Alumni Series: A Voice for More Than Myself

March 24, 2026

There are moments in a person’s journey that quietly shape everything that follows. The people who remind you of what’s possible, the environments that challenge you to grow, and the values that stay with you long after you’ve moved on.

For many Ģ����Ƶ scholars, those moments begin in the classroom.

As part of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting Alicia Chavez, a current Ģ����Ƶ senior who has already begun to turn her purpose into action. Recently accepted to the University of California, Berkeley through early decision, her story reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, leadership, and community.

In the following interview, Alicia shares more about what drives her, how Ģ����Ƶ has shaped her path, and the perspective she carries forward as she prepares for what’s next:

An advocate at heart: What drives you to advocate for Ģ����Ƶ schools and scholars?

I’ve seen firsthand how easy it can be for young people in our communities to get caught up in things that take them off course, and I felt helpless watching it unfold. I think that’s why I’ve always felt drawn to people who are experiencing difficult circumstances. It’s what drives me to advocate because I know there are other ways to find happiness and healing, even through the hardest parts of our lives. I try to show people that they have options, that they’re not alone.

That’s what the Ugarte Civic Youth Fellowship was all about for me. We were recognized by the City of LA, the California State Senate, and even the U.S. Congress. I’ll never forget holding that certificate and feeling so proud, not just of myself, but of everyone who worked alongside me. Nine of my peers and I also earned $1,000 scholarships through that program. And in communities like ours, that’s not just a win for the scholar, it’s a win for their entire family.

I know what that kind of recognition means in low-income neighborhoods. It makes you want to keep going, keep showing up, and keep pursuing higher for yourself and for everyone around you.

Beyond the classroom: How have you seen Ģ����Ƶ impact not just scholars, but families and neighborhoods?

It’s in the name—College-Ready Public Schools. They help you build the academic skills and the communication and networking tools that are, honestly, just as important. A lot of scholars think, “I have a high GPA, I’ll be fine,” but college is a whole different world. You have to know how to speak up with confidence and stand out.

Ģ����Ƶ puts us in real-world spaces where our voices matter, and those moments teach you how to lead. One example of that was when I was given the opportunity to speak at Huntington Park City Hall for a development permit on behalf of my school. I was nervous, but I realized I wasn’t just speaking for myself. I was advocating for my entire school.

My school also gives back. In our Health & Medicine Club, we host blood drives and community events that bring people together to serve. Ģ����Ƶ shows us that education is about more than textbooks, it’s about building a community that supports one another. Even our CEO, Pablo, hosts workshops with families. You can feel the care. And when scholars and parents see that, it makes them want to stay.

A community that stays with you: What do you wish more people understood about the power of this community?

Honestly, when I first saw my school, this small building tucked at the end of the street, I didn’t want to go. But once I stepped inside, everything changed.

Ģ����Ƶ shows you that even a small school can do big things. Through Civic Leaders of America, we logged over 2,000 hours of political engagement and nearly 7,000 hours of civic leadership last year, from interning to hosting multi-school conferences at LA City Hall. That’s not just schoolwork. That’s transformation.

Ģ����Ƶ also makes you a leader. Even if you don’t see yourself that way, you’ll find yourself leading, whether it’s speaking at events, starting a club, or helping your community. They don’t say, “This is the one path to success.” They open every door and let you choose the one that fits.

What I wish more people understood about the power of this community is that it’s about belonging. It’s about leadership that looks different for every person. It’s about seeing scholars as more than test scores and giving us the tools, space, and voice to create real change.

Alicia’s journey is a reflection of the impact of an Ģ����Ƶ education unfolding in real time. It shows up in the way scholars find their voice, advocate for their communities, and step into leadership in spaces that once felt out of reach.

As she prepares to begin her next chapter at UC Berkeley, Alicia carries forward not only her own ambitions but a deep commitment to creating opportunity and belonging for others.

Alumni Series: A Light that Heals

September 16, 2025

As conversations about access to health care and mental health services grow louder and more urgent than ever, Stephanie Guardado’s light truly heals.

A proud graduate of Ģ����Ƶ Judy Ivie Burton Technology Academy High School, Stephanie draws on the care she once received from counselors and teachers to guide her own path in nursing and mental health advocacy.

