Leslie Acosta brings a wealth of experience in community partnerships, specializing in public relations and marketing, to Economic Mobility Systems (EMS). With over eight years of industry expertise, Leslie has worked in various organizations, steadfastly working to offer institutions insights that will aid in well-informed decision-making along their path to success.
Leslie’s educational background includes a Master of Education in Teaching from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Spanish.

Before joining EMS, she served as the Assistant Director of Special Programs, Outreach & Marketing at Dallas College, where she oversaw various initiatives and managed stakeholder relationships. Before this, she was the Manager of K-12 Educational Partnerships, collaborating with school districts and leading student engagement activities.

Leslie possesses a strong technical skill set, including expertise in various project development software. She possesses a comprehensive understanding of student development, ranging from leadership development and program management to differentiated instruction and student engagement. With experience in fundraising and community partnership, Leslie has demonstrated a commitment to outreach, dropout prevention, and postsecondary opportunity programs.

Leslie Acosta’s extensive experience, technical skills, and dedication to student success position them as a highly qualified professional in the education technology realm.

Megan is a strategist and team-builder with deep experience driving system-level improvement across the K-12 and post-secondary education sector, having served at the classroom, school leadership, district central office, and state agency levels.
Megan served as Deputy Commissioner of Operations at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for six years, leading organizational strategy, external relations, and talent. Subsequently Megan co-founded a consultancy that supported a wide range of education sector organizations in strategy and talent systems design and implementation.

Earlier in her career, Megan held strategy development and fundraising roles at DC Public Schools and led the establishment of 70 college partnerships to support first-generation college students across the KIPP network of charter schools.

Megan began her career in education as a middle school Language Arts teacher and literacy coach in New York City. Megan earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Princeton University, a Master in the Art and Science of Teaching from Pace University in New York, and a Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University. She lives in Austin, Texas with her family.

Asad Ali is a marketing and communications leader focused on
expanding access, opportunity, and economic mobility through audience-centered storytelling. His work helps mission-driven organizations better communicate their impact and connect with the communities they serve.

In addition to his marketing experience, he has worked in education both inside and outside the classroom, along with a
background in nonprofit work. At the Economic Mobility Center, he brings these experiences together in support of a shared
mission.

He believes communication plays a key role in driving equitable outcomes and prioritizes messaging that is clear, relevant, and grounded in real experiences – so it leads to action, not just awareness.

Outside of work, he enjoys playing pickleball, grilling in the backyard, and exploring local food spots. He lives in Dallas, TX with his wife, Zohra, their two young children, and their black tabby cat, Jackson.

Kashif Asdi, PhD, brings over two decades of experience in academic innovation, product strategy, and educational equity across K–12, higher education, and workforce development. A first-generation college and doctoral graduate, he has dedicated his career to building scalable learning solutions that expand access, reduce cost, and align education with opportunity.

Most recently, Kashif served as Vice President of Academic Services and Products at Academic Partnerships, collaborating with more than 120 colleges to design and launch affordable, high-impact degree programs. His leadership emphasized streamlining course development, aligning curricula with workforce needs, and accelerating speed-to-market for in-demand programs.

Earlier, as Chief Academic Officer at Sophia Learning–Capella Education, Kashif developed SOPHIA Pathways for College Credit, a mastery-based platform that has saved students over $1 billion in tuition as of spring 2025. He also launched the first fully online, self-paced Flip Classroom Certificate, supporting more than 7,000 educators in enhancing their instructional practice.

Kashif’s approach centers on data-informed design, agile development, and deep stakeholder engagement. He is known for translating complex policy and compliance frameworks into learner-centered tools that deliver measurable outcomes. His commitment to equity, access, and innovation aligns closely with the mission of the Economic Mobility Center, empowering counselors and district leaders with actionable insights to close readiness gaps and improve postsecondary success.

Outside of work, Kashif is a strong advocate for lifelong learning, cross-cultural empathy, and community-driven impact. He holds a Ph.D. in Learning Technologies from the University of Minnesota and degrees in Design Communication, Journalism, and Fine Arts.

Steven is a strategic Human Resources leader with a diverse background spanning HR, sales, and education. With over a decade of experience across both the private and nonprofit sectors, he has led initiatives in organizational development, compliance, talent strategy, and employee engagement—supporting teams through growth, transition, and cultural transformation.

As Head of Human Resources at Economic Mobility Center (EMC), Steven is responsible for leading the organization’s people strategy, including HR operations, performance management, benefits, training, compliance, and employee relations. He plays a key role in shaping the employee experience and supporting EMC’s mission to expand economic opportunity through education and workforce innovation.

Prior to EMC, Steven held senior leadership roles at Ivy.ai, Academic Partnerships, and Texas Instruments, where he led initiatives such as StrengthsFinder-based team development, 9-box performance management, handbook overhauls, and multi-state compliance. His experience in sales earlier in his career provided a strong foundation in communication, strategic planning, and client engagement—skills that inform his people-first, results-driven approach to HR.

