KIPP Alumni Leadership Accelerator

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumna

Sharix is a JD/MBA candidate at the University of Connecticut (UConn). She is from New York City but has familial ties with the Dominican Republic. Sharix graduated from Binghamton University at the State University of New York, cum laude, with a degree in History. During her last semester at Binghamton University, Sharix studied abroad in India and published her research, entitled “Invisibility of Pain: Marginalized Groups in a Global Society,” in the Al-Shodhana Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal. While at UConn, Sharix has made a conscientious effort to be involved in her community and to diversify her experiences. She has held a variety of professional roles in the private and public sector and is interested in pursuing a legal career relating to technology, mergers and acquisitions, and/or venture capital financing. Sharix has conducted research regarding the effects of blockchain on the law as well as the misuse of algorithms in determining bail and sentencing. At present, Sharix serves as the legal intern for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation where she assists with the development of negotiation strategies for multi-billion-dollar logistics and joint venture contracts. Sharix is in the process of developing a model which mathematically predicts litigation risk. Sharix also serves as a Spanish language interpreter for the Asylum & Human Rights Clinic.

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumna

Pamela currently serves as a Small and Medium-Sized Business Executive Assistant at Salesforce. She holds a leadership position in Latinoforce, a company group that advocates for Latinos and is an Events Chair for the New York Office. In her first six months at one of the fastest growing tech and software companies, Pamela has already hosted an intro to salsa class, led several volunteer opportunities, including a team Project Sunshine event for children at hospitals, organized several Donors Choose HQ volunteering events and hosted NYC public school students at Salesforce NY for career development. She hopes to eventually join the Office of Equality and will continue to make an impact through corporate Volunteer Time Off, which includes SF Ohana groups which are helping Salesforce continue to have an inclusive and diverse company. Pamela serves as Class Agent and fundraiser for her 2006 high school class at Mercersburg Academy. In addition, she is a member of the Boston University Loyalty Society and serves as an online mentor for BU students and alumni. Pamela also volunteers frequently at Donors Choose, StepUp, Breakthrough NY, A Better Chance, Catholic Charities, and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.  Most recently, she began to serve as a KTC Career Coach for three KIPP alumni and looks forward to helping more young professionals in their careers.

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumna

Abby Cacho is an Afro-Latina native to Harlem, NY, who has found education as the greatest path to success. Following her time at KIPP Academy in the South Bronx, Abby made her way to Deerfield Academy in the fall of 2003. Upon graduating from the Academy, Abby went on to the University of Pennsylvania where she majored in Africana Studies while minoring in French and English and graduated in 2017. Inspired by her Deerfield experience and the wonderful professors she had at Penn, Abby decided to begin her own journey as an independent school educator at Kent School as a teaching intern. Following one year at Kent, Abby returned to Penn as a student in the Graduate School of Education’s Boarding School Teaching Residency and now teaches at Milton Academy in the Upper School English department. Appreciative of all her educational experiences, Abby is eager to create community-based and inclusive environments for all of her students as she continues her career in education.

KIPP Massachusetts Alumnus

Since graduating from KIPP Lynn’s founding class, Jeremias went on to study exercise science at Keene State College. Ultimately, Jeremias joined the PEK Physical Education Honor Society before graduating with his undergraduate degree. Jeremias then returned to his hometown to work at various local gyms in hopes of educating as many people on the importance of embracing a healthy, fit lifestyle. Jeremias is represented by Dynasty Models in Fitness & Commercial Modeling. Along the way, Jeremias connected with a team of MIT and Harvard software engineers who developed an Apple fitness app, TrainWithMe where Jeremias became the second trainer and part owner of the platform. Jeremias connected TrainWithMe to be featured on Forbes in “Top 16 apps that guarantee success in 2018.” With the success of online training, Suave Fitness was created to help educate others on how to overcome potential hurdles when reaching health and fitness goals. Currently, Jeremias is in charge of mentoring and onboarding other fitness influencers across the globe as he continues to inspire his clients on their journeys. When he is not working on fitness related business, he enjoys bachata dancing, poetry writing, reading, running, basketball, soccer, and playing with his puppy Rottweiler, Hercules.

