STAFF
One Million Degrees is staffed by a group of talented and passionate professionals, steadfast in their commitment to our mission and relentless in their dedication to the success of our scholars. They are the very heart of our program and the engine of our success.
PAIGE PONDER
Chief Executive Officer
Paige works closely with all stakeholders – Board members, staff, partners, funders, volunteer coaches, scholars, and alumni – to ensure One Million Degrees achieves its mission and makes a lasting impact in the lives of the students we support. She joined One Million Degrees in 2012 after leading Project Exploration, a dynamic youth STEM organization. Prior to Project Exploration, Paige was Officer of Student Support and Engagement at Chicago Public Schools.
Paige’s private sector experience in education includes work at the Grow Network and McGraw-Hill in product development, professional development, and client services capacities. She began her career as a Princeton Project 55 Fellow at Holy Cross School in the South Bronx, NY. Paige holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Paige was appointed to the Illinois Community College Board in 2018. She currently serves on the Steering Committee for the Consortium for Chicago School Research at the University of Chicago and is a 2019 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow.
COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
ANDREA MARTIN
Director of Development and Communications
Andrea leads One Million Degrees’ fundraising initiatives and internal and external communications, working with funding partners and various stakeholders to support the organization’s expanding reach and impact. Andrea joined OMD in 2015 as Development Manager and has taken on increasing levels of responsibility driving grant writing and reporting, event management, portfolio management, and communications oversight. Prior to joining OMD, Andrea served as marketing communications manager and Education Pioneers Fellow for Chicago Lawndale AMACHI Mentoring Program and previously held roles in B2B marketing, digital consulting, and client support. Andrea holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Hampton University and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University.
KATHLEEN SULLIVAN
Manager of Individual Giving
Kat serves as a front-line fundraiser, building and growing relationships with supporters across the city. Prior to joining OMD, Kat was Assistant Director of Admissions at Saint Mary’s College and held earlier roles in public relations and student conduct. Kat holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Saint Mary’s College and a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from Indiana University.
FINANCE AND OPERATIONS TEAM
MERIDEL TRIMBLE
Chief Operating Officer
Meridel oversees OMD’s program evaluation and research, financial management, and human capital development. Prior to OMD, she was a Project Team Leader in City Colleges of Chicago’s strategy department. Meridel previously served as a Presidential Management Fellow with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and as a Fellow in the City of Chicago’s Mayor’s Office. She began her career with development roles at the University of Chicago and Northwestern. Meridel received her bachelor’s degree in Japanese and International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MPA from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Connections for Abused Women and their Children.
WASEEM A. NISAR
Finance Manager
Waseem manages OMD’s accounting and finance activities. Previously, he served as Account Manager for Quattro FPO and as Assistant Controller for the Department of Justice.
He graduated with an MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a bacherlor’s degree in Accounting from DePaul University.
HANNAH SIMPSON
Senior Office & Development Coordinator
Hannah supports both the operations and development teams as Senior Office & Development Coordinator at OMD. She engages in the day-to-day operational tasks as well as donor processing and event planning. Outside of OMD, Hannah volunteers with several organizations focusing on underserved communities in the Chicagoland area and founded a bi-annual service day at her preceding company. Hannah’s previous experience as a Forecast Analyst at a large retail manufacturer allowed her to bring an analytical skillset to OMD in addition to her passion for the non-profit industry. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Arizona State University.
PROGRAM TEAM
PURACARINA GONZALEZ
Director of Strategic Initiatives
PuraCarina leads OMD’s partnerships and initiatives, including workforce development, recruiting, and housing authority collaborations. PuraCarina joined OMD in 2015 as Manager of Scholar Recruitment, developing and leading strategy for scholar recruitment and onboarding, and was promoted to Director of College Partnerships in 2017. Prior to OMD, PuraCarina worked for City Year Chicago, Peer Health Exchange-Chicago and the Workers Organizing Committee of Chicago. PuraCarina graduated from The University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a proud Posse Chicago alum. PuraCarina is graduate of the Surge Fellowship.
DANIELLE MCCONNELL
Director of Program
Leading OMD’s campus-based team, Danielle works to ensure the OMD Program is successfully executed and supported across OMD’s 10 campus partner sites. Danielle joined One Million Degrees five years ago as a Program Coordinator, working directly with students at Harold Washington, Malcolm X, Daley and Truman College, prior to being promoted to Program Manager two years ago. In that role, she led a team of three campus Program Coordinators teams serving scholars across the Chicago region. Prior to One Million Degrees, Danielle worked with City Year Chicago, a nonprofit organization, supporting “freshmen on track” efforts and providing socio-emotional coaching for high school students in Chicago. She received a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology from the University of Michigan with a separate concentration in Gender & Health.
KAYLA ANDERSON
Program Operations Coordinator
Kayla comes from Washington DC, where she was the program manager of an academic internship program for students interested in the nonprofit sector. She holds her bachelor’s degree in International Studies and History from Baker University. Additionally, she received her master’s degree in Global and International Studies from the University of Kansas. She has worked in the field of international higher education in previous positions at the NAIA, the University of Arkansas, and in Morocco. She currently serves as the Fellowships Program Chair at the United Nations Association – Chicago.