Steven began his professional journey as a classroom teacher, an experience that continues to influence his commitment to learning, coaching, and leadership development.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas Tech University, a Executive Management Certificate in Strategic Negotiations from Harvard University, an Advanced Certificate for Executives in Management, Innovation & Technology (ACE) from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an Executive Honors Certificate in Leadership Essentials from University of Notre Dame – Mendoza College of Business.

Throughout his extensive career, Eric has made an impact in education, from strategically linking high school reform to economic development in Greater Chicago to leading statewide initiatives for Dallas County Promise. In 2020, Eric founded EMS as a coalition under the Commit Partnership. Prior to his leadership role with Dallas County Promise, Eric was Senior Vice President of Program Innovation at Academic Partnerships, where he developed programs and solutions for universities to better serve students through online programs around the world.

As principal of Crown Point High School in Greater Chicago, Eric founded the College Acceleration Network, linking high school reform to economic development. During his tenure, he led the school in a remarkable transformation, using college readiness instruments and data that gained Crown Point High School the designation of the first ACT college acceleration research high school in the country. His innovations to produce next generation affordable, accountable and accessible dual credit classes with Indiana University Northwest and Purdue University Calumet were featured in Ed Week.

Before serving as a high school principal, Eric worked to build scalable models of K-12 and university programming with Dallas-based Higher Ed Holdings, where he served as Vice President of Research and Development and Executive Director of University Partnerships. Eric began his career as a high school chemistry teacher and basketball coach in Bloomington, Indiana. He moved into administration and then into a visiting professor role at the Indiana University School of Education where he reinvented the university’s student teacher performance system, launched the Indiana Reading Academy, and developed the teacher leadership master’s program.

Eric received a BS in Science Education, MAT in Chemistry, and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana University.

Admissions Operations at the University of Texas at Arlington. In this role, he looked to improve the admissions decision process by serving both graduate and undergraduate applicants, achieved by leveraging new technology capabilities. Additionally, Enrique has served a variety of roles focusing on Enrollment Management and Student Services at Dallas College with focuses on student recruitment, campus tours, student mentorship, new student orientation, Dallas County Promise, and constituent relationship management (CRM).

Throughout his professional endeavors, Enrique has applied his passion for technology to help guide work teams towards continued success. He holds several technology certifications, with the most notable being a Salesforce Certified Administrator, Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder and Salesforce Certified Education Cloud Consultant. Academically, Enrique holds an associate degree from Navarro College, bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Sam Houston State University.

In his free time, Enrique enjoys spending time with family, playing sports, collecting and playing video games, and fishing.

Karen Black, CPA, MBA, CGMA is a seasoned financial controller with over two decades of experience guiding nonprofit and corporate organizations through complex financial landscapes. With a strong foundation in financial reporting, audits, budgeting, and system implementation, she has consistently driven operational excellence and improved reporting accuracy across diverse sectors.
Most recently, Karen served as Controller at Custom Bilt Metals, where she revitalized accounting operations, eliminated a months-long invoicing backlog, and delivered comprehensive financial reporting across multiple entities. Prior to that, she led the finance team at the Dallas Museum of Art, managing a $350 million net asset portfolio and streamlining the period close process by six days through strategic process improvements.

Karen has also held leadership roles at The Family Place, US Anesthesia Partners, Paragon Furniture, and The Dwyer Group. Her accomplishments include coordinating flawless external audits, leading multiple software conversions, and overseeing complex financial consolidations. She is recognized for her hands-on leadership style, team mentoring, and a deep commitment to regulatory compliance and internal control integrity.

Karen holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a Certified Public Accountant in Texas and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. Her extensive technical toolkit includes ERP systems like Oracle, Great Plains Dynamics, and Financial Edge, and reporting tools such as FRX and OutlookSoft.

David Chaffin is an award-winning video production professional with more than three decades of experience creating high-impact visual content for corporate, broadcast, live events, and digital platforms. He brings a rare blend of creative craftsmanship, technical depth, and steady leadership—equally comfortable designing motion graphics, directing video and photo shoots, or editing videos that tell the stories of student success.

David’s career began as a teenager and spans broadcast television, in-house corporate teams, agencies, and freelance photography and videography. This breadth has given him a deep understanding of how visual media impacts our non-profit’s mission.

Prior to EMC, he launched the video departments at Voyager Expanded Learning and Academic Partnerships, leading the production of thousands of videos ranging from executive communications and marketing campaigns to large-event visuals and educational content.

He holds a Master of Science in Media Management with a digital media emphasis (2021) from Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications (1992) from Midwestern State University.

Outside of work, David enjoys bicycling, is an avid soccer fan, and serves on the production team at his church. He has been married to his wife Ginger for over 30 years and has three children.

From the Gulf Coast of Galveston Texas to the West Texas Plains, and finally, in the heart of DFW. Lucas’ knowledge and experience has taken him all over the great state of Texas, providing technological solutions for a variety of industries. From Higher Education to Oil & Gas, Transportation & Logistics, and even Banking. Lucas’ acumen for learning new technologies, discerning problem areas, and developing solutions has been cultivated from the plethora of Data management challenges he has had to face in his varied career.

