Our team

Kelly Aguilar | Intern

Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and went to ICA Cristo Rey High School. There she learned through the Corporate Work Study Program how to work in different fields and is currently a sophomore at University of San Francisco. Her major is in Psychology and a minor in neuroscience and is very excited and grateful to be part of First Graduate and help empower students to reach their full potential

Victoria Alvarado | Intern

Hola! My name is Victoria Alvarado (She/Her/Ella pronouns), I am a Business Analytics student at the University of San Francisco. I was born and raised in the Bay Area by two Salvadoran parents. I am the first in my family to attend a four-year university and I am passionate about helping others be the first in their family to attend college and guiding young individuals to follow and accomplish their dreams! I hope to be part of the impact of having more first-generation students in four-year institutions!

Tuka Almamori | Senior Advisor, College and Career Program

Tuka was born and raised in Sunnyvale, California. Being the daughter of two Iraqi refugees taught her the importance of hard work and perseverance from a very young age. Tuka has received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Jose State University with a focus in Child and Adolescent Development. She is a first-generation college graduate who is passionate about serving underrepresented minority students and helping ensure educational equity for all. She looks forward to continuing her work advising college students, promoting their success, and building meaningful relationships. You can find her exploring the outdoors, hiking, watching basketball, or spending time with her family and friends in her free time.

Cameron Banks | Intern

I am from Los Angeles, California. I am a third year Psychology major at the University of San Francisco. My interests and hobbies include cooking, watching conspiracy theory documentaries, listening to music, and journaling.

Madison Brown | Intern

Hi! My name is Madison Brown (they/she pronouns) and I am a first year nursing student at the
University of San Francisco. I’m from Santa Clarita, California (which is SoCal), but I love being in NorCal. Some things I like to do are journal, dance (even though I’m horrible), listen to all kinds of music, and be one with nature.

I’m excited to be a part of this program, get to know our students, and help them succeed in
their near futures. I am more than happy to share a bit about me, and I would love to also know more about you!

Karla Cancio | Intern

Hello, my name is Karla Garcia. I am a daughter of two Mexican parents born in Veracruz, Mexico. I was born and raised here in the Bay Area. Currently, I am a Nursing student at the University of San Francisco.

When I am not learning about the human body, I am at the beach watching the sunset, dancing, hiking, or baking. I am passionate about guiding young individuals to see them become the leaders of tomorrow.

Jonathan Aleman Castro | Program Coordinator, High School

Hello my name is Jonathan Aleman Castro, I am a first generation Latinx college student who graduated from Kalamazoo College in Michigan with a B.A. in Psychology. I was born and raised in San Francisco’s Mission District and have loved every part of this community. I am excited to be working with first generation students hoping to inspire them to succeed and reach their goals. Some hobbies of mine are gaming, cooking, cheering for the SF Giants, and going on hikes with my two dogs

Theo Chapin | Intern

I was born in San Francisco but raised in upstate New York. I use he/they pronouns. I am a third year Psychology major and Theology minor at the University of San Francisco. I love working with kids and seeing their personalities and interests develop. I hope to be either a school psychologist or a private practice therapist with a specific speciality in children and adolescents. I enjoy baking, cooking, crocheting and am an amateur photographer! I am also a part of queer communities on my campus.

Terri Forman | Chief Executive Officer

Terri joined First Graduate® in 2011 with better than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience as a development director, award–winning marketing communications and advertising director, consultant, and board member. During Terri’s tenure, contributions and support from individuals, foundations, and corporations have increased significantly, helping First Graduate® grow from coaching 185 students to more than 300. Terri has deepened the fundraising and communications capacity of First Graduate® by thinking forward, leading from the heart, and building and mentoring a staff team that partners closely with Board members, thought leaders, and donors.

Lupita Garcia | Operations Manager

Lupita is a proud first-generation Latina college graduate whose parents immigrated from Mexico. Lupita grew up in the Bay Area and was a part of a program similar to First Graduate when she was a student. Lupita graduated from the University of San Francisco, majoring in Sociology and triple minoring in Criminal Justice, Public Service & Community Engagement and Chicanx-Latinx Studies. During her time at USF, she was part of the Esther Madriz Diversity Scholars Living Learning Community and interned in Washington, DC during the 2016 Election. Understanding the importance of the support and work First Graduate provides first hand, she is excited to be part of the team and its mission, tapping into her experience in fundraising, operations, and finance to first graduate and help grow its impact on the students. During her free time, Lupita can be found spending time with her dog Shiloh, at Oracle park cheering on the Giants, cheering on the San Francisco 49ers, or wandering the aisles at a bookstore for the next book to add to her collection.