KIPP Texas Public Schools – Houston Alumna

Jennefer has advocated for immigrant rights from the age of 11 when she advocated for her father’s immigration status to the President at the time, George W. Bush. Although her father was ultimately deported, she learned that emotions alone aren’t enough, and you need legal authority behind your word. Since then, Jennefer has dedicated her life and career to ensuring that no one else experiences the trauma she felt at the age of 11. She graduated from Occidental College with a B.A. in Sociology and earned her Juris Doctor at Southwestern Law School. Jennefer has been involved with ICE out of LA, Southwestern Immigration Law Clinic, National Immigration Law Center (NILC), Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, Immigrant Defenders Law Center (IMMDEF) and worked with the Los Angeles Immigration Court. Jennefer also serves on the board of the National Lawyers Guild Los Angeles Chapter.

KIPP Texas Public Schools – Houston Alumna

Teresa is a Senior Manager on the Event Design and Operations team at the KIPP Foundation. In this role, Teresa project manages KIPP School Leadership Program events, as well as leads various special projects for the KSLP team. Teresa graduated from R.I.T. (Rochester Institute of Technology) with a B.S. in Graphic Media Marketing, and from the University of St. Thomas with a Master of Business Administration degree. Prior to joining the KIPP Foundation, Teresa served as the Director of the KIPP Alumni Association for KIPP Houston where she helped alumni on their journey to and through college. She was also the lead planner for major KIPP Through College events in Houston, including the Pennant Ceremony which hosted over 2,700 guests.

KIPP DC Alumnus

Ty Chung is from Washington DC and attended KIPP DC: KEY Academy as well as KIPP DC: College Prep. As a high school senior, Ty was awarded the full-tuition Posse Foundation scholarship to attend Bucknell University. During his time at Bucknell, Ty was a Residential Adviser; studied abroad in Brazil, South Africa, India, and Ghana; and was the student representative on the Bucknell Off-Campus Study Committee. Ty graduated from Bucknell with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Geography and is currently employed at Accenture as a Management Consultant, where he assists both public and private sector clients transitioning into the digital age. Outside of work, Ty is an alumni mentor at the School for International Training (SIT) and a regular volunteer at Back on My Feet DC. Ty enjoys reading historical fiction, gardening, boxing, traveling, and is passionate about poverty alleviation and economic empowerment. Ty is currently applying to law school and plans to matriculate in the fall of 2019.

KIPP Texas Public Schools – Houston Alumna

Ana Curo is a native Houstonian and a proud alumna of KIPP Academy founding class in Houston, Texas. She graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In 2012 she joined the Air Force as a Flight Medic, providing basic life support and triage in emergency situations during inflight and ground operations. She is currently attending her last semester of the Veteran to Nurse program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She likes to spend her free time volunteering, trying new restaurants, listening to podcasts, traveling and spending time with her family. Ana aspires to become a leader in the Healthcare Reform and State Health Legislation and advocate for her community and veterans.

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumna

Bethania (Betty) is a KIPP NYC alumna, born and raised in the South Bronx, where she attended Aquinas High School. After high school, she attended Union College and received her B.A. in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She went on to work at Uncommon Schools as a Human Capital Coordinator for two years. Betty received her Master’s in Urban Affairs from Hunter College. After grad school, Betty went on to work at Achievement First for two years where she further developed her project management skills as an Operations Coordinator. She is currently a College Persistence Manager at KIPP Through College NYC and enjoys supporting alumni from her community. In her spare time Betty enjoys traveling to new countries across the globe.

KIPP Massachusetts Public Charter Schools Alumna

Kaylee D’Amico is an alumna of the founding class of KIPP Academy Lynn in Massachusetts. Dedicated to public service and economic development, she has held several positions at NGOs and universities with a focus on international relations. She previously served as Operations Manager of Our Generation Speaks, a fellowship program for Middle Eastern entrepreneurs held in partnership with Brandeis University and MassChallenge. In the fall of 2017, Kaylee relocated to Sacramento, CA and is currently the Program Manager of the World Food Center at the University of California, Davis, where she develops and implements programming that connects 40+ campus-based centers and institutes with regional, national, and global partners. Kaylee is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and holds a B.Sc. in Civic & Public Administration from Emerson College.

KIPP Texas Public Schools – Houston Alumna

Since her advocacy debut at the 2000 Republican National Convention as a then-KIPPster, Tasha has steadily leveraged her passion as an education pacesetter. Her insights and urgency in the educational and social policy ecosystem have been featured at dozens of conferences, briefings, and panels in Texas, Louisiana and Washington, D.C.  Tasha’s expertise draws from her experience as a former classroom teacher and later as a public policy practitioner known for successfully leading parent engagement, education policy and grassroots efforts.  She is proud alumna of Tulane University and earned her Master of Public Policy from New England College in 2014. Tasha’s implementation of unique strategies with parents, elected officials and community leaders has a special impact and has created a demonstrable level of excitement and engagement as she currently leads Advocacy at KIPP Texas-Houston.