Graduating from Texas Tech University in 2015, Lucas began building his career in Higher Education, working in Enrollment Management for the very same school that had brought him to West Texas. This experience cemented the foundational principles and fundamental methods that he would carry with him in the future. Not only focused on software and technology but the human impact that he had on the students he was helping. Each one was given an incredible opportunity to reach their goals thanks to the efforts of the Enrollment Management team and the software that was employed to help them.

With a wealth of experience, in a multitude of Data-driven environments, and is ability to hone in on the end-User impact, Lucas now joins the team at Economic Mobility Systems, to help ensure that all have an opportunity to succeed in this world.

Megan’s career has been dedicated to advancing college readiness and economic mobility through strategic program development and data-driven student support. She has worked extensively with school districts and higher education partners to improve college access for underrepresented students.

As District College Readiness Coordinator at Grand Prairie Independent School District, Megan provided leadership and oversight for college preparation initiatives, managing partnerships with organizations like Education is Freedom, the University of Texas at Arlington, and Dallas College. She coordinated new hire training, facilitated dual credit programs, and operated the College & Career Center, guiding students through post-secondary planning, financial aid, and career exploration. Her work ensured students, especially first-generation and low-income students had the support and resources needed for success beyond high school.

In her current role as K-12 Account Manager at the Economic Mobility Center, Megan supports and oversees multiple school districts across Dallas County, using comprehensive data analysis to drive systematic improvements in college enrollment. Her expertise in project management, content development, and stakeholder collaboration allows her to implement scalable solutions that expand student opportunities.

Megan holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas at Dallas and is pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial & Organizational Psychology at Grand Canyon University (expected May 2025).

London is a passionate student and family advocate with a background in community outreach and early-childhood supports focused in Dallas County. With an aptitude for relationship building and connecting resources to those who need them most, she has coordinated workforce solutions, led student-centered leadership initiatives, and managed resource distribution for community-based organizations.

As the Manager of Continuous Improvement for Dallas County Promise at the Economic Mobility Center (EMC), London leads engagement and research efforts that elevate student and family voice to shape the evolution of the program. She manages surveys, focus groups, and data analysis to identify trends, reduce barriers, and create actionable improvements that ensure more students can access higher education. Through her work with Dallas County Promise serving high school students on the path to economic mobility, her goal is to ensure that the last-dollar tuition grant remains a powerful and accessible tool for equity in college access.

London collaborates closely with college access leaders, higher education partners, and community organizations to align resources, strengthen pathways, and deliver student-centered solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Texas at Dallas and is Adult Mental Health First Aid Certified through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Tilope Eddins is a seasoned finance and administrative professional with extensive experience in accounting, nonprofit financial management, and business operations. With a Master of Business Administration from Christian Brothers University and a Bachelor of Science from Middle Tennessee State University, she has developed a strong foundation in financial oversight, strategic planning, and human resources management.

Most recently, Tilope served as the Director of Business and Finance for a Memphis based, multi-company nonprofit, where she managed accounting functions, payroll processing, financial reporting, and HR administration. With over a decade of experience she has also held key financial roles in banking and finance showcasing her expertise in bookkeeping, compliance, budgeting, and donor relations.

Tilope is highly adept at streamlining operations and ensuring financial integrity. She is a fast learner, self-motivated, and excels in both team-based and independent environments.

With a passion for financial stewardship and organizational efficiency, Tilope continues to leverage her expertise to drive operational success and financial sustainability in every role she undertakes.

Phillip Fabian is an education advocate who serves as Senior Director of Data Solutions for Dallas County Promise at the Economic Mobility Center, a nonprofit working to ensure that all students have the support they need in pursuing affordable postsecondary pathways aligned with living wage careers. Phillip has had the privilege of supporting the initial launch of the Dallas County Promise in 2017 through the current programmatic implementation serving over 27,000 graduating seniors each year. His current role focuses on managing data and technology systems critical to the student support program.

Prior to this role, Phillip was an educator through Teach For America in Dallas ISD at H. Grady Spruce High School. He supported students in exploring the world of biology and also had the opportunity to teach an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) class, where he found his true passion for postsecondary access and success.

Phillip received a Bachelor of Science in biology with a focus on neurobiology from the University of Texas at Austin. Outside of work, he enjoys swimming laps, reading fantasy and science fiction novels, spending time with his dog, and playing piano.

Nikita “Niki” Fisher brings over 20 years of experience in education with a deep commitment to equity, access, and student-centered success. Throughout her career, she has built and led innovative college, career, and military readiness programs designed to empower students and remove barriers to postsecondary opportunity.

Most recently serving as the CCMR Dean in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Niki developed and implemented districtwide systems to support high school students in achieving CCMR indicators, with a focus on TSI readiness. She created onboarding tools and cross-departmental strategies to support future success for every student. Her work included leading data-driven collaborations and partnering with institutions like Dallas College to connect students with affordable, high-impact degree and certificate pathways.

