Family Advisory Board

Araceli Contreras, originally from Los Angeles, proudly embraces her Mexican roots as a first-generation college graduate. She moved to Virginia in 2011 and has dedicated 25 years to public service, initially in social services and currently in public schools.

Ariel Ventura-Lazo is a first-generation American and a nationally recognized student parent leader. Being a former teen-father, Ariel navigated a unique journey with his children through postsecondary education.

Elvira McCullough is a mother of three wonderful kids, who loves cooking, gardening, playing tennis, music and traveling. Elvira speaks 4 languages and has lived in Venezuela, Spain, England and Italy.

Kimberly Salazar, a parent and UC Berkeley student, collaborated with Dr. Yu-Ling Chang, Assistant Professor at the School of Social Welfare, on a research study examining racial equity and CalWORK’s reforms during the pandemic.

Maurice Webb, an entrepreneur, husband, father, and elder, persevered through challenges in Detroit, attending nine schools from K-12 and entering foster care at 15. He credits caregivers, mentors, and his grandmother for inspiring greatness.

Melissa Gladney, a loving mother to four beautiful daughters, actively supports their academic journeys through elementary and middle school.

Myra Foley is a devoted grandmother and legal guardian to two early teenagers, having embraced the role of parenting since they were 3 and 4 years old.

Sonya Morris, a mother of two and a New Orleans native, earned her Bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and a Master of Science from LSU Shreveport. In addition to being a writer, speaker, and spoken word artist, she is a small business owner and contributor to BlackPast.org.

Stacy Huh grew up in the United States and South Korea and, upon returning to the US as an adult, went to divinity school to become better equipped to serve the immigrant community as a pastor.

Tiffany Rogers has passionately championed public education for 18 years through her work with Texas and Arizona PTA. She brings a diverse skill set to the tasks she undertakes, blending expertise with altruism.

Hanoi Paula is a seasoned professional with a background in education and community services, and has served as a parent advocate for children with special needs for the Columbia University Head Start Program.

Janis Price is the Coordinator for Family and Community Engagement at Orange County Department of Education.

Kristina Trujillo Stephens has worked in early childhood development, early intervention/special education, and family engagement for over 20 years, focused on creating systems changes, advocating for parent empowerment and engagement, and the importance of early, easily accessible, and equitable family supports.

Lizeth LoCicero has advocated for children with disabilities throughout her tenure as a volunteer with National PTA and Texas PTA.

Lysa Satterwhite has always known she would be enthusiastically involved in her child’s education.

Marisela Murray is a first-generation immigrant from El Salvador. She is a wife and mother who started her career in public schools by volunteering when her oldest son was in kindergarten. 

Robert L. Doore (“Rides at the door”), is a BIPOC (Black Indigenous Person of Color) business executive, private business developer, and business owner.

Ruben Watson is a native of Michigan who moved to North Carolina in 2016 and has called it home ever since.

Ruth Horry is a community advocate, owner of The Coco Pauline Company, and former Family Advisory Board Fellow for United for Brownsville.

Staci Griffin joined Fulton Bank in July 2021 as an Associate Community Outreach Officer for Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington D.C.