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumna

Sharlene is a proud Bronx native and daughter of Dominican immigrants on a mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, is treated fairly under the law. After graduating from KIPP Academy, Sharlene went on to receive her high school diploma from Trinity School and her Bachelor’s Degree from Colgate University. She is now in her third year of law school at St. John’s University School of Law and a student attorney at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, just a few blocks away from where she grew up and attended KIPP Academy. She has dedicated her law school experience to serving the public by taking on opportunities in immigration defense, criminal defense, and criminal prosecution. She loves competing in mock trial tournaments and is excited to put those skills to use as a trial attorney when she begins her legal career in 2019. Sharlene enjoys traveling and learning about cultures different from hers, but in New York, you can likely find her dancing bachata or merengue in Washington Heights!

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumnus

Ernest Esparza was born and raised in the Bronx and attended KIPP Academy from 2004-2007. He went on to attend Fordham Preparatory School for high school. He received his BBA in Finance from Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College where he discovered a love for community building. Whether hosting annual flag football tournaments, community service events, volunteering at church, or facilitating networking events, Ernest is a living embodiment of “Work hard. Be nice.”  Currently, Ernest is a Senior Analyst at The Bank of New York Mellon working in their Asset Liability Management team under Corporate Treasury. He is responsible for Liquidity reporting to Senior Management and uses his spare time quenching his thirst for knowledge by tapping into the minds of those around him in all departments. When Ernest is not working, he is serving on the alumni board of Streetwise Partners, an organization that pairs business professionals with mentees who are unemployed or underemployed in order to provide them with the skills, resources, and access to networks they need to secure and maintain employment. Ernest is also an advisor for KIPP Through College, mentoring younger KIPPsters in college. He is a frequent volunteer at the Bowery Mission in NYC and also organizes engagement and fundraising alumni events for Fordham Prep.

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumnus

Randy Garcia grew up in the South Bronx, one block away from KIPP Academy Middle school where he attended from 1998 to 2002.  After KIPP, he went on to study at Phillips Academy Andover in Andover, Massachusetts.  Upon graduation, Randy went on to attend Trinity College in Hartford Connecticut.  Due to unfortunate events, he left Trinity College and used his time away from academics to pursue new life experiences, expand on new ideas and grow as a person. Randy has traveled across the United States meeting new people with different cultures and viewpoints which has helped evolve the way he views the world and society as a whole.  He has also lived in the Dominican Republic, reconnecting to his parents’ culture and experiencing life in a country that does not have the same conveniences as the United States. These experiences have led to strengthening his desire to change the world and contribute to the growth and improvement of others.  The bulk of Randy’s work experience is in the nonprofit space, where he developed an appreciation for helping people from all walks of life.  Randy graduated from CUNY Lehman College where he majored in Finance and minored in Computer information Systems, receiving various honors and graduating Summa Cum Laude.  Currently, he works on the Planning and Analysis team for the Institutional Clients Group (ICG) for Citigroup Inc.  Previously he worked as a Global Controller for one of the biggest businesses within the ICG as well as Citigroup’s Corporate Treasury.  He still resides one block away from KIPP Academy Middle School and hopes that the younger generations in his neighborhood see him as an example of what is possible when you put your mind into something and follow through no matter how challenging the road is.

KIPP DC Alumna

Alexis C. Harris is a passionate artist, mother, creator and event manager. Originally from Washington, D.C., Alexis now resides in Upstate New York with her fiancé and daughter. After attending the Rochester Institute of Technology, Alexis spent four years as an Event Coordinator for the American Cancer Society. She is currently the Special Events Manager for Habitat for Humanity and serves on the American Cancer Society Associate Board of Advisors. One of her most defining moments was in 2017, when Alexis conceptualized, planned, and successfully executed her first Inspire Photo Gallery – an event where she interviewed and photographed more than 15 cancer survivors and caregivers, wrote articles on each of them, locked in multiple sponsors and media ads, and published an event magazine – all in under two months. This event was widely received throughout Western New York and further fueled Alexis’ passion for creating powerful experiences for the community through meaningful events. Believing that the ultimate key to life is growth, Alexis is taking on a new challenge and focusing on the creation of her first event and media company with a mission to positively inspire through memorable, engaging, and profound experiences.