JESUS AYALA JR.
Manager of College Partnerships
Jesus Ayala Jr. is a Manager of College Partnerships. He is an advocate for public education and a champion for college access. He completed his bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest College and received his MPA from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Before OMD, he completed a Summer Fellowship at the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office where he worked on various policy projects. He currently serves on the Jones College Prep Local School Council and has volunteered with a variety of organizations like buildOn, Mikva Challenge, and Chicago Scholars. He started with OMD as a volunteer coach and later joined as the Program Coordinator for Richard J. Daley Community College where he worked with students for a year and half. He is now excited to work with multiple colleges and help his team serve more students.
KRISHAE BEAMON
Manager of College Partnerships
Krishae serves as a Manager of College Partnerships for Olive Harvey, South Suburban, and Prairie State College. She worked directly with OMD scholars as a program coordinator for 3 years, where she spent her time building relationships with scholars and supporting as a thought partner, accountability partner, and a friend. Her passion in life is to strengthen communities and be a support system for those striving for their own success. She worked closely with high school youth as a City Year Chicago Corps Member and served as a family support specialist with Head Start. Krishae received her bachelor’s degree in Family & Child Studies from Northern Illinois University with a minor in Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship. During her time as a program coordinator she pursued and obtained her MPA and master’s degree in Political Justice Studies.
XOCHITL CRUZ
Manager of College Partnerships
Xochitl dedicates her time to her OMD Scholars by supporting them emotionally, academically, and professionally. She also aids the staff in recruitment, event planning, managing the tutoring program. Prior to being a Program Coordinator, she worked as a tutor with OMD Scholars at Kennedy-King College, Harold Washington College, and Truman College. Xochitl was also a corps member with City Year Chicago where she mentored and tutored high school students. She received her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Cornell University.
ERIKA EHMANN
Manager of Workforce and Corporate Partnerships
Erika serves as the Manager of Workforce and Corporate Partnerships. Previous to this role, she worked with participants in an earn and learn program, as well as connect our signature scholars and alumni with job and internship opportunities. Erika’s background is in social work and has worked in school and medical social work and in private practice. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Urban Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice from Elmhurst College and went on to graduate with her master’s degree in Social Work from Florida Gulf Coast University.
ROBIN GOEL
Program Coordinator, Harry S. Truman College
Robin is the Program Coordinator for Truman College. She is passionate about cultivating an environment that encourages lifelong learning. She has worked in education for over ten years in various roles: advisor, teacher, tutor. In her most recent role, she led the academic advising team at Kendall College. Robin earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and her master’s degree in Teaching from Montclair State University.
MARIA GONZALEZ
Senior Program Coordinator, Harold Washington College
María R. González is a Senior Program Coordinator with OMD. She is an experienced leader and mentor passionate about youth education and career advancement, with a vast history of advocating for undocumented students. While a student at IIT, she co-founded the first undocumented student led organization and while at Harold Washington College she co-founded the US Leadership Scholarship which was open to undocumented students. She’s currently involved with Organized Communities Against Deportations supporting individuals to fight against their own deportations. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the Illinois Institute of Technology
MICHAEL HERNANDEZ
Manager of College Partnerships
Michael Hernandez serves as Manager of College Partnerships for Kennedy-King, Truman, and Wright College. For two years, he worked with OMD scholars as a program coordinator at Malcolm X College. Prior to OMD, he taught first-year writing and workplace writing at DePaul University and served with AmeriCorps at the nonprofit writing and tutoring center 826CHI. As an undergraduate, Michael received his bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from the Dominican University, and he graduated with a master’s degree in English from DePaul University.
MATHEW HOLLOWAY
Career Advancement Coordinator
Mathew Holloway has a degree in Sociology from Loyola University New Orleans. He brings experience in youth development (employability and life skills training). He recently finished a Fulbright Scholarship in Panama City, Panama, where he taught English and career skills at the Universidad de Panama and Universidad del Istmo. He believes that skill development is essential to self-determination and is excited to work with scholars on career pathways.
STEPFANIE JOHNSON
Program Manager, Prairie State College
Stepfanie brings with her four years of experience working directly with pregnant and parenting teens on Chicago’s south side. In her previous role, she developed a passion for helping others reach their personal and professional goals. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies from Northern Illinois University. She is an advocate for the rights of her clients and has a genuine passion for serving in the social service field. She enjoys creating new ways to support those in need while connecting them to various resources to help them reach their goals.
KENDALL KENNEDY-OCHOA
Scholar Recruitment Manager
Kendall is OMD’s Scholar Recruitment Manager and a second year OMD coach at Prairie State College. Outside of OMD she is a consultant, transformation coach, and self-care advocate. All of her experience has allowed her to contribute to business initiatives centered on change, process improvement, growth, and driving employee engagement. As a teen parent and community college graduate, she is thrilled to support recruitment, students, and OMD. Kendall holds an associate degree from South Suburban College, a bachelor’s degree in management from Loyola University Chicago, and a master’s degree in communication from Northwestern University.