In the following interview, her journey from being a first-generation college student to supporting underserved communities shows how personal experience can become a force for healing:

Looking Back: What do you remember most about your time at Ģ����Ƶ, and how did it shape the person you’ve become today?

What I remember most about my time at Ģ����Ƶ is the people. In middle school, two counselors in particular really stood out. They supported not just me, but my mom and family too, through a lot of personal and mental health struggles. I’ll never forget the way they showed up for us.

High school brought more of that same care—teachers who helped me on a personal level and also pushed me academically and socially. They also prepared me for life after high school. At the time, I didn’t know anyone who had left home to attend a four-year university. But my teachers helped me envision that future, and believe I could thrive in it.

The Realization: Was there a moment during your journey where you truly felt your brilliance? What led to that moment?

I first started feeling it in college, just talking to peers.

When you meet someone in college, the first thing they ask is where you’re from, what you’re studying. When I said I was a nursing major, the reaction was always the same: “Wow, you must be really smart.” Then, as I started talking about high school, the opportunities I had, the things I was involved in, I realized just how much I had done.

And more recently, I’ve felt it during my clinical rotations. I’ll be shadowing a nurse and suddenly realize, Oh wait… I know that medication. Or I’ll find myself making connections between things I learned in class and what I’m seeing in real life. That’s when it really sinks in, like all the dots are finally starting to connect. It’s in those unexpected moments that I really feel my brilliance.

Full Circle: How are you using your education and experience to make an impact in your community or field today?

I always come back to two things: my culture and mental health. I’m a first-generation college student, a woman of color, and someone who’s seen how underserved our communities can be, especially when it comes to access and representation in health care.

That’s why I’ve focused on giving back in ways that reflect both where I come from and where I’m going. I currently volunteer for an eating disorder helpline, offering emotional support and connecting people to treatment resources. I’ve also stepped into a new role helping match people with therapists or dietitians, most of whom are navigating complex systems like Medi-Cal, where access can be really limited.

At UCI, I’m part of Flying Samaritans, a club that travels once a month to El Testerazo, Mexico, to provide free healthcare services to the local community through our student-run clinic. And I’ve been a part of a research lab since my freshman year that focuses on health coaching for middle schoolers in Orange County, particularly students with adverse childhood experiences.

None of this is random. I sought it out. Every time I get to serve someone, especially someone who looks like me or grew up like me, it reminds me: This is my purpose.

Dear Younger Me: If you had your younger self sitting here today, what would you have told her?

I’d tell her, “Stick with it because it’s going to be hard, but it’s also going to be worth it.” There were a lot of academic challenges I didn’t expect, even though I knew nursing would be difficult. It took me a while to figure out how I learned best, and there were so many times I compared myself to others and questioned if I was doing enough. So I’d remind my younger self to give herself grace. To keep going.

And I’d probably tell her to push herself more socially, to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable. That’s something I’ve worked on a lot these past few years, and it’s helped me grow in ways I didn’t know I needed.

Stephanie’s story reflects not only her resilience but also the ripple effect of an Ģ����Ƶ education. As she offers guidance to those navigating the same barriers she once faced, she embodies the change she dreamed of, showing future generations that brilliance grows strongest when it’s rooted in care, community, and purpose.

Alumni Series: Making Her Mark on the World

March 20, 2025

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting an incredible alumna whose strength, determination, and grace come together in a powerful force for change.

Meet Marlen Quintero Pérez, a graduate of Ģ����Ƶ Collins Family College-Ready High School. Marlen didn’t just achieve her childhood dream—she redefined it, becoming a triple Bruin with a B.A., Master’s, and Ph.D. from UCLA. Now, as an Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Development at California State University Northridge (CSUN), she’s inspiring the next generation of scholars and visionaries to make their mark on the world.

In the following interview, Marlen reflects on how Ģ����Ƶ shaped her path, the values she still holds dear, and what truly ignites a passion for learning:

Looking Back: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew as a teen?

I wish I had known that college isn’t just four years and then you’re done—you’re not limited to your bachelor’s degree. We can continue learning, pursue graduate school, and go on to be the change our communities need. If we could inspire young scholars to do this, it would be so beneficial for them.

The Ģ����Ƶ Difference: What set Ģ����Ƶ apart from other schools you considered?

When I was finishing middle school, I was hesitant about going to Ģ����Ƶ. It felt so much smaller compared to the school I was originally supposed to attend. Then I visited Fremont High School with my mom. It was huge, but I remember seeing torn-up books on the floor, students fighting…and that very moment convinced me to choose Ģ����Ƶ. 

