Our Board
Board of Directors & Student Leadership Board
College and career success doesn’t have to fall on your shoulders alone.
Our unique approach relies on partnerships with trusted, nonprofit universities. They provide our students affordable access to their degree programs, and we provide all the things that students need to be successful: a deeply supported onboarding process, personalized coaching and supports in our Denver campus, and a community of caring staff and peers that will be with them every step of the way.
This approach means students can pursue their degree and build their career at the same time, even while working or supporting family.
Board of Directors
Susana Córdova
Susana Córdova
Susana Córdova is the Colorado Commissioner of Education, the first Latina to hold the state’s top education position. She previously served as the deputy superintendent of Dallas Independent School District. Córdova also served as superintendent of Denver Public Schools, where she spent more than 30 years serving as a teacher or school leader at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Córdova is a DPS graduate who began her teaching career as a bilingual teacher at Horace Mann Middle School and rose through the ranks to become superintendent in 2019. Córdova received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Denver, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction/education administration from the University of Colorado, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate in education by the University of Denver.
Meg Lafave
Meg Lafave
Donna Lynne
Donna Lynne
Bill Kurtz
Bill Kurtz
Bill Kurtz was the Founding Head of School of the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST), before becoming CEO in 2009. DSST currently serves around 7,000 students across 8 middle and 8 high schools in Denver and Aurora, Colorado. DSST has consistently operated the highest performing middle and high schools in Denver and Colorado since its inception in 2004. DSST won the 2018 Broad Prize for urban education as the top performing charter management organization in the country.
Bill was inducted into the National Charter School Hall of Fame in 2016, and was recognized as the 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year by the New Schools Venture Fund. Bill is an Aspen Institute-Pahara Fellow and is a graduate of the Broad Superintendent program.
Prior to joining DSST, Bill served as Principal of Link Community School in Newark, NJ, and Assistant Principal at The Holy Cross School in South Bronx, NY. Bill holds a B.A. in Politics from Princeton University, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Columbia University.
Rosemary Rodriguez
Rosemary Rodriguez
Kent Thiry
Kent Thiry
Board Emeritus
Jandel Allen Davis
Jandel Allen-Davis
Elizabeth Concordia
Elizabeth Concordia
Student Leadership Board
Lilia Mendoza
Lilia Mendoza
Board Member
Yesenia Mendoza
Yesenia Mendoza
Board Member
I am disciplined and structured when it comes to my health and wellness. I take that discipline and routine structure in everything that I do to stay organized and stay committed to my goals and dreams.
Deysi Parga
Deysi Parga
Board Member
Desiree Sanders
Desiree Sanders
Board Member
My name is Desiree Sanders. As the oldest of eight siblings, I grew up with a strong sense of responsibility, leadership, and family connection—qualities that continue to shape who I am today. Over the years, life has blessed me with three amazing sons, who are my greatest motivation and the heart behind everything I do.
I have lived in Colorado for seven years, and it has truly become home. I love the balance of nature, culture, and opportunity the state offers, and it’s where many of my passions have continued to grow. Some of my favorite hobbies include painting, writing, and reading, all of which allow me to express myself, explore new ideas, and unwind creatively. And of course, I absolutely love food—trying new dishes, discovering local spots, and enjoying meals with people I care about.
I’m someone who values growth, creativity, and connection, and I bring those qualities into my life, my goals, and the way I move through the world.
I am attending CSU Global for my Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Management. My long time goal is My long-time goal is to become a Patient Access Representative, where I can help improve patient experiences by ensuring they receive clear communication and compassionate support throughout their healthcare journey.
Rogelio Munoz Vargas
Rogelio Vargas
Board Member
Kadejah Venable
Kadejah Venable
Board Member
I enjoy family events and skateboarding with my daughter.
Harper Barthel
Harper Barthel
Board Member
Tawanda Holley
Tawanda Holley
Board Member
My name is Tawanda Holley. I am originally from Washington, DC moved to Colorado from 2020-2025 and returned back home to Washington, DC. I am attending Community College of Aurora and my major is Behavioral Health Associate I and my career goal is to become a mental health specialist or ambassador and be able to help those in need and give back to the community. One fun fact about me is that I love to laugh with family and friends and enjoy life.
Shauntaye Sharp
Shauntaye Sharp
Board Member
Hello my name is Shauntaye Sharp. I am currently in school at CSU Global pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. I have already obtained my Associates Degree in Management as well as my Cosmetology Certificate. I plan to one day own a beauty salon; I also want to start a community outreach program that will help the homeless within my community. I am a proud single mother of an amazing 8-year-old boy. I enjoy travel, spending time with family, writing poetry, watching football and my favorite shows in my spare time.
Jasen Cain
Jasen Cain
Board Member
My name is Jasen Cain. I plan to major in a bachelor’s in computer science information technology at CSU Global. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Advance EDU and the support that I have received so far.
Fun Fact: I love to work with technology! I have a few projects that I am working on. Building an AI clone as well as a home lab for central data storage without paying for cloud storage and a SPAM Mail filter in the server.
Career Goals: I hope to run my business successfully and be able to give back to the community using technology and provide IT Training for people that don’t know how to use a computer or AI systems.