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
As a second-generation Korean American and first-generation college graduate, Sung graduated from UCCS and CU Denver with a BA and MA in Sociology, respectively. With 6+ years of experience within higher education settings, he intends to continue his work in student support and advising to ensure academic success. The college process and journey can be difficult to navigate, but Sung and the rest of the AdvanceEDU Team is here to ensure your success.
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 opportunity 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.
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 students and give back to her community both 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 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.
Melinda Day
Executive Strategist
Melinda Day
Executive Strategist
Melinda Day brings over two decades of experience in organizational development, nonprofit leadership, higher education reform, and workforce development. Her career has been defined by innovative approaches to
integrating workforce strategies into higher education systems.
Before joining AdvanceEDU, Melinda served as Department Chair and
tenured faculty at Cañada College, a community college in Northern
California. She co-founded and co-led the Oxford Teachers Academy at
Reach University, transforming local schools and youth service organizations into micro-universities to cultivate local talent into high-quality credentialed teachers.
Melinda’s passion lies in bridging the gap between higher education and real-world work. She is a strong advocate for apprenticeship-based degrees that enable students to earn credentials while applying classroom knowledge on the job. Her leadership in workforce development and educational reform equips working students with the tools and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century, fostering meaningful connections between education and employment.
Melinda holds a BA in Child Development from Tufts University, a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health from the
University of Illinois-Chicago, and a PhD in Child and Family Studies from
Syracuse University, where her research focused on race, ethnic stereotype
formation, and teacher training.
Meagan Dizon
Employer Partnerships Manager
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.
Anslem Gardner
Anslem Gardner
Anslem 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 creating opportunity 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 vocal leader for communities who 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-generation college graduate to AdvanceEDU’s important mission while building and improving equitable systems and honing its strategy.
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.
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.
Efren Herrera Hurtado
Efren Herrera Hurtado
Efren joins AdvanceEDU with experience in higher education and federal grant-funded programs. He was raised in and has called Aurora, Colorado 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 professional with strong moral and ethical principles, Michelle is uniquely qualified to empower and support students who need it most. For the five 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.
Amanda Lee
Amanda Lee
Financial Support Specialist
Amanda (she/her/hers) comes to AdvanceEDU with over 5 years of experience in the tech industry. She’s spent her career helping others navigate the ever-changing world of tech through customer service, advocacy, and training. She is excited to bring these skills to the Financial Support Specialist role, empowering individuals to pursue their dreams through navigating the complex financial system of higher education. Through a complete and relevant understanding of how finances affect students’ higher education, she hopes to help students succeed with financial bravery.Amanda is a life-long learner and people person. She graduated from Swarthmore College with her BA in Psychology. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters in Mental Health Counseling through Regis University. She hopes to further empower individuals to tackle life, no matter where they may be. In her free time, you can find her playing too much D&D and video games, climbing, and crocheting.
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.
Lacey Meyerhoff
Lacey Meyerhoff
Lacey Meyerhoff is a strategic and innovative higher education leader with a dedication to help individuals unlock economic opportunity through the power of education. As a low-income and first generation college graduate, she is passionate about breaking down barriers for all students to access and attain a college degree and advance into careers they love.
She brings to AdvanceEDU over 10 years of leadership experience in cultivating and growing strategic partnerships as well as managing student marketing, recruitment and enrollment initiatives. She has been instrumental in leading multiple startup teams from seed to scale. She is excited to bring her skills and expertise to AdvanceEDU to help more learners achieve their goals of a college degree without debt and launch into their dream career.
Lacey is a soccer mom from the suburbs, but she is a proud Hoosier at heart! She loves spending time outdoors and traveling as much as possible with her family.
Erin Shaver
Erin Shaver
Development Director
Erin Shaver comes to AdvanceEDU with 17 years’ experience as a nonprofit consultant and grant writer. She has written more than $20M in successful grants in the past 2.5 years, including $2M in grants for AdvanceEDU. Erin also wrote several multi-million dollar proposals for the City and County of Denver through Point B(e) Strategies, a consulting firm focused on the social change sector. Prior to that, Erin worked as Director of Grant Writing & Resource Development at Joining Vision and Action, where she managed a team of grant writers, numerous client contracts, and also supported business development, research, marketing, and strategy. Erin started her career as a reporter & editor at the Colorado Daily/Boulder Daily Camera, focused on higher-ed beat and the University of Colorado. She also offers a wealth of volunteer experience helping out in schools, coaching soccer, volunteer fundraising, and serving on nonprofit boards.
Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in communications/journalism from the University of North Florida. A Florida native, she has lived in Colorado for most of the last 20+ years (minus a five-year stint in Alaska). As a mother of two teenagers, she is passionate about elevating young people, and particularly those who have been historically left out of the best opportunities.
Lauren Trent
Lauren Trent
Lauren Trent is the Chief Executive Officer of AdvanceEDU. Lauren has been building innovative college and career experiences for more than 20 years. Prior to her current role, Lauren was the Executive Director for Innovation and Strategic Alliances for the Career and College Success team at Denver Public Schools, where she oversaw the growth of key strategic programming including the district’s nationally-recognized DPS CareerConnect programming. Prior to that she was on the founding leadership team at CareerWise Colorado, where she helped launch Colorado’s first-of-its-kind youth apprenticeship system. Before that, Lauren led consulting projects for more than 20 colleges and universities across the country as an engagement manager at Huron Consulting Group. Lauren has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana University, an MBA in Strategy and Social Enterprise from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and a Masters in Education Leadership through the Broad Residency in Urban Education
Deja West
Deja West
Deja is a dedicated professional with a rich background in collegiate athletics and related programming. 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 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.
Nnena West
Head of Student Recruitment & Enrollment
Nnena West
Head of Student Recruitment & Enrollment
Nnena (She/Her/Hers) is a Colorado native, growing up in the Aurora area. She is a proud mother to three children and a part-time care-taker to her elderly grandmother. While attending college, she also worked full time, got married, and changed her degree plans several times, taking extra years to graduate than planned. These experiences shaped her desire to help other low-income and non-traditional students to successfully navigate their college experience in the most cost-effective and meaningful way while also really understanding the need to be engaged in their college journey.
Nnena comes to AdvanceEDU as the Head of Student Recruitment and Enrollment. Prior to AdvanceEDU, Nnena worked at the Community College of Aurora as the Director of the TRIO Student Support Services programs. Nnena held several roles working on behalf of students throughout her 13 years of tenure at CCA including as an Admissions Specialist under the Admissions, Registration and Records team. In 2013, she helped to launch and build the brand-new TRIO program. She also helped to build the infrastructure for the Student Success Center cohort programs such as Transfer Success and Brother to Brother. In her role with TRIO SSS, her programs provided holistic support to students, improved retention rates and completion rates, decreased equity gaps, increased transfer rates, and helped students gain a sense of belonging.
Nnena has served on a multitude of committees and task-force groups including the Aurora Post-Secondary Pipeline grant, CU Boulder Advisory Board, and currently is on the Springboard Childcare board. She was also in the inaugural class of the 2023 Aurora Chamber Emerging Leaders program and the National Council on Black Americans Affairs Leadership Development Institute in 2023.
Outside of work, Nnena loves to travel, have nature adventures with her kids, and binge Netflix or scroll TikTok.
Want to be a part of the AdvancedEDU team? Learn more by checking out our current job openings.
