Genesis Alves, MBA

Academic Advisor, School of Business–Camden | Rutgers University–Camden

Genesis Alves, MBA, is an Academic Advisor at the Rutgers University School of Business–Camden, where she provides academic advising for both on-campus and online undergraduate business students. A proud first-generation college graduate, Genesis brings over ten years of experience in higher education and takes a holistic, student-centered approach to supporting student success. Genesis is passionate about empowering students to succeed by fostering relationships that support their academic progress, career exploration, and personal development. She works closely with students to help them navigate college transitions, connect with campus resources, and achieve their educational and professional goals.

A proud two-time alumna of Rutgers University–Camden, Genesis earned her Bachelor of Science in Management and Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business.

Michael Acevedo, MBS

DO Candidate ‘26
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

Michael Acevedo is a first-generation medical student with a strong commitment to health equity, community advocacy, and mentorship for underrepresented students in the field of medicine. As a future physician, Michael is particularly interested in patient-centered care within hospital-based settings and in serving communities that have been historically underserved.

Throughout his training, Michael has actively led and served. As Community Service Chair for the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Northeast Region, he coordinates and promotes service initiatives across medical schools. He participates in pipeline programs like the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) and Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP), both focused on increasing health profession access for underrepresented students. Michael has also participated in several community service initiatives at Rowan University and joined a medical service trip to Costa Rica.

As a first-generation student navigating medicine without generational guidance, Michael is committed to demystifying the "hidden curriculum" in medical education. Through mentorship and advocacy, he empowers other first-generation students to access resources and thrive. He aims to unite clinical excellence with service and leadership to help build more inclusive, equitable healthcare systems.

Sanjeevini “Sanjee” Badigar Lokhande, PhD

Academic Counselor, Penn First Plus / Penn College Achievement Program | University of Pennsylvania

Naira Bishop

Adjunct Professor; Doctoral Student (General Psychology) | Florida South Western State College

Elijah Blackwell

Professional Speaker; Assistant Director, Belonging & Student Engagement | Rowan University

Dr. Stephanie Bobbitt, LPC

Director for First-Generation Initiatives; Assistant Professor, Educational Counseling & Leadership | Monmouth University

Dr. Stephanie Bobbitt, LPC, currently serves as the Director for First Generation Initiatives at Monmouth University and is a proud first-generation (FG) faculty member. Dr. Bobbitt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Counseling and Leadership where her teaching is grounded in social justice and advocacy. With 14 years of experience in student affairs, Dr. Bobbitt has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting FG students and advancing equity through teaching, scholarship, and service.

Charissa Burgos-Patel

Assistant Director, First-Year Admissions Team | Rowan University

Charissa Burgos-Patel is the Assistant Director of Admissions at Rowan University, where she
has worked for the past 14 years, and is a proud two-time Rowan alum. She specializes in guiding college-bound students through the admission and enrollment process, helping make their transition to higher education as smooth and informed as possible. Charissa earned her bachelor’s degree in finance, a master’s degree in higher education administration, and a certificate in career counseling from Rowan University.

Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to supporting students as they navigate the college process for the first time, with a particular focus on first-generation students and those served through the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program. Her passion lies in understanding each student’s unique aspirations, talents, and challenges, empowering them to identify best-fit majors, support systems, and resources that help them reach their academic and career goals.

Meredith Brown

Career Advisor, Office of Career Preparation & Experiential Learning | Rowan College at Burlington County

Hope Campbell

Hope Campbell is a senior Psychology major at Rowan University, currently serving as the Student Body President and Chief Executive of the Rowan University Student Government Association (SGA) for the 2025–2026 academic year. In this role, she leads a multi-million-dollar nonprofit advocacy association that represents and serves over 15,000 undergraduate students.

Hope is an active and passionate leader on campus, deeply involved in a number of organizations. She serves as the Vice President of the Theta Mu Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., holds the title of Miss Black for the Nu Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and works as a Community Assistant for Rowan’s Housing Department.

Dedicated to academic excellence and meaningful change, Hope takes pride in staying involved and leading with purpose. She is committed to advocating for students, creating positive impact across campus, and making her senior year one of service and success.