Marcel Glover | Director, Middle School Program

Born and raised here in the diverse city of San Francisco. I grew up wanting to always make an impact on my community. It all began during senior year of high school when I participated in a program at the De Young Museum through which we went to different elementary schools teaching students about West African Art. It eventually lead me on a journey where I ended up majoring and graduating with a BA in Political Science at San Jose State University. In my last semester of college I worked in a middle school after-school program and have been working with youth for the last 5 years. I am motivated to do the work that I do so students from similar backgrounds as myself have an opportunity to succeed and accomplish their dreams.

Yoselin Gonzalez-Mendez | Manager, Community Engagement

Originally from Vargas, Venezuela. Yoselin is passionate about helping people to help themselves. She brings more than 11 years of experience leading social impact initiatives for under-represented communities in areas such as education, health, and college access. Before joining First Graduate, she worked with several nonprofit organizations managing volunteers, developing marketing strategies, and facilitating collaborations between corporate partners and nonprofits organizations. Additionally, she facilitated educational programs in the form of panel discussions, technical-talks and webinars, for organizations such as The San Francisco Giving Tree, Expat Women, and AIESEC.

Yoselin currently serves as a Director of the San Francisco Chapter of Techqueria, a nonprofit organization for Latinx in tech. She is the first in her family to immigrate to another country and further her education, loves dancing salsa, and also speaks Spanish and English.

Alana Zavett Green | Interim Director of Development

Alana is a passionate nonprofit professional with nearly twenty years of experience in fundraising, executive coaching, board development, and program and volunteer management. Alana currently serves as a Bay Area independent nonprofit consultant whose past clients include: National Alopecia Areata Foundation, Family Connections, Chanticleer, San Francisco Parks Alliance, and more. When Alana’s not advocating for boards or developing new fundraising strategies, she loves creative writing, photography, travel, and spending time at home with her husband and their two amazing little boys.

Eric Guico | Chief Programs Officer

Eric is a first generation college graduate. Over the last 11 years, Eric has supported Bay Area students realize their dreams of going to and graduating from college. His leadership at East Bay College Fund allowed the organization to scale exponentially and he is excited about joining the First Graduate® family to continue this work.

“The economic gap in our society continues to grow. As we move towards our future, I believe it’s important that we all do our part to support our fellow human beings in this struggle. I’m happy to be a part of First Graduate® who is dedicated to each and every family we work with.”

Eric also enjoys hiking, martial arts, gaming, and spending time with his loved ones.

Uyen (Le) Len | Intern

Hi, my name is Uyen Le, but you can call me Len. My pronouns are she/hers. I like to draw and discover new hobbies, but currently, I am learning guitar. I grew up in San Jose, but my next four years will be in San Francisco since I am currently attending University of San Francisco as a Psychology major.

Vi Lee | Intern

Vi is one of the interns for Middle School at First Graduate. She was raised in Dallas, Texas and spends her summers in Seattle, Washington. She goes to school at University of San Francisco as a Sophomore. She has a passion for mentorship and working with middle school age students. In her free time, Vi likes volunteering with her sorority, playing ukulele, and exploring San Francisco.

Alicia Lo | Intern

Hello! My name is Alicia Lo and I am from San Bernardino, California. I am a kinesiology major at the University of San Francisco. When I am not working or studying, I enjoy photography, traveling, learning languages, and cooking. I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve as the development intern for this academic year.

Crystal Perez | Intern

Hello, my name is Crystal Perez! I am a first generation college student and I recently transferred into the nursing program at the University of San Francisco. I was born and raised in the Bay Area but one day I would like to be a travel nurse so I could explore different parts of the world and different cultures. My hobbies include walking/exercising, listening to music, and self-care. I’m thrilled to join First Graduate because I empathize with the challenges of navigating the education system, and I’m eager to share my personal experiences with others to hopefully inspire and make an impact on someone else’s life.