At Ģ����Ƶ, I had a support system. Our counselor told us, “Each of you is going to apply to ten colleges.” I remember thinking, UCLA is my dream school, but I don’t know if I’ll make it. I didn’t know how to get there and yet, Ģ����Ƶ gave me the preparation and guidance to make it happen. The teachers and counselors were the bridge that connected my dreams to reality, and their support carried me through and beyond graduation. Without that, I wouldn’t have ended up at UCLA.

Staying Connected: Can you recall the last time you visited your Ģ����Ƶ school?

I used to visit often after graduating, especially when Mr. Delfino was still principal. But my most recent visit was under difficult circumstances. Late last year, we lost a classmate from the Class of 2012 in a tragic car accident. When I heard that a vigil was being held at Ģ����Ƶ Collins Family High School for him and his parents, who also passed away, I knew I had to be there. 

It was moving to see how connected we all remained, even years later. Everyone who was touched by the classmate we lost spoke so highly of him, and it reminded me of the strong sense of community Ģ����Ƶ shares. Having a friend from my class who is now the P.E. teacher at the school, seeing how much had not changed, took me right back to my time as a high school scholar. Many of us come back to give back, and that reciprocal connection is something really special.

Generational Advice: If you could make one change–whether practical or legislative–to improve outcomes for scholars today, what would it be?

For scholars who lived through the pandemic and are facing mental health challenges, I think the most important thing we can do is keep that personal touch. Whether you’re a high school teacher, middle school teacher, or counselor, simply checking in and encouraging students to open up about what they’re going through makes a difference. In many communities, seeking help is looked down upon, so it’s good to instill this practice so that students learn how to advocate for themselves. A personal connection, especially with teachers who genuinely listen and care, can go a long way for some of us.

Looking Forward: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I still see myself at CSUN working with students of color as undergrads, motivating and reminding them that grad school is an option. I also see myself going back to Ģ����Ƶ schools to talk to scholars, share my story, and encourage them that they can do it too.

In the true spirit of Ģ����Ƶ, Marlen’s journey reminds us that when we create the conditions for young women and men to thrive, we not only empower them to succeed but also inspire them to be the change they want to see—in and beyond the classroom.

Alumni Series: Beating the System

February 27, 2025

As Black History Month concludes, our commitment to celebrating and uplifting our Black scholars and their contributions to our city and nation continues—today and every day.

One alumnus whose success inspires many is Marquis Williams, a graduate of Ģ����Ƶ Judy Ivie Burton Technology High School. Having navigated the challenges of the foster care system, Marquis overcame incredible odds to become a first-generation college graduate, a published author, and a Program Manager, where he supports foster youth in achieving their academic and career aspirations.

In the following interview, Marquis shares his remarkable journey of transformation and the role community support played in his success:

A Lifelong Foundation: How did your Ģ����Ƶ experience impact your plans for the future?

Ģ����Ƶ played such a pivotal role in shaping who I am today—it was the very foundation upon which I began to dream. It was where I learned perseverance, empathy, and the transformative power of education. That foundation helped me discover who I was and what I was capable of, setting me on a journey of personal and academic growth.

Looking Back: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d understood as a teen?

I wish I had understood the power of mentorship. I didn’t fully understand at the time what college required or how to navigate that path. If I could go back, I would have actively sought out more mentors within the Ģ����Ƶ community. Mentorship is such a powerful tool in breaking the cycle that prevents so many foster youth, like myself, from pursuing higher education and long-term success. The right guidance can make all the difference.

The Turning Point: Was there a specific moment or event that shifted your mindset about graduating from high school and going to college?

I arrived at Ģ����Ƶ Judy Burton Tech as a junior, after moving through multiple high schools and multiple foster care homes. By my senior year, I had a 1.9 GPA—graduation, let alone college, seemed uncertain. But the people around me saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. My teachers and mentors never gave up on me. They recognized my potential, pushed me to focus on my strengths, and guided me on my path to college as a first-generation scholar.

Growth and Legacy: How has Ģ����Ƶ changed since you graduated, and what has stayed the same?

