly a decade in her hometown. In that role, she advocated for students and promoted a growth mindset. At InsideTrack, Sararesa has coached students from diverse backgrounds and institutions, providing support as they navigate their academic journeys. She is committed to giving back to her community, building rapport with her students, and creating a safe space for them. During her time at NCCU, she was a member of the Women’s Track and Field Program and competed in the 2011 Junior Olympics in the 400m hurdles.


Outside of work, Sararesa is a basketball coach for 15u boys. Basketball is her first love. She also enjoys trying new restaurants and finding parks around the Atlanta Metro area. In her downtime, you may find her scrolling on TikTok or finishing her adult coloring book.

Gregory Jackson

Gregory began student success coaching in 2024. Gregory is a dynamic individual with a passion for making a positive impact in both the public and private sectors. With a Master's degree in Public Administration from Belhaven University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, Gregory obtained a solid educational foundation in governance and public policy. With a  very diverse background, Greg has gained invaluable experience in education, finance, and public service. 

Whether in the classroom shaping young minds, analyzing financial data to drive strategic decisions, or serving the community through various public initiatives, Gregory's dedication to excellence and service shines through in all his endeavors. Greg finds solace and inspiration in his personal interests. An avid powerlifter, he thrives on the challenge of pushing his physical limits and achieving new milestones. 

His love for travel and the great outdoors has taken him on adventures far and wide, enriching his perspective and fueling his curiosity about the world. 

Originally hailing from Mississippi, Gregory has found a home in the vibrant and culturally rich New Orleans Metro Area for the past eight years. Immersed in the unique blend of history, music, and cuisine that the city offers, Gregory embraces the spirit of community and diversity that defines the region.

Portrait of coach, Tim Johnson

Tim Johnson

Tim began student success coaching in June of 2023 with the goal of making a positive impact on others and helping learners achieve their goals through guidance and empathetic coaching. Tim is a proud first-generation and graduate of North Carolina Central University located in Durham, NC with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. He also obtained his Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. 

Tim has worked in the realm of higher education for almost 10 years in the various capacities of student activities, student government advising, fraternity and sorority life, orientation, president’s development/advisory team, student union operations and much more. In his heart, he is a true event curator and programmer. Over his career, he has been blessed to work with artists and speakers such as, Wale, T-Pain, Yvonnie Orji, Spike Lee, Ari Lennox, Jay Pharoah, Dan Levy and many more. 

His passion for working with students stems from being a first-generation college student and how important it is to provide those resources for them to be successful. Representation in spaces is extremely important to the success of those from underrepresented identities. Tim wants to continue as a resource, advocate and support system for all future generations. 

Lastly, outside of work Tim enjoys shoe shopping, grilling, spending time with family and friends, a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and a good brunch! Let’s get you towards completing those goals! 

Mabinty Koroma

Mabinty student success coaching in November of 2021, and is passionate about continued growth and learning, both personally and professionally. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University and her Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. After graduating from GSU, she worked as an Associate Professional Counselor in private practice for two and a half years before coming to InsideTrack.

 

Mabinty believes in the power of supporting and holding space for students to process and plan their journey as they achieve their educational and career goals. 

Outside of coaching, Mabinty enjoys reading, interior design and spending time with her loved ones, including her dog Duke.

Portrait of coach, Christiana Nimako

Christiana Nimako

Christiana began student coaching in July 2022 as an Enrollment Coach. Prior to success coaching, Christiana worked in higher education for about seven years. Her first retention coaching role was a Graduate Assistantship job working with Multicultural Students who received different scholarships awards meant for the minority and low income families in the Appalachian region.

She has served as an Academic Advisor for four years and worn different role caps as journalist, marketing, PR, communication specialist during her work at the corporate setting. Proudly a first generation immigrant from Ghana, she has obtained a BS. in Strategic Communication & MA. in Communication Development from Ohio University-Athens.

Christiana is grateful that her previous and current role gives her the opportunity to assist students get ready for college, overcome challenges and strive successfully in their academic journey. It definitely aligns with her passion and career goals.