KIPP New Jersey Alumnus

Khalil was born in Newark, New Jersey. He started his journey with KIPP in the sixth grade at KIPP NJ’s first school, TEAM Academy. He went on to attend the first KIPP high school in New Jersey: Newark Collegiate Academy. NCA is where he began his entrepreneurial endeavors, selling candy and sneakers to schoolmates. In 2011 he began his collegiate career at Rutgers University as a business management major and started concentrating on entrepreneurship. He eventually started his own clothing brand on campus, “Amenity” and produced and sold clothing out of his dorm to students on campus and via his commerce site. In 2013, Khalil dropped out of school to focus solely on his business. In the midst of building his brand, he started interning for fashion designers in Manhattan. While interning, he completed two years at Essex County College with a concentration in Marketing and Economics. After school, Khalil spent five weeks in South Africa developing new athletic programs for primary school students. In 2016 Khalil began his luxury brand, Khalil Idris, where he sells Made-to-Order shoes for men and women. Khalil is currently building his two brands and pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in FinTech at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He enjoys spending time with his wife and family, playing basketball, building his brand and traveling.

KIPP ENC College Prep Public Schools Alumna

Whitney Jenkins has a passion for all things tech. She attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned her degree in Information Science and minored in Computer Science. She began her career as a Systems Analyst at Fidelity Investments where she designed and enabled personalized user experiences. Currently, she is a Program Manager for Azure DevOps Services working to modernize and strengthen the product platform. Whitney aspires to be a trailblazer in the tech industry by bringing a new level of accessibility and inclusivity to the industry. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

KIPP Baltimore Alumna

Teisha King is an alumna of KIPP Baltimore Pride Class of 2012, where she was the valedictorian. After leaving KIPP, she attended McDonogh High School in Owing Mills, Maryland and later obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She became a Meyerhoff Scholar and consistently conducted research throughout her undergraduate career. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Louisiana, where she is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research fellow. Her research focuses on the interactions between the reproductive and immune systems in the African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni. She explores how immune response varies across reproductive states and how mounting an immune response can inhibit the performance of normal behaviors.

KIPP Texas Public Schools – Houston Alumna

Dolores Lozano is a native Houstonian and proud alumna of KIPP: 3D Academy. From speech therapy, to Super Bowl LI, Dolores has taken on many roles since graduating from Baylor University in 2014. As she coordinates the Final Four Fan Fest in Minneapolis, Dolores serves on the founding team at Impact Hub Houston. She is also an on-air personality for ESPN 97.5, SB Nation, and iHeartRadio. Dolores has spent over three years with KIPP PALs, planning events, hosting Annual Dinners, and more. In 2016, Dolores brought Super Bowl LI’s 51-Day Countdown to KIPP: Northeast, which included a panel of professional athletes, Olympians, and radio personalities who promoted the importance of community service. In her spare time, Dolores works with professional athletes on philanthropy initiatives and marketing. Dolores is a young woman of faith committed to serving Houston through mentorship, educational advocacy, and ending violence against women. Dolores enjoys podcasts, politics, sporting events, and running. Dolores hopes to pursue an MBA in entrepreneurship, focusing on the use of start-ups to develop, fund, and implement solutions to social issues.

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumna

Erica Martinez-Close is a trailblazing Afro-Caribbean Latina business owner currently residing in the West Indies. Erica attended KIPP Academy Middle School in the Bronx and it was during her time as a KIPPster that she began to cultivate her global mindset. In 2015, Erica received her BA in Sociology with a minor in Black Studies and Theatre from the Colin Powell School of Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York. As a founding Director and Director of Strategic Affairs of Be Well Medical Group (BWMG) located in Trinidad, West Indies, Erica currently co-leads the company towards its ultimate goal of sustained expansion throughout the Caribbean region.  As a result of her leadership, Erica was recently named a finalist in The Global Startup Ecosystem (GSE) Fall 2018 Caribbean cohort. Erica is passionate about creating healthier business systems and developing corporate cultures in the Caribbean region built on the principles of challenging the status quo, enhancing professional and environmental wellness, and empowering the workforce towards career development.