Dr. Arielle Catron

Associate Teaching Professor of Social Work | Rowan University

Wendy Cavendish, PhD

Professor of Inclusive Education, Wellness & Inclusive Services in Education | Rowan University

Wendy Cavendish, PhD is a Professor of Inclusive Education in the Wellness and Inclusive Services in Education Department at Rowan University. She joined Rowan University in September 2025 after serving as faculty at the University of Miami for 17 years. Prior to that, she was a secondary general and special education teacher. She is the faculty developer and partner of Inspire U, a first-generation, aspirational peer mentoring program, developed in partnership with Booker T Washington Senior High, an under resourced Miami high school. Wendy’s research focuses on considerations of equity in transition support and resources for multiply marginalized students. 

Lauwinda Cherilus

Lauwinda Cherilus is a first-generation graduate student, MBA Fellow, and HR specialist with the NJ Department of the Treasury. Since moving to the U.S. from Haiti, she has been dedicated to promoting equity, access, and opportunity through education, workforce development, and community-focused initiatives.

Cherilus earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rowan University in 2023 and is currently pursuing her MBA with concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Marketing, expected in Spring 2026. As an MBA Fellow at Rowan University, she supports university-wide Social Impact Projects focused on graduate student engagement, alumni relations, international student programming, and community partnerships. Her work includes launching Rowan’s first International Student Alumni Panel, supporting mentorship and cultural programming with the International Center, and initiatives such as TEDxRowan and National Girls & Women in Sports Day.

Professionally, Cherilus leads outreach and recruitment efforts across more than 20 divisions and 10 agencies within the NJ Department of the Treasury. She represents the divisions and agencies at career fairs and campus events, develops recruitment materials and hiring tools, and presents at biweekly new hire orientations. Her work bridges higher education, government, and employer engagement, focusing on clear communication, operational efficiency, and inclusive hiring practices.

Cherilus is also an entrepreneur and the founder of Baron Rides, a student-centered transportation platform developed from her undergraduate research on the link between commuting, mental health, and financial well-being. Alongside her professional and academic pursuits, Lauwinda volunteers with the All Things Are Possible Foundation, supporting STEAM education for youth and community events. She also participated in Unite 2030/Camp 2030, a global innovation lab where she collaborated with international peers to develop sustainable solutions. Through her work, Cherilus offers a global perspective, strong administrative leadership, and a passion for building systems that promote student success, workforce access, and long-term social impact.

Miles Coleman, PhD

Associate Professor of Communication Studies | Rowan University

Miles Coleman is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Rowan University. His research outlines frameworks and methodologies for approaching problems of scientific and technological controversy, while carving space for considering the ethical implications of new media technologies. For Dr. Coleman, teaching and learning are energizing. He has been teaching at the university level for over a decade. He is a success-centered instructor who cares very much about helping students discover and cultivate their interests, their talents, and their futures.

Dyron Corley, EdD

Director | Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

Dyron J. Corley, Ed.D. is the director of the Center for Student Success at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ. He has over fifteen years of experience in academic advising and developing student success programs for first-year, first-generation, and limited-income students. Dyron is a proud The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) graduate, majoring in History (Secondary Education). He received his Master's in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2012 and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University. Dyron's research interests include first-generation college success and institutional readiness for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Richard Cristobal

First-Generation, Non-Traditional Medical Student | Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

I was born into financial instability and grew up in a low-income neighborhood where
violence, fear, and constant distraction were part of everyday life. Before college, school
was not always a place to grow; many days it was simply a place to endure. My mother was
my greatest support while doing everything she could to keep our family afloat. By high
school, I worked to help pay rent and meet basic household needs.

I am the first person in my family to complete college, and for a long time I did not know
how to navigate academic spaces. I did not understand office hours, personal statements,
or networking. I learned through trial and error, online searches, and the kindness of people willing to answer my questions. My path to medicine was not straightforward, and I stepped away at times to work, support my family, and reassess my goals.

I entered medical school at 28 as a first generation, non-traditional student with family
responsibilities. My goal is to make the path to medicine less confusing and less lonely for
students who see themselves in my story and deserve to know their backgrounds are
strengths.