Outside of work, she is a homebody enjoying time with family, foodie who loves to cook, sings and watch movies. 

Portrait of coach, Rainey Parker

Rainey Parker

Rainey started student coaching in May of 2022 as a Retention Coach. She is a proud graduate of Liberty University and BYU-Idaho/Hawaii as a first-generation, limited-income student.  

Rainey has her Masters in Human Service Counseling- Life Coaching.  She takes great pride in working to help learners attending HBCUs access what they need in order to find those opportunities for success. With the emphasis that each learner has their own definition of what success means for them.  

Rainey has worked with learners all over the world, reaching 6 continents and over 25 countries for the last 11 years.  Her focus as a Mentor/Advisor was to assist and prepare learners in secondary to post-secondary education.  With the intention of helping them to and through higher education, while encouraging a growth mindset.

Rainey’s favorite quote is, “There is no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone."

Portrait of coach, Semeion Richardson

Semeion Richardson

Semeion began student coaching as an Enrollment Coach in May 2022. Semeion has an Associate’s degree in Commercial Art and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services also currently in school for Master of Behavioral Analysis. Semeion has over five years of experience of life coaching to help individuals overcome challenges. Semeion guides learners in boosting confidence and helps develop skills that guide the learner in their purpose, which helps the learner to gain a desire to reach student goals, and help students see their full potential.

Semeion enjoys serving in the community doing art gallery shows, teaching art classes, volunteering, awards for Art and cultural in Lake county and much more. She has also collaborated Artist with a Purpose with Mount Dora Center of the Arts and Leesburg Center for the Arts, Headstart Centers, and Churches. Semeion has partnered with many CEOs, executives, and small businesses to spread the word about Mental Health through expressive art. She continues to reach out to other organizations such as nursing homes, colleges, public schools, foster homes, and many more to talk about mental health awareness.

Tremaine Simpson

Originating from the vibrant landscapes of North Carolina, Tremaine or “Coach Simpson” is a beacon of resilience and inspiration. He joined Inside Track in April of 2024. As a first generation college graduate, Tremaine obtained a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, with a focus in Sports Medicine from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in 2017. His academic journey further flourished with the attainment of a Master of Arts in Teaching-Health and Physical Education, from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State university in 2019. 


Tremaine's commitment to educational equity and student empowerment shines through many roles he has held as an Academic Success Coach. Tremaine also spent time as an educator, teaching 6th-8th grade Health and Physical Education. Tremaine is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, INC., embodying the principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. 


Additionally, he channels his passion for public speaking and community engagement through his role as an emcee hosting events. With a dynamic blend of academic excellence, leadership acumen, and a heart for service, Tremaine Simpson is poised to make a profound impact at ITK, leveraging his diverse skill set to drive positive change and foster growth within the organization and beyond.

Portrait of coach, Alanis Stout

Alanis Stout

Alanis became a student success coach in August 2022. Alanis is a proud HBCU graduate of North Carolina Central University where she got her Bachelor's degree in Education. During her time at NCCU she was involved in numerous organizations such as Collegiate 100 Black Women, SNCAE (Student North Carolina Association of Educators) where she served as chapter Vice President and the Outreach to Teach coordinator for the state of North Carolina. She is also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC.  Being a part of initiatives to work with first generation HBCU students and ensure education equality resonates with her as she was a first generation student, participated in a K-12 Education Fellowship Program and received scholarships which enabled her to complete her degree.

Prior to working being a Success Coach, she worked as an Academic Interventionist and truly loves working with students. She believes that each day that you work with students, you have the potential to positively impact their outcome and loves the idea of being a student's bridge and catalyst for success.

Apart from work, Alanis enjoys eating, vacationing and trying new activities. 

Portrait of coach, Tiffany Thomas

Tiffany Thomas

Tiffany started coaching in June 2022. Tiffany graduated from the University Of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. For over five years, Tiffany has counseled and managed students, providing them with helpful tools and resources to ensure a path of success. 