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumna

Sayda Mitchell-Morales considers herself both an educator and an activist. She is the daughter of two immigrant parents and learned English at the age of 8. She graduated from KIPP Academy Middle School in the South Bronx in 2003. In 2011, she graduated from the Nightingale-Bamford School, having attended The Mountain School of Milton Academy during her junior year. She is also an alumna of the Kenyon Young Writers’ Workshop and the Young Writers’ Workshop at Bard College at Simon Rock. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Whitman College in 2015 and served as Vice-President of the student government, Scholarship Director of Kappa Alpha Theta, and co-founder of the club All Students for Consent (ASC). Upon graduating, Sayda went on to teach in Springfield, MA through Teach for America. She received her Master’s degree from Boston University in Teaching and Curriculum in 2018. Today she guides students towards realizing their true potential at Rise Academy as a 6th grade Humanities teacher and Teacher Leader. She is both a Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE) School Organizing Fellow as well as a Schools to Learn From (STLF) Fellow working towards improving her school community.

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumna

Afrika Owes is a native Harlemite who is an alumna of the KIPP STAR NYC family. Afrika graduated cum laude from Hobart & William Smith Colleges in 2016 with a degree in sociology and Africana studies, and was actively involved on campus as an organizer and student leader. In 2017 she travelled to Cape Town South Africa as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant where she founded the Black women’s empowerment group, Soul Sistas. Afrika facilitated this group through a trauma informed lens and emphasized the importance of community building and mentorship within the school and local community. Currently, she works at The Center for Constitutional Rights as an Administrative Associate, supporting the legal director and department as a whole. Afrika continues to volunteer in her community as a member of Community Board 10, mentoring young women of color, and assisting high school students applying to college. She hopes to attend law school in the near future and aims to combine her organizing, advocacy, and legal experiences to continue speaking truth to power as she helps provide her community with the tools to empower themselves against oppressive systems that exist to break them.

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumna

Taina Quiñones is a proud life-long resident of the South Bronx. After attending KIPP Academy Middle School, she began high school at Riverdale Country School. While there, she experienced the race, class, and culture shock that would pave the way for her next eight years of academic study. Taina graduated from Riverdale in 2013 and entered Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. After engaging with fields such as film, creative writing, and archival studies, Taina ultimately pursued a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies with a concentration in race theory. As a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, Taina completed a thesis titled “‘You’re Being Too Emotional’: An Analysis of Emotions, Politics, and Affect Negotiation Through the Black Lives Matter Movement”, where she explored the intersections of race, emotions, and political conversation. Taina’s various academic experiences culminated in her steadfast belief that storytelling, in all its forms, can serve to empower those who are made to feel powerless. She currently serves as the Exhibit Content Manager at the Jackie Robinson Museum, where she works with artifacts and exhibitions to promote Robinson’s legacy of first class citizenship for all. In a world as divisive as the one we live in now, Taina strives to recognize and value the humanity in all people and believes that a little empathy can go a very long way.

KIPP ENC College Prep Public Schools Alumnus

Andrew Sanguillen is a native of North Carolina. He attended KIPP Gaston College Preparatory for high school. He earned his BA in English from Duke University, spent a year in Silver Spring, MD working as a Grants Associate for Easter Seals serving Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia and is currently pursuing an MBA at East Carolina University. Filled with entrepreneurial dreams, Andrew is always looking to seize new opportunities and forge new connections.

KIPP New Jersey Alumna

Graduating from Kennesaw State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in genetics and a minor in statistics, Lauren originally aspired to go into genetic counseling. She made a decision to put that on hold after following her passion to move to New York City. She soon met Richard Rosenblatt, the CEO of Rosenblatt Securities, who took Lauren under his wing as an Equity Trader. She passed the series 19 and at the age of 23, became the youngest female on the floor and the second-ever African American woman working as a trader at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Lauren has been featured in ABC, CNBC, CNN, and Fox news. She has toured over 5 different countries and hopes to continue sharing her message with other women to be risk adverse and continue to break many more glass ceilings.

KIPP NYC Public Schools Alumna

Caurice Wynter grew up in the Bronx, where she attended KIPP Academy, built a strong foundation and lived off the motto “Work Hard and Be Nice.” Following KIPP, she was accepted into the A Better Chance Program for boarding school and attended Darien High School in Darien, CT.  After DHS, Caurice attended Syracuse University where she majored in Child and Family Studies on the pre-med track and was a dedicated member of her college’s step team. As she awaited starting the George Squared Graduate program at Georgetown University and George Mason University to study Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Caurice worked at MetroPlus Health Plan as a Medicare Advocate and at KIPP Washington Heights Middle School as a teacher of extracurricular activities. She earned her Master’s of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University.  Before starting medical school, Caurice spent a year working as an orthotic fitter with East Coast Orthotic & Prosthetic Corp. at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Currently, she is a second-year medical student at The Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University in North, Haven, CT where her ultimate goal is to become an Orthopedic Surgeon.