When I first started, my Ģ����Ƶ school was just a small office building on the corner, known as Heritage College-Ready Academy. Then we moved down the street and became Ģ����Ƶ Burton Tech, but we were split between two locations. Now, seeing how much Burton Tech has expanded, how many more scholars they can serve under one roof—it’s amazing. What has stayed the same is Ģ����Ƶ’s commitment to scholars. No matter how much they’ve grown, they continue to provide a place where scholars like me are seen, supported, and given the chance to succeed.

Looking Forward: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I see myself transforming the foster care system and improving outcomes for foster youth. On any given day in this country, there are over 400,000 children who were just like me in foster care, yet statistically, only 3% of us go on to graduate from higher education. Upon learning this, I pledged to dedicate myself to efforts that open the door for the next generation. That is why I wrote my book, —not as a testament to my own achievements, but to serve as a beacon of hope for those who feel trapped by their circumstances.

Marquis exemplifies the very purpose of Ģ����Ƶ schools across Los Angeles. As our most recent Alumni of the Year, he reminds us that “there is collective resilience and strength in serving others”—a principle we can all carry forward as we work together to support scholars in living choice-filled, purposeful lives.

Alumni Series: Redefining What’s Possible

January 28, 2025

In times of change and uncertainty, there is one thing that remains a constant source of strength at Ģ����Ƶ: our scholars and the many alumni who serve as pillars of transformation within their communities and across industries and institutions nationwide.

One of those alumni is Martín Alcaraz, a graduate of Ģ����Ƶ Marc & Eva Stern Math and Science School (Stern MASS), who achieved a series of firsts—becoming the first in his school’s history to be accepted to Stanford and the first in his family to go to college. He then went on to complete a two-year Cancer Biology Training Program at Yale and is now a PhD candidate in Molecular Biology at UCLA. 

In the following interview, Martín reflects on his journey and the foundation that inspired him to pursue an extraordinary dream:

Looking Back: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d understood as a teen?

I wish I’d understood the power of our identities. Our identities set us apart, and there’s so much value in that, especially at higher education institutions. I didn’t realize the importance of being proud of who you are until I got to Ģ����Ƶ. So many of us feel ashamed of being poor or being the first in our families to go to college, but institutions actively seek out people like us—people who can lead in our communities.

The Impact of Belief: Can you name someone who believed in you and inspired you to go beyond what you thought was possible?

My teacher, Ms. Raihan, opened the door to the world of science for me, and I’ll always be thankful to her. When I reconnected with her while visiting Ģ����Ƶ Stern MASS, she told me, “It makes me so happy to see my students go further than I could with their education.” 

Ms. Raihan didn’t just teach me science; she showed me how powerful my identity was. She even helped me secure a spot in a research program at Cal State L.A. and encouraged me to keep going when my sophomore year got tough. Ms. Raihan is one of many Ģ����Ƶ teachers who go above and beyond for their scholars. Their deep belief and passion for helping us excel beyond what we think is possible are life-changing. 

A Lifelong Foundation: How did Ģ����Ƶ nurture your passion and drive to excel?

Ģ����Ƶ Stern MASS gave me a really strong foundation in STEM. I had the chance to take AP Bio, AP Environmental Science, and Honors Chemistry all before my senior year. When I completed the highest-level classes my school offered, I remember my teachers saying, “What’s next? Let’s enroll you in Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra at Cal State L.A.” The exposure to real scientific research in actual labs as a high schooler is something most people don’t experience until college or even later. 

One of my dreams now is to have my own independent research group at Cal State L.A., where I can recruit Ģ����Ƶ scholars to participate and provide them with the same early exposure to research opportunities. I want to create the next generation of scientists.

Purpose in Action: If you could make one change–whether practical or legislative–to improve outcomes for scholars today, what would it be?

If I could make one change, it would be to create more peer support programs and extracurricular activities. These programs foster a sense of community and belonging, which is so important for all scholars. 

At Ģ����Ƶ Stern MASS, we had a program called The Ivy. It brought together upperclassmen to mentor younger scholars and guide them through the college application process. I was the first student in my high school to get into Stanford, but thanks to The Ivy, I wasn’t the last. This also inspired me to start a Latine empowerment group called Máss Poder (spelled M-A-S-S for Stern MASS). Affinity groups, science clubs, and mentoring programs are all incredible and practical tools. When scholars can look up to mentors who come from similar backgrounds and share advice, it builds confidence, teamwork, and the determination to succeed.