Earlier in her career, as Lead Counselor at an Early College High School, Niki collaborated with Dallas College to increase the rates of students graduating with associate degrees to 85%. Niki promoted special programs to increase parent awareness, action, and participation as well as established a culture of increased student involvement within local and state communities.

Outside of work, Niki volunteers with the Association of American University Women, North Dallas Chapter, which works toward advancing gender equity through education and advocacy.

An Iowan at heart, Niki holds a B.A. in Religion from the University of Iowa (Go Hawks!) and a Master’s in Counseling from the University of North Texas. As a certified college adviser through Columbia University, she continues to champion innovation, access, and student voice in all areas of her work.

Mark’s vast experience covers nonprofit to corporate, anchored by a passion for leveraging innovative technology to enhance and expand access to quality education.

Prior to joining Commit and EMS, Mark served as Chief Information Officer and SVP of Distance Learning Systems at Whitney International University System (now Ilumno), where he created a scalable distance-learning model to support the company’s vision of global mass access to quality higher education. He developed the IT strategy and led IT organizations at seven university partners across Latin America to create and implement technology-based solutions supporting the development and delivery of campus-based and online, degree-based education programs, serving more than 100,000 students. Additionally, Mark served as the president of ADEPTCentral, a division of Avalon Consulting, LLC, specializing in the design and development of customized learning solutions for Fortune 500 companies and Higher Education institutions.

Mark began his career starting up and building Westcott Communications, a pioneering distance education company serving various industries, including first responders, healthcare professionals, and high school students. His career there spanned two decades and two acquisitions, serving in various executive leadership roles including VP Information Technology and VP Operations. A native Texan, Mark is a proud graduate of Irving ISD and Dallas County Community College District colleges, and received a BBA in Management with a minor in International Business from Northwood University.

Jonathan’s educational journey continued to evolve as he embraced new challenges and opportunities. Graduating from Grand Prairie High School, he became a participant in the Dallas County Promise program, setting the stage for his pursuit of higher education. Jonathan dedicated two years to Dallas College, immersing himself in the world of technology and laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Fueled by his passion for technology, Jonathan decided to further his studies and enrolled in Texas A&M-Commerce, where he successfully earned a degree in Computer Science in the spring of 2023. His academic achievements, combined with his commitment to learning and innovation, led him to an internship at EMS. Here, he delved into the dynamic intersection of technology and education, gaining valuable insights into the implementation of systems crucial to student success.

Acknowledging his potential and dedication, Jonathan has now moved into a new position as the Data and Systems Associate at EMS. In this position, he plays a crucial role in developing, integrating, and analyzing technical resources, as well as ensuring smooth operation of systems integral to the EMS team’s efficiency and effectiveness. His journey from an intern to a Data and Systems Associate exemplifies his dedication to growth and excellence in the field of technology.

Throughout her career, Shawn has focused her passion and expertise on the intersection of learning and work. Holding steadfast in her commitment to create the conditions, partnerships and solutions necessary to empower millions of learners to improve their lives and careers.

Shawn has a wealth of experience in developing and scaling impactful solutions that drive economic mobility. Drawing on extensive experience in both the non-profit and corporate sectors, Shawn excels at connecting employers, educators, and community organizations to create pathways to opportunity. She previously established a new product organization at CAEL, launching 20+ upskilling technology solutions for major clients. She also set the vision and organizational structure for a new client success division as Regional Vice President at Wiley Education Services. By applying deep expertise in learning strategy and talent development, Shawn created programs and solutions for universities and corporate partners that turned learning investments into strategic talent advantages for improved recruitment, retention and mobility – especially for the frontline workforce.

Shawn is adept at translating market needs into actionable product strategies, fostering collaboration across teams, and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction. Her expertise in workforce development and stakeholder management enables her to deliver effective and innovative solutions.

Shawn holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and has served on a variety of nonprofit boards including the City of Peoria Arts & Library Commission, Women’s Crisis Center, Flagship Help Center and the Spanish Barb Conservatory.

Jana Jones brings nearly 30 years of experience in public education with a passion for helping students achieve success beyond high school. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives that strengthen College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) by building strategic systems, fostering collaborative partnerships, and using data to drive meaningful outcomes for students and school districts.

She most recently served as the Coordinator of Secondary School Design and CCMR Readiness for Garland ISD. Jana led districtwide efforts to improve TSI readiness, coordinate cross functional teams, and supported 7 high school campuses in meeting CCMR goals. She has successfully implemented systems that streamlined data reporting and expanded access to postsecondary opportunities.

Prior to her current role, Jana served as an EDL Instructional Leadership Coordinator and Assistant Principal, where she developed districtwide performance monitoring systems and coached campus leaders. She began her career as a middle school science teacher and coach.

Jana earned a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University and a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University Commerce. Passionate about continuous improvement, Jana is dedicated to creating innovative solutions to ensure that every student is prepared for postsecondary success and living wage attainment.

