Our Team
The team of experts dedicated to helping you on your college journey.
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.
Sung Ahn
Success Coach
Sung Anh
Holly Armstrong
Holly Armstrong
Head of Student Success
Holly is passionate about helping students thrive in education, career, and life. She has held multiple roles dedicated to building high-quality programs that promote equity for all students and communities. Prior to AdvanceEDU, she led an academic support program as Coordinator of Supplemental Instruction at Metropolitan State University of Denver. As the Assistant Director of College Completion for PelotonU, she helped create innovative student support resources and programming for the emerging hybrid college sector. Before PelotonU, she worked in various PK-12 roles coaching district leaders and teachers, overseeing curriculum and instruction, and creating remedial reading programs. Holly, a native Texan, graduated from Austin College and received her Master’s in Teaching from Marian University and her Master’s in Language and Literacy from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She hopes to help shape the future of higher education through AdvanceEDU’s dynamic, flexible, and career-relevant approach to supporting students.
Alicia Biggs
Alicia Biggs
Alicia Biggs brings over 40 years of dedicated experience to the Early Childhood field. Throughout her remarkable career, she has served in various capacities, including as a preschool director, regional director overseeing eight preschool centers, and a first-grade teacher for a decade. Additionally, Alicia has contributed significantly as a literacy coach for five years.
Her passion for education extended to leadership roles as she chaired the Early Childhood Education programs at both the Community College of Denver and the University of Northern Colorado for over 17 years. Beyond her professional commitments, Alicia is the proud owner of an early childhood program in her community, known as “A Biggs Step to a Quality Education.”
Alicia takes immense pride in actively engaging with her community, supporting families, and advocating for children’s education. Notably, she and her family dedicate weekends to serving unhoused families, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the educational realm.
Marissa Casimiro
Marissa Manzanares
Marissa’s passion for college access along with her 7+ years of experience within higher education has allowed her to support underrepresented students and give back to her community here in Denver and her hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah. As a first generation college student, Marissa is a proud alumna of the University of Utah, where she obtained her Bachelors of Social Work degree in 2015. Following her move to Denver in 2017, she attended the University of Denver and received her Master of Arts degree in Higher Education in 2020. Prior to AdvanceEDU, Marissa has had the opportunity to support student success in several roles, including Alumni Success Advisor for KIPP Colorado Schools, Pathway Academic Advisor at the Community College of Aurora, and Undergraduate Admissions specialist at the University of Denver, along with other nonprofits in her hometown. She hopes to continue to serve, support, and advise students towards their passions at AdvanceEDU and to educate/advocate to others that there is more than one pathway towards brighter futures.
Meagan Dizon
Meagan Dizon
Meagan Dizon (she/ her/ hers) was born and raised in Queens, New York prior to her family’s move to Denver, where she graduated from Denver East High School and then continued to study at the University of Denver (DU). At DU she studied psychology, communication and marketing (BA 2018), and it was during this time she learned about the field of higher education through working as a resident assistant. Learning about the impact student affairs professionals can have on a student’s experience, as a first generation student herself, she decided to continue her education where she earned her masters in higher education (MA 2020).
Prior to working with AdvanceEDU, Meagan worked as a Program Manager in the Office of Diversity Affairs at the Leeds School of Business at CU Boulder. In this role she understood the importance of professional coaching and career readiness to coincide with academic achievement. She hopes to continue working with students to achieve their goals and to create access for community success.
Eduardo Garcia
Eduardo Garcia
Eduardo Garcia (He/Him/His) brings over nine + years of dedicated experience in the field of higher education, specializing in federal grant-funded programs such as TRIO. and previously serving as a Financial Aid R2T4 processor. Born and raised in Colorado, Eduardo’s family roots trace back to Michoacán, Mexico, instilling in him a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and inclusivity.
As a first-generation college student, Eduardo intimately understands the challenges and obstacles that students encounter on a daily basis. He is a proud graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Eduardo’s commitment to empowering others is evident in his passion for assisting individuals in overcoming barriers to academic success. Known for his interpersonal skills and empathetic approach, he is dedicated to fostering an environment of support and guidance for students from all backgrounds.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Eduardo enjoys pursuing his hobbies, including fishing, loves trying new foods and exploring different culinary experiences, and indulging in the world of Anime.
Anslem Elumogo-Gardner
Anslem Elumogo-Gardner
Anslem Elumogo-Gardner joins AdvanceEDU with over 15 years of nonprofit leadership and community building experience. He has spent the last decade plus of his life working for and alongside organizations dedicated to closing the wealth gap through education, workforce training, economic development, and community building. Prior to relocating back to Colorado in 2023, he served as Chief of Staff, Vice President of Operations, and Program leads for a variety of community-based and cultural institutions, most notably in roles focused on operations, strategic planning, and program management.