Alex Delgado, EdD

Dean for Student Success & Retention | Middlesex College

Alex Delgado grew up in West New York, NJ (Hudson County) and was the first in his family to attend college. As part of his college acceptance, he needed to participate in and complete the EOF/MAP (now ASCEND) six-week summer program at Rowan University. The EOF/MAP program provided Alex with the necessary support and guidance to attain his degree successfully. After completing his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, he pursued his Master of Arts degree in Applied Sociology at Montclair State University. In 2023, he completed his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Rowan University. Presently, he serves as the Dean for Student Success and Retention at Middlesex College, where he provides administrative oversight and leadership for student support offices that include EOF, TRIO-Student Support Services, Counseling and Student Wellness Center, The Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources, Military and Veteran Office, and the Academic, Career, and Transfer Office.

Professionally, Alex Delgado brings over 20 years of experience working with underrepresented students in higher education. His roles in higher education include Assistant Dean, Director, Associate Director, Counselor, and Adjunct Professor.

Throughout his career, his various leadership roles have focused on enhancing retention and graduation rates among diverse student populations, with a particular emphasis on first-generation and low-income students.

As a first-generation college graduate and participant in an opportunity program, he has firsthand experience of our students' many challenges. Presently, he serves as Founding Chair for the First Gen Council at Middlesex College, a Member at Large for the Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association, 2nd Vice-President for the Tri-State Consortium on Opportunity Program, Regional Representative Coordinator for the NASPA Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community, and is a proud member of Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity, Inc.

Shirley Jacqueline Delgado

Vice Principal | James J. Ferris High School, Jersey City Board of Education

Ms. Shirley Jacqueline Delgado is currently one of the Vice Principals at James J. Ferris High School and has worked for Jersey City Board of Education for the last 19 years. When she started her career in education she began as a preschool teacher for Passaic Family Head start and then transitioned into working at her current high school as an English teacher. She then went on in her career to be the first Literacy Instructional Coach in the building, then an Instructional Specialist for the district, and back to Ferris High school where she serves her school community as the scheduling and building facilities vice principal. Additionally, she spent 12 years in her career teaching remedial reading for the EOF program at NJCU and has since mentored many teachers and aspiring administrators.

Ms. Delgado was the first in her family to graduate from high school and the first to attend college. She attended Rowan University as an English major through the EOF program and graduated class of 2003. As a student at Rowan she was heavily involved with student organizations and served as executive member of most of the organizations she was a part of. In 2003, she was awarded the Alpha Phi Alpha Women in Achievement Award and the Ronald Angelo Adult Learner Scholarship. She is a member of Lambda Theta Alpha, Sorority Incorporated, and a member of Kappa Delta Pi – International Honor Society in Education. Right after undergraduate school, she attended NJCU where she earned two masters degrees, an MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Urban Education) and an MA (Master of Arts in Educational Administration). Currently she is back at Rowan working on her doctorate in Educational Leadership in the K-12 track.

Ms. Delgado was born and raised in Lima Peru until the age of 9. She immigrated to the US with her family in 1989 to escape the terrorism that took place in her country in the 80s. When she arrived in Dover, NJ, there was no ESL or bilingual program for her to attend. This made such a move even more challenging as she maneuvered through her education as a first generation student and professional in every facet of her academic and professional career. Her own experiences inspire her passion and drive her motivation to give back to many students like herself.

John R. Dominy, Esquire

Assistant Teaching Professor | Rowan University

John R. Dominy, Esquire holds a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Rutgers University Law School. John first joined Rowan University as an Adjunct in 2007. He now holds an Assistant Teaching Professor position at the Rohrer College of Business, where he provided instruction on general business law. John continues to provide legal consultation to clients in southern New Jersey. He is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania state courts, as well as the Federal District Courts for New Jersey, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. Over the years, John's legal focus has centered on involving employment, labor, and general business-related matters. John is active in a variety of civic and community organizations.