Laura Landry brings more than a decade of experience in Dallas ISD, where she served as a teacher, school leader, and ultimately Principal of Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School. In that role, she guided the campus to record-breaking achievements in student retention, enrollment, and degree completion, cementing her reputation as a results-driven leader who always keeps students at the center.

Her career has been defined by a commitment to equity, access, and data-driven improvement. From advancing early literacy to expanding college readiness, Laura has consistently championed initiatives that close gaps and open doors for students across Dallas. She excels at building partnerships, leading teams, and designing systems that drive sustainable, measurable impact—making her a natural fit for EMC’s mission to improve outcomes from kindergarten through college.

Originally from Southern California, Laura earned her degree at Southern Methodist University and proudly calls Dallas home. Outside of work, she’s known for her adventurous spirit and eye for detail: whether she’s scuba diving through underwater caves, curating the perfect spreadsheet, or spoiling her nieces and nephews, Laura finds joy in both structure and exploration.

Ileana Martinez brings extensive experience in marketing and communications, with a deep commitment to servant leadership and advancing mission-driven work.

Before joining Economic Mobility Systems, she led national communications efforts at SER National, where she amplified stories of workforce development and education across the country. Ileana also supported public affairs and advocacy campaigns at The Raben Group, a D.C.-based consulting firm focused on equity and justice. Earlier in her career, she worked with Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, where she championed girl empowerment and community engagement through innovative outreach and programming in the southern New Mexico and West Texas community.

Throughout her career, Ileana has built impactful campaigns that elevate communities, strengthen partnerships, and drive strategic results with heart, purpose, and creativity at the core of her work.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Ileana earned her B.A. in Communications from New Mexico State University.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, watching films, mastering recipes in the kitchen, and challenging others in trivia games.

Kristin is a data-driven Marketing and Operations Executive with a proven track record of driving growth, operational efficiency, and strategic transformation. With over 25 years of leadership experience across marketing, operations, finance, and strategy, she has successfully scaled businesses, optimized performance, and aligned strategies to market demands across Fortune 100 corporations, private equity-backed companies, startups, and nonprofit organizations.

As Chief Operating Officer of Economic Mobility Center (EMC), Kristin oversees Marketing, Strategy, Finance, HR, Legal, Analytics, and Operational Improvement. She plays a pivotal role in advancing EMC’s mission to expand economic opportunity through data-driven solutions that empower K-12 and higher education institutions.

With over seven years in online education, Kristin has held leadership roles at Academic Partnerships and Higher Ed Partners. As COO of Higher Ed Partners, she led international expansion, managing marketing, contact centers, technology, business intelligence, and partner support for 10 UK universities. At Academic Partnerships, she served as Vice President of Performance Marketing and Vertical Chief of Healthcare, Business, and Undergraduate, driving enrollment growth and student success.

Beyond the education sector, Kristin has led large-scale initiatives in retail, e-commerce, and industrial sectors. At Office Depot, she held multiple leadership roles and managed multiple business units including the $1.2B e-commerce and direct sales business. She has also held key marketing and operational leadership roles at Galls LLC, Innovative Mattress Solutions, and Anacomp Inc.

Kristin holds an MBA with an international emphasis from United States International University and a BA in Economics from the University of California San Diego.

Robert brings more than 16 years of in-depth experience in education technology, including expertise in Salesforce, to the EMS team.

He comes to Commit and EMS with a great balance of experience with educational products, custom software development, data integrations, client-facing collaboration and management of technical resources. Over the years he has enjoyed learning new skills and implementing new software. He believes that technology will come and go but the vital need for student success will always remain.

Prior to joining Commit, Robert gained diverse experience in education technology, having worked for a top community college, the largest higher education software company and an education focused non-profit startup. As a Certified Salesforce Administrator, Robert has worked with Salesforce to develop systems to assist students’ transition from high school to and through college. A first generation American​, Robert grew up in the Houston area and received an Associate’s degree in Application Programming from San Jacinto College.

Brett has over 25 years of experience in Information Technology, from his days at IBM to running his own I.T. business. Previously serving as the Director of IT for the Dallas Mavericks, he led all cyber security initiatives. An accomplished IT leader, Brett possesses a robust background in network architecture, cyber security, and enterprise system management.

Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead teams, tackle complex technical challenges, and provide innovative solutions. Known for his collaborative approach and dedication to operational excellence, Brett brings both deep technical expertise and strategic insight to the team.

Brett has is Associates of Science from Collin College, and numerous I.T. certifications. In his free time he is head coach to his sons hockey team, and enjoys hockey, snow skiing and video games.

Imran was born and raised in a small town in Central California. From an early age he experienced first-hand educational inequities in both resources and opportunities for students and has pursued opportunities over the years to work on closing these gaps.

He joins EMS not only passionate about its work but also strongly committed to a data-driven approach to recognizing and helping students who may be at risk of falling through the cracks. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in data systems including how to leverage Salesforce for student outcomes data.

