Traci is an experienced leader in the college access and success space. She has dedicated her career to helping this country live up to the promise that all people can go as far as their talents and hard work can take them. Building on her work as a high school teacher, she was the architect of the highly respected program at College Possible, and spent the last fifteen years designing, leading, and scaling their work across the country. During her tenure, the program grew from serving 400 students in Minnesota to reaching nearly 30,000 students across the country via in-person and remote services, receiving accolades for the innovative model and nation-leading results for students. In both staff and board roles, she has extensive experience at launching and scaling initiatives. In addition to her work with Believe in Students, she is a governor-appointed commissioner on the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, and serves on the launch committee for a new nonprofit association in her home state. Traci holds a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She lives in Iowa with her husband, Brian, and son, Devon. When she’s not at work, she can be found gardening.

Gralon is a natural connector whose empathetic, people-centered approach fosters deep, cross-functional relationships that galvanize teams to deliver on organizational priorities. With an interdisciplinary background in human services and education equity, he brings a holistic, systems-level lens to advancing strategies that help marginalized communities – especially those vulnerable to poverty – overcome systemic barriers and access pathways to fulfilling, self-directed lives. Gralon has led national program teams, streamlined program operations, and overseen strategic initiatives in both nonprofit contexts and higher education. Prior to Believe in Students, he served as Chief Program Officer at Covenant House Missouri, leading a team of 40, supporting housing-insecure youth in achieving stability, wellness, and independence. Before that, as National Director of Programs at College Possible, he oversaw the organization’s core program offerings across the country. He has also advised university presidents at both PWIs and HBCUs, guiding strategies to enroll, support, and graduate more first-generation, low-income, and students of color. He earned a Ph.D., with distinction, in Human Ecology from Kansas State University, a master’s degree from the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Dr. Johnson resides in the St. Louis metropolitan area with his wife, Brittany, and son, Corey.

Liz is a passionate educator and dedicated advocate with a mission to help students overcome financial barriers to education. She has taught Spanish at Milwaukee Area Technical College since 2011 and held various roles at the FAST Fund at that college. At the MATC’s FAST Fund she provided exceptional direction for program strategies and fundraising, increasing the students they helped during her first year by 118%. Liz strives to ensure education equity work is grounded in relevance, continuity, and most importantly, the ability to create change. At Believe in Students, her goal is to expand and strengthen the national FAST Fund network and increase advocacy through relationship-building and engagement of students, faculty, and staff. Liz holds a master’s degree in Spanish language and literature from Saint Louis University in Madrid, Spain and a bachelor’s degree from Lewis & Clark College and uses her language skills and cultural awareness to foster diversity and inclusion. Liz lives with her partner, Matt, their dog, and two cats in the north woods of Wisconsin. When she’s not working, Liz can be found on her mountain bike or cross-country skis and enjoys traveling the world.

Emi is a versatile professional with a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a Minor in Mexican American Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. She has excelled in various roles, notably as an International Recruitment Coordinator at Northern Arizona University, where she managed databases, organized on-campus recruitment programs, and contributed to admissions processes for international students. Emi’s impactful work extends to their Transitions and Family Advocate role at Florence Crittenton Services, where she implemented innovative initiatives, collaborated with external partners, and supported students in achieving their post-secondary goals. With a strong commitment to education, advocacy, and community engagement, Emi is a dedicated professional poised to make a meaningful impact. She enjoys running, hiking, skiing, and all of Flagstaff’s outdoor activities in her free time!

Wenster supports the financial operations of Believe in Students, contributing to the organization’s day-to-day fiscal management with care, accuracy, and a strong sense of stewardship. In addition to his role at Believe in Students, he is actively engaged as affiliate staff with Passaic County Habitat for Humanity, reflecting a broader commitment to community-centered work and housing stability. Wenster is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, where he earned a degree in International Relations and Economics, and he also holds certifications in Accounting. He resides in New Jersey, and his interests include soccer, travel, and theater, which speak to his appreciation for teamwork, global perspectives, and the arts.

Darryl has worked in the nonprofit sector for the past 5 years, supporting in multiple capacities such as – donor prospect research, grant-writing, communications, fundraising strategy, CRM and grants management. He has supported various small to midsize organizations focused on youth development, the arts, higher education, and holistic wellness. Darryl has a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Stockton University. He currently resides in the DC metro area, and enjoys the arts and riding his mountain bike along scenic trails.