José Fernandez-Briot

Community Health Educator & Program Facilitator | ImmSchools

José was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. He migrated to Camden, New Jersey with his family as he was about to start high school. Adapting to a new country, language, and culture was challenging. Despite these obstacles, José successfully graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He was the first in his family to achieve this milestone and go on to college. He earned a bachelor’s in Health Promotion and Wellness Management from Rowan University in 2018. During college, from 2013 to 2015, he was a mentor in the Upward Bound ELLs program at Rowan University in Camden assisting multilingual learners and newcomer high school students. After graduating college, José worked in community health for five years with the mission to decrease the maternal and infant mortality rate in Camden City. As a community health worker and health educator, José had the opportunity to serve immigrant families via health education, parenting classes, and connection to resources. As an immigrant, he has seen firsthand the impact of the lack of support for newcomers and the challenges students and families face in education and access to resources. José believes that supporting immigrant students and families is an essential part of a country’s future.

Becca Finley

Accessibility Specialist | Rowan University

Becca Finley is an Accessibility Specialist at Rowan University and a certified school psychologist with over fifteen years of experience supporting students with disabilities in New Jersey’s K–12 public schools. Before joining Rowan, Becca contributed to higher education student support programs, including the Learning Access Program at Stockton University, the Rutgers Educational Opportunity Fund Program, and the Counseling Center at The College of New Jersey. Becca is an active volunteer with several organizations including OurView, a nonprofit dedicated to educating and raising awareness about disabilities, and she serves as a parent representative on her local Special Education Parent Advisory Committee. A proud first-generation college graduate, Becca is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and empowering students to reach their full potential.

Lu Grayson

Lu Grayson is a 24-year-old First-Generation student studying Professional Business Communications at RCSJ through the 3+1 Program. She identifies as a queer person and uses she/they pronouns. She has written articles for RCSJ’s Newspaper, The Voice, and was a student reporter for multiple campus events. Last year, they interviewed RCSJ’s former president, Dr. Keating, as he exited the campus after 15 years to join Rowan University as Vice President of Academic Affiliations. She has also made financial contributions to The Pantry @ CWS, RCSJ’s food pantry for students. With the introduction of the Keating Family Presidential Institute for First-Gen Students, they hope more students similar to themselves find guidance, community, and answers. She hopes to strengthen connections between the RCSJ campuses and Rowan University after transferring this Fall Semester.

Michael Grove, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences | Rowan University

Michael Grove, PhD, grew up in Ohio and was the first in his family to receive a college degree. He has been an associate professor in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Rowan University since 2001.  As a faculty member and as a former department chair and department head, he has been actively involved in several significant departmental and university level curricular revisions and always advocated for student-centeredness in those processes.

Brooke Hoffman, PhD

Assistant Teaching Professor of Bilingual & ESL Education; Program Coordinator | Rowan University

Dr. Hoffman is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Bilingual and ESL Education and coordinator of the ESL and Bilingual Education COGS programs at Rowan. She has over 25 years of teaching experience, including 3 years teaching English in China and 10 years teaching middle school math and science with multilingual learners in the School District of Philadelphia. She completed her doctoral work in Education with a concentration in Applied Linguistics at Temple University. Her teaching and research focus on the efficacy of training for pre-service and in-service teachers preparing to (more effectively) teach multilingual learners in general education classrooms.

Dana Kemery, EdD

Associate Clinical Professor of Nursing; Director of Innovative Course Design & Technological Infusion | Drexel University

Dr. Stephanie A.N. Levin

Educational Leader, Author & Disability Advocate | Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University

Dr. Stephanie A.N. Levin is an educational leader, an author, and a disability advocate. Stephanie’s research focuses on disability studies and feminist studies and how inclusive practices can be promoted for women students with disabilities in higher education. Dr. Levin’s book, Picking Up the Pieces: Finding My Way as a Visually Impaired Woman in Higher Education, tells the story of how she became visually impaired as a college student while navigating ableism, a decreased sense of belonging, mental health challenges, and a loss of identity while completing her degree. Her experiences have led her to actively advocate for the disability community, and to be a voice for those who are experiencing similar challenges. In addition to publishing her book, Dr. Levin published an opinion piece with EdSurge titled, Many Students don’t Inform their Colleges About their Disability. That Needs to Change. She has also served as keynote speaker for Rowan University events such as Access and Inclusion Week and The College of Education’s Homecoming Breakfast celebration.