XAVIER MANN
Manager of Program Supports
Xavier serves as the Manager of Program Support. Prior to joining One Million Degrees, Xavier was an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer with a local nonprofit where he helped to develop mentoring and summer programs for children who are experiencing homelessness. Before that he worked as a case manager providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. Xavier has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Grand Valley State University and a master’rs degree in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University. His passion is eliminating academic achievement gaps across race, class, and gender lines.
KATE SCHEUCH
Senior Volunteer & Alumni Programs Coordinator
Kate comes to OMD with a passion for education research and service, spending her time in undergrad working on language development research, serving as a team leader for Jumpstart for Young Children, and volunteering with the service organization Alpha Phi Omega. Kate started as a Volunteer Management intern with OMD and is thrilled to be rejoining this amazing team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Human Development with a minor in Human Rights from the University of Chicago.
NEAL SPANN
Program Manager, South Suburban College
Neal is passionate about partnering with OMD Scholars to empower them in achieving success academically and to obtain their college degree by providing support and resources necessary goals in life. Neal previously served as a District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America, providing operational management and volunteer support. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public & Non-Profit Administration with an Emphasis in Finance and Budgeting. With over 10 years of Non-Profit experience, Neal feels very strongly about community development and feels One Million Degrees is one of the best organizations created to positively impact scholar success.
MELANIE WAGNER
Senior Program Coordinator, Malcolm X College
Melanie Wagner, a Senior Program Coordinator at OMD, believes that education is key to disrupting systems of inequality. This belief has driven her work in education and non-profits. The bulk of her work has been in adult education, including teaching and tutoring adult job seekers, English language learners, and formerly incarcerated individuals, in addition to training volunteer tutors to work with adult learners. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Bowling Green State University.
HALEIGH WILSON
Program Coordinator, Kennedy-King College and Olive-Harvey College
As a Program Coordinator at Kennedy-King and Olive -Harvey Colleges, Haleigh is a fervent servant-leader, mentor, and motivator with experience working with students in K-12 and post-secondary education. Haleigh honed her skill toolkit as a campus leader, student advocate, and resident advisor at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Additionally, her year of service as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, coupled with her term at City Year Denver, prepared her to support the success of community college students. Haleigh is passionate about educational equity. She firmly believes that all students deserve to cross the finish line regardless of where they started.
The OMD Staff works relentlessly to advance the mission of our organization. Each member brings their unique experiences and drive that, ultimately, allows us to work together to support community college students.
Senior Program Coordinator – Teach Chicago Tomorrow
Career Advancement Coordinator – AON
Grants Manager
Program Coordinator – Richard J. Daley College
Program Coordinator – Malcolm X College
Director of Campuswide Programs
Campuswide Program Coordinator - Olive-Harvey College
Senior Volunteer and Alumni Programs Coordinator
Curriculum and Training Specialist
Senior Data and Technology Specialist
Campuswide Program Coordinator - Olive-Harvey College
Executive Director, Advisory and Capacity Building, Colorado Office
Manager of Marketing and Communication
Director of Workforce Programs
Program Coordinator – Richard J. Daley College
Director - Advisor and Capacity Building
Program Coordinator – Harry S. Truman College
Executive Director , Chicago Campuswide Programs
Program Coordinator - Malcolm X College
Volunteer and Alumni Programs Coordinator
Program Coordinator – Malcolm X College
Program Coordinator – Olive-Harvey College
Program Coordinator – Malcolm X College
Senior Manager of Workforce Programs
Program Coordinator – Malcolm X College
Volunteer and Alumni Program Coordinator
Curriculum and Training Specialist
Chief Advancement Officer
Career Advancement Coordinator – AON
Program Coordinator - Olive-Harvey College
Senior Program Operations Coordinator
Senior HR and Operations Coordinator
Program Coordinator – Malcolm X College
Director of Program Services
Wayne Knox
Chief Operating Officer
Manager of Partnership and Scholar Support
Samantha Kyrkostas-Mills
Director of Development
Administrative & Development Specialist
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Program Coordinator - Harry S. Truman College
Scholar Recruitment Coordinator
Development Specialist
Program Coordinator - Wilbur Wright College
Director of Partnerships
Manager of Campuswide Programs - Malcolm X College
Manager of Campuswide Programs - Olive-Harvey College
Data and Technology Specialist
Data and Finance Support Specialist
Chief Program Officer
Program Coordinator - Young Women of Color Program
Director of Young Women of Color Program
Senior Program Coordinator, Malcolm X and Harold Washington College
Senior Data and Technology Specialist
Senior Career Advancement Coordinator – AON
Senior Career Advancement Coordinator
Career Advancement Coordinator – Allstate Apprenticeship Program
Program Coordinator – Malcolm X College
Manager of College Partnerships – Malcolm X College and Richard Daley College
Chief Executive Officer
Senior Manager of College Partnerships
Program Coordinator - Kennedy-King College
Keysha Taylor
Manager of Human Resources
Program Coordinator – Malcolm X College
Senior Program Coordinator – Harold Washington College
Scholar Recruitment Coordinator
Program Coordinator - Harold Washington College