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 skilled program strategist and organizational leader. Recognized for his people-first approach, he combines an interdisciplinary background in education equity and human services to help marginalized communities, particularly those vulnerable to poverty, overcome systemic barriers and achieve fulfilling, self-directed lives. Before Believe in Students, Dr. Johnson served as Chief Program Officer at Covenant House Missouri, leading a team of 40 professionals in delivering transformative programs that supported homeless youth (ages 16-24) in achieving stability and independence – in education and beyond. Dr. Johnson has provided high-level operational and strategic leadership in both higher education and nonprofit organizations, managing cross-functional teams, streamlining processes, and driving key initiatives. As National Director of Programs at College Possible, he oversaw the organization’s program operations nationwide, impacting thousands of students, and prior to that, advised university presidents at PWIs and HBCUs on strategies to enroll, support, and graduate more first-generation, low-income, and students of color. Dr. Johnson 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.

Brittney provides comprehensive communication management and fundraising strategy for Believe in Students. She has over seven years of experience as a communication professional and has developed a branding awareness and messaging acumen. In addition, Brittney is well-versed in developing integrated communications strategies that ensure effective delivery of messaging and content that leverage traditional media outlets (e.g., email and direct mail) and digital strategy (e.g., web and social media). She also gained experience in the nonprofit space by supporting organizations that cultivate community and corporate relations, external affairs, and workforce development. Brittney holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University. She currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, where she spends her free time exploring the city with her family and friends.

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!

Hope Sievers is an accomplished communications professional, holding a Bachelor of Arts in English from Iowa State University. They are experienced at managing multiple social media platforms, with a strong focus on identifying emerging trends and leveraging them to create content that resonates with diverse audiences. Over their career, they have developed their ability to craft thoughtful and engaging messaging that fosters meaningful connections across various digital channels.  Hope now lives in Toronto, Ontario with their partner and several plants that turned up in their home at some point. In their downtime, they enjoy diving into the rich narratives of fantasy novels (especially those including 2SLGBTQIA+ characters) and exploring the immersive landscapes of open-world video games.

Wenster is the Bookkeeper at Believe in Students. Interest also include soccer, travel and theater. He is a graduate from Marymount Manhattan College with a degree in international Relations and Economics, and certifications in Accounting. 

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.