Dr. Joe Lizza

Senior Director of Student Centers & Campus Activities | Rowan University

Dr. Joe Lizza is a dedicated higher education professional with over 18 years of experience in student affairs, campus operations, and student engagement. As Senior Director of Student Centers and Campus Activities at Rowan University, he provides strategic vision, leadership, and management for a comprehensive department that supports student engagement, community building, and service excellence. This role oversees the operations of over 160,000 square feet of student center space, guiding strategic planning, policy development, and assessment to maximize impact and efficiency.

In addition to his full-time responsibilities, Dr. Lizza is an adjunct instructor in both the College of Education and University College and serves as the advisor to Rowan University EMS, reflecting his deep commitment to student success, equity, and campus safety. A respected leader in the field, Dr. Lizza has held executive volunteer leadership roles in national associations, including NASPA, NACA, and ACUI. He is deeply committed to campus safety and violence prevention and extends his dedication to community service as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, and Chair of the Atlantic County Mental Health Advisory Board.

Dr. Jessica Luna-García

Scholar-Practitioner; Servingness & HSI Researcher; Co-Facilitator, Collective Word Praxis | EngagED Education Consulting

Dr. Jessica A. Luna Garcia is a first-generation scholar, educator, and leader dedicated to expanding access to higher education. She designs systems and solutions that dismantle barriers, amplify student voices, and strengthen institutional support from middle school through graduate pathways. Her work advances anti-deficit frameworks and reimagines student success for disadvantaged populations.

Dr. Justin C. Major

Assistant Professor of Experiential Engineering Education; Director, ASPIRE Lab | Rowan University

Dr. Justin C. Major (they/them) is an Assistant Professor of Experiential Engineering Education at Rowan University where they lead ASPIRE Lab (Advancing Student Pathways through Inequality Research in Engineering). Justin’s research focuses on low-income students, engineering belonging and marginalization mechanisms, adverse childhood experiences, and feminist approaches to EER, and connects these topics to broader understandings of student success in engineering. Justin completed their Ph.D. in Engineering Education (’22) and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics (’21) at Purdue University, and two B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Secondary Mathematics Education at the University of Nevada, Reno (’17). Atop their education, Justin is a previous NSF Graduate Research Fellow and has won over a dozen awards for research, service, and activism related to marginalized communities, including the 2020 ASEE ERM Division Best Diversity Paper for their work on test anxiety. As a previous homeless and food-insecure student, Justin is eager to challenge and change engineering education to be a pathway for socioeconomic mobility and broader systemic improvement rather than an additional barrier.

Nora Jean Nealon, DVM, PhD

Assistant Professor of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences | Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, Rowan University

Deborah Perez, PhD

Senior Research Associate, Educational & Psychological Studies | University of Miami

Deborah Perez, PhD, is a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Educational and Psychological Studies at the University of Miami. She is a founding member of the Inspire U first generation peer mentoring program. She has served the program in many roles including mentor trainer, program coordinator, and faculty-community liaison. Prior to her role as an educational researcher, she worked as a community practitioner and educator in the non-profit sector contributing to building organizational capacities, fund development, program evaluations and continuing education programs.

Tiniah Perkins

Tiniah Perkins is a sophomore in the traditional BSN Nursing program at the University of Pennsylvania, with a minor in Global Health. She is actively involved in a range of nursing, sports, and social organizations, serving as a Peer Mentor for PennFirstPlus, Internal Chair for the Minorities in Nursing Organization, Vice President of Community Champions, and Internal Chair for SheaCollective. In addition, Tiniah plays the flute in PennBand and is a member of the Penn Cheerleading Team. As a first-generation, low-income student, she looks forward to sharing her experiences with others and learning from their journeys as well.

Brett Pulliam, EdD

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Pathway Programs | Rowan University

Nicole Pulliam, PhD

Associate Professor; Executive Coach; Founder & CEO, Real & Worthy, LLC | Monmouth University

Dr. Nicole Pulliam is an award-winning educator, scholar, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in higher education, spanning both academic and student affairs. A proud first-generation college graduate and Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) alumna, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work supporting student success, equity, and inclusion. Raised in Passaic, NJ, Dr. Pulliam understands the transformative power of education and remains deeply committed to expanding access for historically oppressed communities.