Anslem is a loud leader for racial justice and an advocate for communities systemically impacted by disinvestment and a lack of resources. He is an active Board Member and the Finance Committee Chair for Cultivate Collective; a Chicago-based nonprofit who just launched a massive project dedicated to revitalizing Chicago’s Southwest side through an innovative campus focused on climate equity, education, health, workforce development, and food access. Anslem earned his MBA from the University of Denver to round out his nonprofit experience with a strong business acumen to focus on the financial and sustainability aspects of organizations and looks forward to doing the same for AdvanceEDU. He is excited to bring his personal and professional experience as a first gen college graduate(and Nigerian American) to AdvanceEDU’s important mission while building and improving equitable systems and honing its strategy.
Efren Herrera Hurtado
Efren Herrera Hurtado
Efren joins AdvanceEDU with experience in higher education, federal grant-funded programs, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He was raised in and has called Aurora, CO home for the past 24 years. Efren is also a first-generation high school and college graduate. He obtained his BA in Ethnic Studies and minor in French from the University of Colorado Boulder. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a master’s in higher education and student affairs leadership. He centers radical acceptance in his daily educational practice and personal life to advance the perspective of how one approaches life. He started with a nontraditional path to college and advocates for the educational needs for students, even if it is not a traditional path.
Efren currently serves as the High School Bridge Program Manager for AdvanceEDU and is excited to launch this program for and with AdvanceEDU! He also serves as President-Elect for the Colorado Coalition for the Educational Advancement of Latinx (CoCEAL). He is a prospective doctoral student, aspiring professor, and lifelong educator and people person. When not working, you can find Efren working on his passion projects, trying a new hobby, or trying new local food spots!
Michelle Jaramillo
Michelle Jaramillo, M.A.
Michelle (She/Her/Hers) was born and raised in Colorado. Since 2005, she has been helping students curate their academic path to reach their educational goals, through community outreach, academic advising, caseload management, student mentoring, and intervention. Michelle is an accomplished State of Colorado Certified LEAD (Learn, Empower, Advance Drive) Academic Advisor, Global Career Certified Facilitator, and NACADA-Global Community for Academic Advising Member.
As a self-motivated, student-focused, detail oriented, organized professional, Michelle is committed to supporting students and peers in their individual goals for academic and career success. As a first-generation woman of color, with strong moral and ethical principles, Michelle is uniquely qualified to empower and support students who need it most. For the 5 years prior to joining AdvanceEDU as a Success Coach, Michelle was with the Community College of Aurora (CCA), where she generated student success and leadership in various roles, as an Interim Assistant Director, Lead Pathway Advisor, and STEM Pathway Advisor, coordinating advising efforts of all advisors, while maintaining relationships with over 500 students herself, to ensure that everyone received the attention required to be successful in their educational goals, both students and peers alike. During Michelle’s time at CCA, she was instrumental in bringing CCA from last in enrollment amongst the 13 Colleges within the Colorado Community College System, to second overall. Her drive and dedication earned her the Excellence in Innovation in Student Affairs award from the Colorado Community College System in 2023. Michelle earned her Master’s Degree in Adult Education Management and Administration, with an emphasis in Special Education, from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2014. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology at Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2005.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews, fur-babies, traveling the world and meeting new people.
Kira Maples
Kira Maples
With a wealth of experience in career development, Kira Maples is committed to nurturing personal and professional growth in others. Drawing from her own life journey that included navigating the systemic challenges of achieving a post-secondary education while growing up in a low-income environment, Kira’s passion lies in supporting individuals to help transcend barriers and achieve their career aspirations.
Prior to AdvanceEDU, Kira’s influence has been felt across classrooms, virtual platforms, and personalized settings, where she has provided career guidance to students and professionals in various sectors spanning non-profit, workforce development, mental health, and technology. Her prowess lies in crafting tailored training programs and guided mentorship that propels individuals toward achieving personal and professional objectives.
Combining empathy, leadership and career pathing expertise alongside her own personal journey, Kira helps empower individuals with the tools and motivation they need to reach their goals. A graduate of Central Michigan University, she stands as a testament to the transformative power of determination, perseverance and education.
Lauren Trent
Lauren Trent
Deja West
Deja West
Deja is a dedicated professional with a rich background in collegiate athletics and a fervent commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Graduating from DePauw University in 2018, Deja spent six years immersed in the dynamic world of collegiate athletics, where her passion for fostering positive change took root.
Now stepping into the role of Enrollment Specialist at AdvanceEDU, Deja brings her unwavering dedication to empowering underrepresented students to achieve their educational and career aspirations.
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, Deja is excited to focus her attention on providing resources, education, and support to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for all individuals. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented students and a passion for creating inclusive environments, Deja is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of AdvanceEDU and empowering students to succeed.
Want to be a part of the AdvancedEDU team? Learn more by checking out our current job openings.