Prior to EMS he has worked in college access, microfinance, as well as on the corporate side doing media planning and strategy at a global media agency. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Sports Media Studies from the University of Southern California along with a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University. In his free time he is an avid sports fan, swimmer, and enjoys baking sweet treats for friends and family.

Joseph (Joe) has been designing and building systems since grade school. It started with technical theatre, was honed in flight school during undergrad, and was put to the test running large-scale logistics and event management at Arizona State University. For the last eight years, that same instinct has been focused on people, data, and education — most recently bringing a systems mindset to the data pipelines and products that help organizations turn information into something they can act on.

The systems have varied, but the ethos hasn’t: try something that works, then iterate with a team until it runs like a perfectly tuned airplane. The product rarely looks the same twice, but the framework behind it holds — producing outcomes that are quietly resilient and feel almost inevitable to the people using them.

For Joe, values aren’t something you say, they’re something you do. He builds processes that reflect the team’s values and documents them so clearly that following them becomes reflex — the way a pilot falls back on training when it counts.

Joe holds an undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Management Technology from Arizona State University. A Wisconsin native now settled in Arizona, he gravitates toward the best of both — fly fishing, hiking, and traveling with his wife and two boys.

Christian Ohonba brings over 8 years of project management expertise, with a proven track record of delivering complex implementations across SaaS, nonprofit, and higher education sectors. As a PMP-certified professional, she specializes in transforming ambiguous requirements into structured, successful outcomes.

Before joining EMC, Christian served as a Project Manager at Redpath Consulting Group, where she led 20+ Salesforce implementations for nonprofit and higher education clients. Her strategic approach to aligning system capabilities with business objectives resulted in improved operational transparency and a 30% increase in client satisfaction. She excelled at mentoring cross-functional teams and translating technical complexities into clear strategic outcomes for stakeholders.

Previously, at Virgin Pulse, Christian managed enterprise client onboarding and implementation processes, where her focus on change management and process optimization reduced escalations by 25% and significantly improved post-launch client self-sufficiency. Earlier in her career at HomeCare HomeBase, she executed 30+ EMR software implementations, building her foundation in full-lifecycle project delivery and cross-departmental collaboration.

Christian earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, with a focus on Human Resources and Political Science. She recently achieved her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in December 2024.

When she’s not driving project success, Christian enjoys exploring Dallas’s diverse culinary scene and staying active in the local community.

Annetta “Obi” Oleru is a data analytics professional and strategist focused on using data to expand educational access and economic mobility. With a strong quantitative foundation and deep experience in education systems, Obi brings a human-centered, equity-driven lens to analytics, reporting, and decision support.

Obi holds an MBA in Data Analytics from Texas Wesleyan University and a B.S. in Computational Mathematics from Loyola University New Orleans. Her academic and professional work emphasizes translating complex data into insights that educators, leaders, and community stakeholders can act on.

Professionally, Obi has served in multiple analytics roles across K–12 education organizations, including KIPP and Rocketship Public Schools, where she supported data systems, reporting infrastructure, and performance analysis to improve student outcomes. Her experience spans SQL-based data pipelines, Tableau and Power BI dashboards, R and Python analytics, and cross-functional collaboration with non-technical teams.

Beyond her professional work, Obi is deeply committed to serving the community. She is motivated by using her analytical skills to support organizations and programs that work directly with underserved populations, and she consistently seeks opportunities to contribute data, insight, and time in service of the public good.

In recent consulting and project work, Obi has focused on postsecondary readiness, longitudinal survey analysis, and predictive modeling to examine enrollment and persistence trends—particularly for economically disadvantaged students. She is especially interested in how mindset, belonging, and help-seeking behaviors act as leading indicators of long-term outcomes.

Across roles, Obi is known for pairing technical rigor with empathy, using data not just to describe disparities, but to inform interventions that help individuals navigate systems, build confidence, and unlock opportunity.

Dr. Mayra Olivares-Urueta is an accomplished higher education executive and nationally regarded leader in student success, equity, and organizational transformation. With more than two decades of experience across community colleges, universities, and health science institutions, she has built a career focused on improving educational and economic outcomes for students who have been historically underserved.

She has held senior leadership roles including Vice President for Student Development Services at Tarrant County College and Executive Dean of Student and Enrollment Services at Eastfield College, where she led large-scale divisions, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and designed innovative programs to strengthen access, retention, and completion. Her work includes pioneering emergency aid systems, expanding basic needs support, leading districtwide student success strategies, and implementing culturally responsive and data-informed practices.

A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Olivares-Urueta is a published author, keynote speaker, and national presenter whose work focuses on Latina leadership, equity-centered student affairs, community colleges, and basic needs frameworks. She serves in national leadership roles, including with the National Community College Hispanic Council, and has been widely recognized for her mentorship, thought leadership, and advocacy.

Dr. Olivares-Urueta holds a PhD in Higher Education from the University of North Texas and is committed to building systems that elevate economic mobility, dignity, and opportunity for all students.