A nationally recognized speaker and strategist, Dr. Pulliam partners with institutions across the country to lead transformative faculty development workshops focused on inclusive pedagogy, equitable advising, and student success. Her scholarship and leadership center equity, belonging, and access, with an emphasis on institutional accountability.

As a tenured professor and former department chair, Dr. Pulliam has spent over a decade teaching graduate-level courses and mentoring students, while spearheading equity-driven initiatives in curriculum, policy, and practice. She is the Founder and CEO of Real & Worthy, LLC, a boutique firm that provides executive coaching, strategic advising, and professional development for leaders across sectors. She also serves as a Faculty & Leadership Coach with Academic Impressions, supporting faculty through tenure, promotion, mid-career transitions, and leadership development.

In 2021, Dr. Pulliam was appointed as the inaugural director of the Monmouth University Social Justice Academy, a $2-million equity initiative she co-authored to advance equitable practices in K–16 education across New Jersey. Under her leadership, the Academy became a regional model for equity-centered professional learning, while also deepening partnerships with local colleges, school districts, and community organizations.

Her scholarship and commentary have been featured in peer-reviewed journals and national outlets. In 2024, she received the Excellence in Equity Award from the American Consortium for Equity in Education and was recently named a finalist for the ATHENA Leadership Award by the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce. She was a featured speaker at TEDx Jersey City in October of 2025 and is currently editing her forthcoming book, Counter-Narratives of Resistance for Women of Color in Higher Education: We Are Not Impostors (Emerald Publishing).

Dr. Pulliam serves on the Board of Trustees for the Grunin Foundation, supporting non-profit organizations with a shared vision of an equitable, just, and vibrant Central Jersey Shore, is on the editorial board for the Journal of First-Generation Student Success, is the former Chair of the NJ ACE Women’s Network, and is active in several professional and philanthropic organizations committed to advancing educational equity and leadership.

Valerie Richmand, EdD

Founder, EngagED Education Consultants; Creator, The Collective Word Praxis
Model

Dr. Valerie Richmond is an educator-scholar-consultant who connects classroom practice with community-engaged research to advance student-centered and transformative partnerships. She supports schools, universities, and organizations in designing innovative, teacher-supported and student-driven programming that bridges classroom, community, and policy.

Daniel Rios

Medical Student; Co-President, Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) | Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Born to first-generation immigrants from Colombia, Dan has served as a drug addiction counselor and case manager for Recovery Court patients in Paterson, New Jersey, where they cultivated skills in psychotherapy before pursuing their career in medical school. They have served as co-president of LMSA and worked extensively in the local community to help provide harm reduction to underserved communities.

Melinda Rossi, ABD

Educator-Researcher & Mentoring Specialist; Doctoral Student | University of Colorado Denver

Melinda Rossi is an early childhood special education coach in Aurora Public Schools. She is a fifth-year doctoral student at the University of Colorado Denver. Melinda’s three passions are early childhood, special education, and culturally and diverse education.

Nija Spencer

First-Generation Student Leader & Mental Health Advocate | Rowan University / The Black Therapeutic League

Ricky Urgo

PhD Student-Researcher, Higher & Postsecondary Education | University of Michigan

Kimberly Valle

Director of Partnerships & Programs | ImmSchools

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Kim (she/her/hers) is the proud daughter of immigrants, a first-generation college graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a focus on international development from the University of Texas a  El Paso (2016) and a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in Public Policy Management from Rutgers University–Camden (2021).

As an undergraduate, Kim dedicated her work to covering borderland immigration stories, highlighting the experiences of undocumented and immigrant students and communities. From 2016 to 2018, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco, where she created sustainable socio-economic programs for youth and women in rural areas, supporting their educational and employment opportunities.

Her Peace Corps service deepened her commitment to public service, leading her to continue working in the nonprofit sector, where she has focused on advancing education and social services for immigrant communities. Kim draws daily motivation from her own upbringing in a marginalized, undocumented community, where she witnessed firsthand the educational and socio-economic disparities immigrant families face. For three years, she also taught multiple subjects in North Philadelphia to youth facing truancy from ages 14 to 20 as well as support with curriculum building for newcomer and ESL students.