Charlynn Pulou | Intern

My name is Charlynn Pulou and it is such a pleasure to meet you. I am a sophomore at the University of San Francisco and my major is Psychology. I enjoy listening to music and watching anime whenever I have time. I also love shopping at Bath and Body Works and I also have a cat named Butter who is my whole world.

Mubeenah Shaikh | Senior Manager, College & Career Program

Mubeenah is a proud San Francisco native and grew up in the South of Market area. Mubeenah has always had a passion and dedication to work in her community. She attended San Francisco State University and graduated with a BS in Health Education. Mubeenah is a first-generation college graduate and looks forward to working with students and families on navigating the barriers and difficulties in higher education. I am passionate about social justice and educational access and equity. In her free time, you can find her cooking Indian food with her family, reading books, traveling, or exploring new restaurants.

Maanasi Shyno | MS Program Coordinator

Maanasi is thrilled to be starting a new chapter at First Graduate®. She is a recent graduate of Dartmouth College, where she was a community builder and feminist organizer. Maanasi has worked with youth in a variety of settings, from high school college access programs to educational nonprofits. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, geeking out over speculative fiction, and spending time with friends. Having benefited greatly from community support and mentorship throughout her life, Maanasi strives to give back and center care in everything she does. She is excited to be working with and learning from the First Graduate® community!

Maggie Tarbox | Program Coordinator, Middle School

Maggie moved across the country to join the First Graduate® team, and is grateful to be a part of

its mission. She finds joy in meeting new people, exploring her surroundings during her regular
runs, and sampling MLB ballpark food. Raised in Rhode Island and Connecticut, Maggie earned
an undergraduate degree in history from Clark University in Worcester, MA and is a graduate of
Central Connecticut State University’s school counseling Master’s program. A coach and
counselor, Maggie has worked with students of all ages; from elementary school to college.
Maggie is passionate about connecting young people to the activities and communities that
inspire them. She is looking forward to getting to know First Graduate’s students and families
while supporting them in defining and pursuing their hopes and dreams!

Seth Tarver | Special Projects Coordinator

I Graduated from Oregon State University with a degree is Business with a focus on management. I am passionate about finding solutions and resources to help underserved communities. I believe that education is the best solution to uplifting areas in need and I am happy to help First Graduate® assist in that process.

Efe Umukoro | High School Program Coordinator

Hello, my name is Efe Umukoro! My parents immigrated to America from Nigeria, in hopes of giving me and my brother a better life. I grew up in Lancaster, California and moved to San Diego for college where I received my bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Leadership Development from San Diego State University! During my time in college, I joined a dance team, became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and founded my own high school mentorship program within the Afrikan Student Union at SDSU. Through developing my program, I discovered my love for working with high schoolers and helping close the opportunity divide for students from minority communities! I am so excited to join the First Graduate® team and serve as a positive resource in the lives of San Francisco students! In my free time, I enjoy binge watching tv shows, singing and working out!

Michelle Yagmourian | Intern

Hello! My name is Michelle and I’m from Sunnyvale, California. I am a senior nursing major from the University of San Francisco. A fun fact about me is that I am a complete dog person and currently have a 5 year old Samoyed named Cooper. In my down time, I like to put on some of my favorite TV shows, curl up with a book, or play video games. I’m excited to work with everyone at First Graduate and hope to contribute a lot to the team and organization!

Oscar Murguia Zepeda | Program Manager, High School

Oscar is the proud son of immigrants from Jalisco, Mexico and is a first-generation college graduate. Oscar was born and raised in San Jose, California and attended De Anza College upon graduating high school and transferred to the University of California Berkeley GO BEARS! and received his bachelor’s in Anthropology and minor in Chicanx studies. Before joining First Graduate® Oscar worked at a high school in San Jose as a College Adviser and enjoyed interacting with his students and creating meaningful relationships through things they had in common and supporting their sporting and extracurricular events. Oscar enjoys assisting and seeing his students thrive and achieve their educational goals.

During his free time Oscar enjoys attending sporting events and is a HUGE Cal Football, Chivas de Guadalajara, and (always Oakland) Las Vegas Raiders fan! And enjoys investigative journalism and documentaries as well as travelling to new places and visiting his family in Mexico.