Martín’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the brilliance that lies within every scholar, and the profound impact that community and mentorship can have in helping them discover their gifts, affirm their sense of self, and change the world—for the better.

Alumni Series: Lighting the Path for Future Generations

November 26, 2024

As we approach this season of Thanksgiving, we are grateful for you and our broad community of supporters who have walked alongside our scholars, and helped to propel them toward transformative personal and community change.

Today, we spotlight one of those scholars, Ashley Fortenberry, who has had a full-circle journey since graduating from Ģ����Ƶ’s first school, Ģ����Ƶ Gertz-Ressler High School. After earning her BA from Mount Saint Mary’s University and a Master’s in Education from Loyola Marymount University, Ashley has returned to Ģ����Ƶ as the Manager of Matriculation and Alumni Supports, continuing the work that first inspired her nearly a decade ago.

In the following interview, Ashley shares how Ģ����Ƶ shaped her purpose and fueled her commitment to guiding scholars on their journeys to and through college:

Looking Back: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d understood as a teen?

That it’s okay to reach out and ask for help. Teachers, counselors, and school psychologists are on your team. So often in our community, seeking outside help is looked down on, but support systems exist to empower you and help you achieve everything you’ve set out to accomplish.

The Turning Point: How did Ģ����Ƶ influence the path you chose to pursue?

Ģ����Ƶ did a really good job creating a space that was focused on academics. At other schools, not everyone is there for the same reasons, but Ģ����Ƶ put academics front and center, and that made all the difference for me. Even when it came to applying for college, we were encouraged to apply to a range of colleges, to sit down and compare options, and ask the big questions like, “What’s best for me, my family, and our financial situation?” Without that foundation and guidance, I wouldn’t have taken the path that I did.

Growth and Legacy: How has Ģ����Ƶ changed since you graduated, and what stayed the same?

What a lot of people don’t know is that our very first class started in a little building next to a donut shop on King Blvd and Western Avenue. I was part of the second class, which met in a small church down the street on King and Gramercy. My family and I still live and work in the community, so I drive by those places all the time. Since those two original locations, we’ve grown to 26 schools in all kinds of neighborhoods across LA, each built to provide a safe, supportive learning environment for scholars. It’s amazing to see how much we’ve grown and how many lives we’ve touched—not just within Ģ����Ƶ, but across communities we serve.

Purpose in Action: If you could make one change–whether practical or legislative–to improve outcomes for scholars today, what would it be?

Scholar-led affinity groups. At Ģ����Ƶ Gertz-Ressler High School, we had the PUMAS—Peers United to Mentor and Support. We helped de-escalate conflicts and other situations between scholars, and that peer-to-peer model really laid the foundation for the work I do today. But my “reach for the stars” answer would be to push for more funding for on-site school counselors, psychologists, and social workers at schools. Mental health and wellness need to be addressed in a more holistic way to ensure scholars truly thrive.

Ashley’s journey reflects the heart of Ģ����Ƶ’s mission—to nurture lifelong learners who lead, transform, and pay it forward. Thank you for empowering the next generation of leaders. Together, we are shaping a brighter future, one scholar at a time.

Alumni Series: Finding Purpose in the American Dream

October 10, 2024

In celebration of Latine Heritage Month, we are excited to spotlight trailblazing alum Jesus Gonzalez-Saucedo, a proud graduate of Ģ����Ƶ Dr. Mohan High School and Occidental College. As the son of street vendors in South L.A., Jesus transformed challenges into opportunities and soon discovered that his voice was the key to forging his path forward.

In the following interview, he shares how his family’s experience unlocked his greater purpose:

Before Ģ����Ƶ: How did your upbringing influence your perspective on education?

Growing up in South L.A., I saw firsthand how hard it was for my parents to make a living. As street vendors, they constantly faced arrests and citations for just trying to provide for my siblings and me. The system criminalized their efforts, and I knew that could easily be me one day if I didn’t take a different path. I also watched my older siblings go through their own struggles with the education system, and I learned what to do and what not to do. So I was determined to build something more for myself and my family. This pushed me to focus on my education and create a future that would break the cycle I was born into.

The Turning Point: When did you first recognize the power of your voice?