As a coach and mental health advocate, it is important to build positive rapport and create a safe space for individuals to work through barriers that may be interfering with their decision-making process as it relates to goals that they have for their future. Prior to becoming a Success Coach, Tiffany worked  as a Behavioral Care Coordinator, where her job consisted of conducting comprehensive assessments through root cause analysis based on clientele needs and performing clinical intervention through the development of care management treatment plans specific to each individual with high level needs. Apart from work, 

Tiffany enjoys exploring nature, water sports, spending time with her family, cooking, and traveling.

Portrait of coach, Alexis Troy

Alexis Troy

Alexis began coaching in May of 2022 and is the Coach Supervisor of our team. Alexis is a proud product of an HBCU education. She is a two time graduate of North Carolina Central University, where she earned bachelor's degrees in Political Science and History (2018), as well as a Masters in History (2020).  Alexis is not new to education; she has worked with students ranging from middle school to post-secondary education. Alexis believes every student has the potential to achieve greatness despite the obstacles or stigmas they face. 

For Alexis, it is equally important to help students unearth their untapped potential. One of Alexis’ favorite things about coaching is to assist students find the intersectionality between one’s passion and purpose. Passion and purpose are big components in knowing yourself, what you want to do and what you have to offer others. 

In her free time Alexis enjoys shopping, watching softball, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Portrait of coach, Karen Villanueva-Sierra

Karen Villanueva-Sierra

Miss Karen Villanueva-Sierra proudly hails from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. At the age of 11, she relocated to North Carolina, USA along with her maternal family. Her family instilled in her core values which helped her learn at an early age the importance of preserving her cultural and traditional values and pursuing higher education. 


Karen is a proud alumna of North Carolina Central University, where she obtained two bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and Political Science. One of her most notable accomplishments was co-founding the Alpha Beta Chapter of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. along with four of her sorority sisters and serving as president of the chapter in the first year. The Alpha Beta Chapter is the first Latina-based but not Latina-exclusive sorority to be established on the campus of North Carolina Central University and the first chapter of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. to be established at a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the nation.


Upon graduation, Karen followed both of her parents' footsteps and began her career as an educator for Johnston County Public Schools, where she served as a teacher assistant at Selma Elementary and as a Spanish teacher at Clayton High. In 2020, Karen saw the negative impact around the school systems and the increase of student dropouts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In her efforts to become an aide, Miss Villanueva accepted a new opportunity specializing as a retention coach for colleges and universities. Through her leadership experiences and diverse background, she gets to build relationships with learners and equips them to succeed inside and outside of their academics. In her spare time, Karen loves embracing her roots of being Black and Latina (Afro-Latina/Afro-Caribbean), spending time with her family and friends, game nights, and working with her athletes as a Junior Varsity Cheerleading Coach. 

Portrait of coach, Bethany White

Bethany White

Bethany started student success coaching in November 2020. Bethany is a proud HBCU graduate of the Illustrious North Carolina Central University where she got her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication with a concentration in Broadcast Media and a minor in Writing. 

During her time at NCCU she was a part of the Women’s Track and Field team where she broke numerous records and left her mark. While she was a student-athlete she volunteered to speak to the youth about being a college athlete and what it takes to be successful in the sport of track and field while maintaining her education. She was also a part of the Mass Communication Honors Society and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Prior to working as a Success Coach, she was an Executive Assistant with NCCU Marketing and Communications as an intern. She has an extreme passion for helping others, especially the youth.

Outside of work, Bethany enjoys traveling, listening to good music, spending time with loved ones, eating out, and creating content. 

Allison Woodbury

Allison began coaching in January 2022 as an Enrollment Coach. Allison's commitment to coaching and motivating students stems from her genuine belief in the power of perseverance and the importance of visualizing the culmination of their dreams.

Residing in the picturesque town of Mount Airy, North Carolina, Allison brings a unique blend of experiences to her role. A proud Winston Salem State University graduate, her educational journey took an unconventional route. She commenced as a student-athlete, temporarily pausing her academic pursuits before ultimately rekindling her determination and completing her Bachelor's degree in Sports Management in 2020. A true believer in Langston Hughes' words that "a dream deferred is never denied," Allison's own path has fueled her unwavering dedication to helping others reach their goals.