For over four years, Kim has been part of ImmSchools, where she first served as Program Manager and now leads as the Director of Partnerships and Programs, overseeing initiatives in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Beyond her professional role, she is actively engaged in her community, serving on multiple committees and organizations. Most importantly, Kim is a
proud mom to a spirited 4-year-old who keeps her on her toes and inspires her every day.

Mathew Vasquez

Academic Advisor, School of Business–Camden | Rutgers University–Camden

Mathew Vazquez is a first-generation college graduate and higher education professional with over 10 years of experience supporting students at both the community college and university levels. He currently serves as an Academic Advisor at Rutgers University–Camden School of Business, where he works closely with students to promote academic success, persistence, and personal development.

Mathew earned his Associate of Arts in Education from Burlington County College and his Bachelor of Arts in English from Thomas Edison State University. His professional work is guided by a strong commitment to student advocacy, access, and equity, with a particular focus on supporting first-generation college students.

Milan Whetstone, MSW

Assistant Director of Admissions, Pathway Programs, Rowan University

Milan Whetstone (Ahye) is a proud Rowan University alumna, first-generation college advocate, and higher education professional whose connection to Rowan spans generations. Inspired by her grandmother both an alumna and longtime employee of the university. Milan’s Rowan journey began long before she enrolled. She often jokes that she and her grandmother “worked together at Rowan inside a Xerox box,” a lighthearted reflection of a legacy rooted in access, opportunity, and service. Originally from Sicklerville, New Jersey, Milan officially began her student journey at Rowan in the summer of 2006 through the Camden EOF program. As a student, she was deeply engaged in campus life, serving in PROS (Peer Referral Orientation Staff), participating in SOCA (Student Organization Caribbean Awareness), and becoming a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Lambda Rho Chapter in Spring 2008. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2011 and later completed her Master of Social Work at Rutgers University in 2013.

Milan’s lived experience as an EOF student ignited a lifelong commitment to supporting first-generation and historically underrepresented students. Throughout her career, she has held roles centered on student access, persistence, and success ensuring students are not only admitted, but supported through graduation. Currently, Milan serves as the Assistant Director of Admissions Pathway Programs  at Rowan University, where she leads recruitment efforts for the ASCEND (EOF/RISE) program. In this role, she recently spearheaded improvements to the ASCEND application process, resulting in an 85% reduction in the Pre-College Institute (PCI) “no-show” rate a significant outcome that reflects her student-centered, data-informed approach. Milan brings both professional expertise and lived experience to conversations around access, equity, and first-generation student success. She actively serves on campus committees and collaborates across departments to create more inclusive pathways into and through higher education.

Milan lives in Sicklerville, New Jersey with her husband Dawaine, and their children, DaSean and Nola.

Marcus A. White, MA

Senior Program Coordinator, Student Support Services | Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Marcus A. White, M.A. (he/him/his) is the Senior Program Coordinator responsible for the development and implementation of student success programs, initiatives, and services that foster the academic achievement and personal growth of first- and second-year
SSS scholars at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. In his role, he collaborates with the Director to develop and implement large-scale academic and success initiatives that
aim to support first-generation and low-income students, utilizing best practices that
promote retention, graduation, and social mobility. The programs provide academic
success strategies as well as empowerment of life skills, career preparation, and financial literacy, providing direct support to first-generation college students.

Prior to joining Rutgers, Marcus held the positions of Coordinator of Retention and
Special Populations and BRAVE Coordinator at Rowan College at Burlington County, where he was recognized for his exceptional dedication, outstanding hard work, loyalty, and community service. He has also received honors and awards for his innovative student-centered approach in developing effective retention initiatives that support male students and first-time students from diverse and under-resourced backgrounds. Marcus holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Management from The College of New Jersey and earned his Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education from Rider
University.

Eric Williams

Eric Williams is a Senior Undergraduate student at Rowan University, pursuing a degree in Accounting with a minor in Management Information Systems. Outside the classroom, he serves as Treasurer of Unity & Belonging in Business and as a voting member of Rowan’s SGA Student Financial Control Board. As a first-generation college student, Eric is dedicated to leveraging the opportunities of higher education, developing practical leadership skills, and preparing for a career in accounting that bridges business and technology.