Richard Owens began his career as a fifth-grade math and science teacher before joining Teach for America in several roles. As Senior Managing Director, he built a community of educators across 12 districts, designed and led staff learning experiences, cultivated key partnerships, and fostered a culture that drove significant increases in teacher and partner satisfaction.

His passion for people development and collaborative partnerships led him to the Holdsworth Center, where he supported two North Texas districts in assessing and redesigning district-wide talent development systems.

Most recently, Richard served as Managing Director of Programs for the Tarrant To & Through Partnership (T3). As a founding team member during the organization’s startup phase, he set the vision for school and district partnerships and program implementation to increase college enrollment and persistence.

While he’s not collaborating with Dallas County stakeholders and building on community momentum to ensure more young people achieve living-wage careers, he’s likely pining for the University of Georgia’s next football national championship, coaching little league baseball or hoping he’s watering his houseplants at the correct intervals.

Maggie Perrotta brings a wealth of experience leading project execution, innovation, storytelling, learning design, and delivery across education, tech, and workforce development. With a background spanning PwC, EY, KPMG, and Eduphoric, she has built a reputation for transforming complex ideas into scalable, high-impact solutions that empower organizations.

As Product Delivery Manager, Maggie connects strategy to execution, driving agile delivery, system integration, and product excellence. Her approach blends design thinking, data-informed decision-making, and operational precision to ensure every product delivers measurable outcomes and real-world value. Known for aligning cross-functional teams around clarity and purpose, she brings structure, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset to building products that make a tangible impact.

An entrepreneur at heart, Maggie thrives on identifying opportunities, designing solutions that drive results. She leverages her innovative thinking to bring new ideas to life, help build scalable products, and enable teams to deliver measurable outcomes efficiently.

Maggie’s superpower is her ability to be relatable. She connects with people across teams and roles, building trust and understanding to deliver solutions that work for everyone. This skill is central to her work in product delivery, while helping design solutions that are intuitive, effective, and human-centered.

Outside of work, Maggie is an award-winning filmmaker, a nationally board – certified health and wellness coach, and a lifelong musician. She infuses creativity and empathy into everything she produces, guided by one principle: build with intention, deliver with impact, and always keep the human at the center.

Karen brings to EMS a passion for education that springs from her direct experience as an immigrant to the United States as well as a blend of grassroots community-building and state-level policy experience. As Manager of Partner Support, she is responsible for project management processes that are essential to supporting EMS’ partnership programs and goals.

Prior to joining Commit and EMS, Karen served as a Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives, where she helped develop progressive policy around women’s healthcare, education, immigration, juvenile justice and family issues. In this role, she played a key role in the passage of Texas House Bill 3005, which was developed to help immigrant families receive the right to an interpreter during child custody evaluations. Previously, Karen worked as a community organizer for Jolt Texas, a progressive organization in Texas, where she focused on creating networks of young people of color across the state to build collective voice, power, and influence through civic engagement.

Born in northern Mexico and raised in Texas, Karen’s experience as an immigrant navigating the American education system inspired her to focus her career on helping others like herself and hopes her experience in policy and community building can help pave the way to a more equitable world. Karen began her higher ed journey at Dallas College, and graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs & Community Service and a minor in Nonprofit Leadership.

Jessica Renteria joins EMC on August 10, 2026, as Senior Executive Assistant, reporting to Steven Bailey and supporting the executive leadership team.

She brings more than 22 years of experience in operations, executive support, and leadership, including 12 years with Dallas ISD and 10 years with JPMorgan Chase.
Jessica’s career with Dallas ISD began at the campus level, where she supported students, staff, and school leadership at H. Grady Spruce High School and Young Women’s STEAM Academy. She later moved to Central Staff, where she grew through a series of executive support roles, eventually serving as Executive Assistant to the Chief Academic Officer. Most recently, before joining the Economic Mobility Center, she served as Operations Manager for Dallas ISD, supporting executive leadership and overseeing daily operations and strategic initiatives.

Prior to her career in education, Jessica spent 10 years with JPMorgan Chase as an Assistant Branch Manager, overseeing branch operations, developing staff, and delivering exceptional customer service.

Throughout her career, Jessica has found purpose in supporting leaders and helping teams stay organized, connected, and moving forward. She believes that while her work often happens behind the scenes, it plays an important role in helping organizations serve others and create opportunities for future generations.

Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from East Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, trying new recipes, and making memories.

A leader in higher education and student success, Dr. Anabel Romero-Juarez joined EMS from Dallas College, where she served for a decade, most recently as the college’s inaugural Dean of Recruitment and Retention. As a proud first-generation college graduate, Anabel’s career in higher education has taken her from Washington State to Louisiana before returning to Texas, where she also received her doctorate.

Her nearly 20 years in higher education has included various leadership roles and educational institutions, encompassing experiences in student success and enrollment management, such as recruitment, financial aid, academic advising, and federal TRIO grants. She also brings deep experience in developing regional partnerships, so vital to successful regional talent strategies, from her work as a GEAR UP Site Director at rural Washington State University, and from her tenure with Dallas College.

