Alan Hernandez
President
Hey! My name is Alan, and I am currently a SuccessConnects Coach and Mentor for the Office of Academic and Multicultural Initiatives at the University of Michigan. I am originally from Huitizila, Mexico but I was raised in Detroit, MI. I graduated from Cass Technical High School and later earned my B.A. in International Studies from the University of Michigan. I am the oldest of four siblings and a first-generation college graduate, so paving the way for future generations is something that has been deeply ingrained in my work ethic and motivation. I am also a former undocumented and DACA-mented, 1.5 generation immigrant so the struggles that I endured have fueled my drive to continue working in the communities that need it most. I aspire to continue working for the empowerment of those who are marginalized and disenfranchised for a better, more inclusive, and just society.
Nicholas Paris
Vice President and Secretary
Hi! I'm Nick, and I am a Master's of Data Science student at the University of Michigan. I'm super excited to be on the initial Board for Take On College, and I'm happy to be participating in a great cause. My other leadership experiences include a year on the planning board for the Michigan Community Scholars Program and two years on the board for the Engineering Global Leadership Honors Program. Additionally, I have one year of experience as a student instructor in computer programming, and have taught English classes to students in Shanghai, China. In my free time, I enjoy running marathons and watching Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Our Board of Directors
Advisory Board
Bryce McDonald
Board Member
Hello, my name is Bryce and I currently lead the growth efforts of Pathstone, a nation wealth management company. With 20 years of experience in marketing and growth for companies like Marriott, Subaru, and Medtronic, I have a unique skill-set that fuses sound business vision and strategy with efficient go-to-market tactics.
As a first-generation graduate, I am mission-aligned with Take on College, and am honored to be able to help further their message, awareness, and impact.
Isabella George
Hello! My name is Isabella. I have spent over 14 years in K-12 public education as a behavior specialist, teacher, and school administrator, entering the classroom as a 2011 Teach For America Los Angeles corps member. Currently, I am the Associate Director of School Services at Total Education Solutions, supporting over 150 schools in the Southern California area with their academic and special education services. I earned my B.A. from UC Riverside in Psychology and Philosophy, and continued on to earn my M.A. in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University. I am a first-generation college graduate and know how confusing the application process can be and am excited to be part of an organization helping to make college more accessible to all students. I value the importance of integrated self-care in education and also teach yoga and meditation classes. I love traveling and exploring new places, hiking and spending time with my dog, family and friends.
Ashley Soto
Ashley Soto is a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Organizational Studies and Community Action and Social Change. She was an Admissions Representative with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and is currently a Building Bridges Through Education, Success Navigator at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The navigation process through the complex systems of post-secondary education can be difficult or nearly impossible without the proper resources. Invisible barriers continue to bar students of marginalized identities from pursuing education past the high school level. As a first-generation student and professional herself, Ashley's strongest passion is advocating for students from under-resourced communities and increasing their accessibility to educational opportunities.
Darrin Morgan
Hi, my name is Darrin, and I am currently Head of Growth and Investment at SkyNRG, a Dutch renewable energy company. With more than 15 years experience in renewable energy, clean technology in the electric power and aviation industries, I have a proven track-record of developing, launching, and managing industry-leading projects and initiatives. I excel in coalition-building and creating tangible business outcomes by convening stakeholders from across sectors and creating investment opportunities. These include financial, political, industrial, technical, academic, and non-governmental organizations. Take On College has a great message, and I am excited to see it take off.