Our team

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.

Alessandra Bolger | Operations Manager

Alessandra Bolger is a San Francisco local and a proud First Graduate, being the first in her family to attend college. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Mills College, an institution renowned for its dedication to social justice. With a deep passion for the arts and education, Alessandra currently serves as the Operations Manager at First Graduate and has been a part of many other esteemed organizations such as The Shubert Organization, The Whitney Museum of American Art, and Children’s Fairyland. Outside of work, Alessandra can be found hiking with her Border Collie or in the studio working on one of her many creative endeavors.

Sabrina Chamberlain | Program Coordinator, High School

Sabrina was born in San Diego, but spent her childhood between Washington and Hawai’i. She attended UC Berkeley as an undergraduate, studying history. She was the first in her family to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. Sabrina recently graduated from San Francisco State with an M.A. in history. Her graduate research focused on the histories of queer people, their experiences and identities.

Sabrina has previously worked as a college advisor, a teaching assistant, and as a nonprofit programs coordinator. Drawing from her own experiences, she is deeply passionate about improving accessibility to higher education. In her free time, Sabrina is an avid reader, a lifelong dancer, and the mother of two, very spoiled cats.

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.

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.

Simran Lalani | Program Coordinater, Middle School

Simran is from a small town in Texas and a proud alum of the University of San Francisco, where she earned a BA in International Studies with a concentration in Global Politics & Societies and a minor in Media Studies. Growing up as the child of immigrant Deaf adults, Simran developed a deep commitment to supporting marginalized groups and promoting educational equity. As a first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about supporting other students and removing barriers to their academic and professional growth. Outside of work, Simran enjoys going to the park, reading, and exploring new matcha shops!

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!

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!

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.

Meet Our Interns

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

Jesus A. Aguilar Martinez | Intern

Jesus is a University of San Francisco student majoring in Critical Diversity Studies with a minor in Public Policy. As the son of immigrant parents, he is passionate about advocating for farmworkers’ rights, Latinx empowerment, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and diverse representation. As a first-generation, Mexican-American student, he understands the challenges first-generation students face entering the new journey of higher education. His advocacy began in high school with M.E.Ch.A, organizing a major workers’ rights march. Since then, he has worked with Congressman Mike Thompson and interned with 10,000 Degrees through the Bank of America Student Leaders program. Beyond activism, he is a mariachi violinist, mentor, and dedicated volunteer. He also has a dog named Pablo and loves spending time with friends!

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.

Janely Castanon | Intern

Hello! My name is Janely Castanon and I am a freshman at the University of San Francisco, majoring in biology. I really enjoy cooking many cultural foods, listening to music, being adventurous, and watching good shows and movies. I also enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, as I am a very family oriented person. I am also a former member of the First Graduate program since middle school and it’s been such a great journey and it’s a pleasure to be able to give back to that community that helped me and be able to support the needs of these students.

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.

Olivia Craig | Intern

Olivia Craig is a 3rd year nursing student originally from Southwest Colorado, currently pursuing her undergraduate degree at the University of San Francisco. Since moving to San Francisco in 2022, Olivia has embraced the rich opportunities the university offers and is dedicated to making a difference in healthcare. Her goal is to work in the emergency department of an underserved hospital, where she hopes to provide essential care to those in need.

As a first-generation college student, Olivia understands the challenges of navigating the financial aid and college application processes. Outside of her studies, she enjoys outdoor adventures, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring the vibrant city of San Francisco with her partner.

Keyla De La Cruz-Sanchez | Intern

Hello, My name is Keyla De La Cruz-Sanchez. I am currently a transfer student at the University of San Francisco, majoring in Psychology. I am a first-generation college student and grew up all around the bay area.

When I am not studying or working, I enjoy going on hikes, listening to music, and watching my favorite comfort shows/movies! I am beyond thrilled and honored to be included in the incredible team at First Graduate; I hope to be able guide students on the best path and help them succeed and achieve their dreams.

Lydia Cunha | Intern

Currently residing in San Francisco, however born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. I am in my senior year at University of San Francisco pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance. I have a passion for business administration and have been lucky to explore that in my position at First Graduate for over a year now. In my free time I enjoy exploring San Francisco, traveling and spending quality time with my friends and family.

Melannie Garcia | Intern

Hello, I am Melannie Garcia! My hometown is San Jose, CA. I am a first-generation nursing student currently in my first year at the University of San Francisco. During my free time, I love to try out new recipes, crocheting, and reading. I am enthusiastic and grateful to be a part of this community. I love working with students and look forward to getting to know you all!

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.

Janae Rapley | Intern

Hey! I’m Janae, a second year math major at University of San Francisco. Along with attaining my Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics, I am also pursuing my Master’s in Arts and Teaching in Urban Education and Social Justice (thanks to the 4+1 program offered through the Undergraduate Teaching Education Center!) My family and I are Jamaican and I was raised on the East Coast, but came to San Francisco for University. I love singing, reading, and going into nature during my free time! I am excited to work with First Graduate because supporting students during their educational journey means a lot to me!