Outside of higher education, she has been active in coordinating Get out the Vote, local and state campaign efforts in Texas and Washington.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History, a master’s degree in Public Administration and recently earned a Doctor of Education in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University.

She is married to Albert Juarez, and they are proud parents to Lilly Aurora.

LaGregory “LG” Scruggs is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience in the field. He currently serves as the Account Manager for DeSoto, Garland, and Grand Prairie, where he is committed to implementing sustainable College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) strategies by leveraging data analytics and trends. In this role, LG focuses on bridging the gap between high schools and post-secondary institutions to develop seamless pathways to college enrollment.

Prior to joining EMS, LG was a CCMR Coordinator in Austin Independent School District (ISD), supporting over 14 high school campuses. Under his guidance, the district achieved a notable milestone with over 50% of students meeting the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment criteria.

Before his tenure in Austin ISD, LG served as the Campus-Based Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator at Dr. Emmett J. Conrad High School in Dallas ISD. There, he oversaw programs supporting over 800 students across five pathways: Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, Health Science, Engineering, and Finance. Under his leadership, the school became the first and only high school in Texas to earn Distinguished status in each pathway through the National Academy Foundation (NAF), securing over $20,000 in funding to support these programs.

LG holds a degree from McNeese State University and pursued graduate studies at the University of Phoenix.

On a personal note, LG and his wife, Mallory, are the proud parents of four children: Landon, Mason, Logan, and Margeaux. Their family serves as a constant motivation for LG’s dedication to education and his mission to positively impact the lives of students.

Brittany Singleton is the Manager of Data Solutions for Dallas County Promise at the Economic Mobility Center. Driven by her passion for nonprofit work, she has remained a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and lifelong learning.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas at Dallas, Brittany has committed her career to making education accessible to all. She holds an Associate degree in Information Technology and a Database certification from the Community College of Baltimore County, as well as an IBM Data Science Certificate and a Salesforce Agent certification.

Through her own experiences in school, Brittany has learned the great value of education and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels that success in education is accessible. Originally from Baltimore, MD, Brittany and her family relocated to Dallas in 2023. Although not native to Texas, they have developed a deep love for Dallas and the vibrant communities that make this city so unique. In her previous role at Byte Back, Brittany supported initiatives aimed at providing essential career skills and IT training to underserved populations in Baltimore, and she is now proud to continue this mission in Dallas.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Brittany finds joy and fulfillment in exploring Texas with her family as every day brings forth a new adventure. Her family includes her fiancé, son, daughter, a rabbit named Oliver, and a turtle named Leonardo. She now looks forward to continuing her journey of making a difference in the community by supporting the Economic Mobility Center and the Dallas County Promise team in leveraging data solutions to drive postsecondary access, success, and long-term economic mobility.

Kaylyn Walton, M.Ed. has over a decade of experience dedicated to expanding college access and success. As a first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about the transformational power of education and has spent her career creating opportunities for students to thrive.

Previously, she was a Deputy Director at Education Texas, where she supported Early College High Schools across West Texas, becoming a strong advocate for rural school districts. Additionally, she oversaw the implementation of the EdReady platform to the CCRSM network, expanding access to TSIA preparation and learning.

Kaylyn has also worked as a college advisor in Boston Public Schools and Dallas Independent School District, guiding students through all aspects of the college admissions process.

As an Assistant Director of Admissions at Boston University, she played a key role in supporting the Yes Prep charter school partnership and spearheading the IDEA Schools partnership, helping to create stronger pathways for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, she oversaw the Guaranteed Transfer program, ensuring a seamless transition for eligible students.

Beyond her work in admissions and advising, Kaylyn is an experienced event planner and public speaker, having organized conferences, workshops, and professional development sessions on college access and student success. She has presented to diverse audiences, including educators, students, and community leaders.

Kaylyn holds a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies and Religion from Tufts University and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Boston University.

Emily White is a senior product manager and solutions builder with five years of experience translating complex user problems into tools that actually work. She began her career at RollKall Technologies, where she rose from customer-facing roles to overseeing multiple teams and large-scale projects — driving system integrations, rebuilding reporting infrastructure, and managing cross-functional engineering work across concurrent product and data teams.

Emily’s approach is hands-on and user-first. She is known for getting into the product herself, logging friction points firsthand, and building solutions that hold up — not just check a box. Her background spans UI/UX design, AI-assisted workflows, agile delivery, and data and BI tooling. She has a particular strength in operating effectively in fast-moving, resource-constrained environments where clarity and independent judgment matter most.

What draws her to EMC is personal. Growing up with a mother who spent over thirty years teaching in under-resourced public schools gave Emily a concrete understanding of what gaps in education actually look like — and who bears the cost when the right support isn’t there. She is eager to bring her product instincts to work that carries that kind of weight.

Emily holds a BA in Communications from Texas A&M University, graduating Cum Laude, and is based in the Dallas area.