I didn’t realize the power of my voice until other people started believing in me. For a lot of young people, it’s hard when there isn’t someone telling them that their story matters, that their ideas and experiences have value. I had all these thoughts and ideas but couldn’t articulate them. It wasn’t until the right people—Ģ����Ƶ teachers, mentors, administrators—came into my life and showed me that I am capable, that my voice matters, and that people care. I’m grateful for a network like Ģ����Ƶ that helped me see my own potential and gave me the confidence to share my story and create change with it.

Looking Back: What was one of the most rewarding moments at Ģ����Ƶ?

At Ģ����Ƶ, I found my passion for public service. I had the opportunity to join the Junior State of America (JSA), which opened my eyes to the world of politics and policy. One of the most rewarding moments was during my senior year when I advocated for legislation that decriminalized street vending on a local level so that people like my parents could earn a living and support their families without the constant fear of losing their livelihood. Fast forward, I am now a policy advocate and lender working directly with the community I come from, including Black and Brown entrepreneurs. My lived experiences allow me to connect deeply with their struggles, and create both short-term and long-term solutions that are sensitive to their realities.

A Piece of Wisdom: What would you tell your freshman self now?

Don’t discount your story. Your experiences have so much value. And if you ever struggle to find a purpose, just think back to your community and where you come from.

Purpose in Action: What motivates you today?

My family and the youth motivate me. As an uncle, watching my nieces and nephews inspires me. Seeing how much I accomplished with limited resources makes me optimistic about what our youth can achieve now. While I no longer want to be a politician, I am grateful to have found other ways to make a difference.

Looking Forward: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

One of my aspirations has always been to be a policy director. In ten years, I envision myself engaged in more comprehensive work to bridge the gaps between traditional financial institutions and members of my community.

Paving the Way: What do you hope for the next generation of Ģ����Ƶ scholars?

I hope the next generation feels well-equipped and supported to tackle the challenges they face. Too often, we operate from a scarcity mindset. I want them to know they have the resources and tools necessary to solve the problems they face—at an individual, community and systemic level.

Jesus’ story is an inspiring reflection of the legacy we are building at Ģ����Ƶ. With more than 90% of our scholars and families coming from Latine backgrounds, we are honored to uplift the voices that have helped shape Ģ����Ƶ schools into the beacons of hope they are today.

Alumni Series: Championing Patient Advocacy and Healthcare Solutions

September 24, 2024

Last month, we announced the celebration of our 20th Anniversary—a milestone that marks two decades of educational excellence and unlocking brilliance across Los Angeles. As part of our year-long celebration, we are excited to launch a special alumni spotlight series where you’ll hear firsthand about the life-changing impact Ģ����Ƶ educators have on our scholars and the remarkable ways our alumni go on to transform communities near and far. 

Our first spotlight shines on Krystal Johnson, an Ģ����Ƶ Gertz-Ressler High School alum and University of Southern California graduate. As the first in her family to earn a college degree, Krystal’s journey is one of breaking barriers and uplifting others along the way.

Here’s her reflection on how it all began at Ģ����Ƶ:

Looking Back: How did your Ģ����Ƶ experience shape who you are today?

The consistent support from my Ģ����Ƶ teachers made all the difference in who I am today. They made an effort to get to know me personally, helped me manage anxiety, changed my perspective on challenges, and saw a potential in me that I had not recognized. If I had not gone to Ģ����Ƶ, I do not know that I would have done as well in college.

A Piece of Wisdom: What would you tell your freshman self now?

Do not be afraid of challenges. The potential lies within you, you just have to keep stepping forward.

Purpose in Action: What motivates you today?

After moving to Oklahoma, my personal experience with my own mom ignited a deep passion for patient advocacy. I now run a firm that partners with law firms to secure disability services for those with chronic illness and injuries. I fight tirelessly for better therapies and medications to ensure they receive the insurance benefits they deserve.

Looking Forward: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I am so solution-oriented. In ten years, I will still be asking myself, “how can we come together to get problems solved?” Through my businesses or running for office, I envision myself leading the charge to address the urgent need for accessible healthcare education, especially in our underserved rural communities. Like Ģ����Ƶ was for me, I want to be the light for those in need.

As Krystal considers running for office as a champion for expanded healthcare, one thing is certain—she will continue to be a beacon of hope and empowerment, ready to bring resources and support to underserved communities. 

More to come! This is just the beginning of many stories that will highlight the brilliance of our alumni and the enduring impact of Ģ����Ƶ over the last 20 years.