Board Chair

Michele Evard, Ph.D. is the founder of Evard Educational Consulting and a nationally recognized expert in homeschooling and college preparation. With more than two decades of experience mentoring families and students, Michele specializes in creating personalized educational plans that guide learners from K-12 through the college admissions process.

She is the co-author of College UnMazed: Your Guide to Design & Document Your Homeschool and co-founder of homeschool communities that empower parents to build meaningful, individualized learning paths. Michele holds a Ph.D. from MIT, an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Oregon, and dual degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from Andrews University. Her work centers on student-centered planning, equity, and inclusive access to future opportunities

Treasurer

Ibrahim Firat brings over two decades of experience at the intersection of nonprofit leadership, business strategy, and financial stewardship with deep expertise in nonprofit finance and strategic growth.

Ibrahim is the Chief Educational Consultant and Co-Founder of Firat Education, a nationally recognized firm providing test preparation and college consulting services. He has previously served as President and Treasurer of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), where he guided the organization through major governance and financial transitions. He is also the former Vice President of the iWrite Literacy Organization, where he helped scale programs that empower young writers. In addition to his education-focused work, Ibrahim is the Co-Founder and strategic lead at Nexus Futbol Academy, a unique private soccer school that merges academics and athletics, breaking barriers for talented youth athletes seeking holistic development.

Ibrahim holds an MBA and a BA in History from the University of St. Thomas (TX), as well as a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Babson College.

Tracy L Simmons is the Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs at Howard University School of Law. Prior to joining Howard Law, she worked for the University of San Diego School of Law as the Assistant Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid and Diversity Initiatives and she also worked for the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, as the Senior Assistant Dean for Admissions, Diversity Initiatives and Financial Aid. Most recently, Simmons is a co-founder of the Womxn of Color Collective for law schools professionals, co-chair of the Legal Professions Chapter of the National Association of Diversity Professional in Higher Education (NADOHE), and has joined USD Law’s Children’s Advocacy Institute Council for Children (CAI). Simmons has a BA in Psychology with a minor in African American Studies and MA Education with an emphasis Multicultural Counseling from San Diego State University and earned her J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law.

Brandon Rhodes an experienced strategy and analytics professional with a track record of leading cross-functional strategic initiatives. He holds a B.S. in Operations Research and Financial Engineering from Princeton University and has 8+ years of experience as an analyst. He is currently the Manager of Consumer Growth, Strategy, & GTM at Affirm.

Stacey Cunitz, CEP, is the founder and director of Blue Moon Educational Consulting and a seasoned college counselor with nearly two decades of leadership experience. She earned her BA from Barnard College, Columbia University, an MA in Secondary English Education from NYU, and a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA. She became a Certified Educational Planner in 2018.

Stacey served as Director of College Counseling at The Crefeld School from 2005–2023 and previously taught high school English in New York and Pennsylvania. She is deeply engaged in the profession, serving on IECA’s Nominating Committee and holding leadership roles with NACAC and PACAC, including PACAC President (2022–2023). Stacey currently co-leads NACAC’s LGBTQ+ Special Interest Group. She has visited over 260 colleges and universities and lives in Pennsylvania with her family and backyard chickens.

Laura N. Shepherd is a seasoned leader in higher education and the legal profession with more than two decades of experience advancing equity, access, and opportunity. She is the founder and owner of Enlighten, a boutique consultancy devoted to illuminating the pathway to success through inclusion, culture, engagement, and leadership development. Most recently, she served as Global Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, where she led firmwide strategies to strengthen culture and engagement across 16 international offices.

Previously, Laura held senior leadership roles as Associate Dean at William & Mary Law School and at North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she expanded access and support for first-generation and underserved students. She earned her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law and her B.A. in Psychology from Marymount College Tarrytown and she is completing her doctorate in Education with a focus on Leadership and Innovation. A sought-after speaker, she frequently presents on inclusion, leadership, and pathways to success in education and professional services.

Robin Ladd is an associate in the Finance Practice Group in the Dallas office of Haynes and Boone. Robin has represented both borrowers and lenders in a variety of transactions. Her practice focuses on subscription secured finance, acquisition financing and syndicated credit facilities.

Richard Thornton is an engineer by degree and a scientist in practice looking to find novel intersections between collective cell behaviors and bioprocess engineering. He is currently a Molecular Biology Ph.D. Candidate at Princeton University and holds his B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering from North Carolina A&T University.

With over two decades of experience in clinical research and higher education, Sam is responsible for the development of clinical evidence strategies to secure market access and global expansion of medical devices with Smith+Nephew. Prior to pursuing a career in the medical device industry, she led the first Orthopedic Research and Innovation group in Hawaii, providing research opportunities to current and aspiring medical students and residents. Sam holds a PhD in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science from the University of Hawaii and a MS in Athletic Training from the University of Kentucky.

Ayana Dow is an associate at WilmerHale where she advises broker-dealers, financial institutions and other global and domestic financial entities on a broad range of regulatory and enforcement matters. Ms. Dow also regularly counsels companies on compliance issues relating to Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, FINRA, and other self-regulatory organization rules and regulations

Prior to joining WilmerHale, Ms. Dow was an associate in the financial services group at another international law firm in Washington DC. She was previously a policy fellow in the Office of Congressman James Clyburn.

Michael F. Hogan is an executive with over 40 years in the financial services industry. He is currently an adjunct professor at Bryant University and a course facilitator at Cornell University. He holds a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School; Master of Art History from Lindenwood University; and a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from Bates College. He is currently a PhD candidate at the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts where his scholarship concentrates on the aesthetics of displacement in street art in context of twentieth and twenty-first century continental philosophical thinking. Michael splits his time in Truro, MA, Boston, MA and Miami, FL

David is a partner in the asset management group. David focuses his practice on the representation of financial services firms, including open- and closed-end registered investment companies, private investment pools, registered investment advisers and broker-dealers. He represents a number of non-U.S. investment advisory firms.

Wesley C. Dias, Esq. was cofounder and CEO/President of the Argosy Consulting Group, (ACG) incorporated, 1988. In 2009, ACG was restructured into Argosy Consulting Group, LLC (ACG) with Mr. Dias as CEO/President. ACG is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm providing expert technical services and program support to public and private organizations in the areas of information technologies and management services.

Mr. Dias has more than 47 years of public administration, business, and legal experience which include 33 years of Federal service. He has acquired extensive managerial and communication skills while gaining substantive operational expertise in the areas of strategic planning, budget, personnel, security, policy and procurement.

Mr. Dias earned a B.A. degree with honors from Syracuse University, a M.P.A. from Princeton University, and a J.D. degree from Columbia University. Among his awards and honors are Who’s Who Amongst Students in American Universities and Colleges, designated one of the Outstanding Young Men of America by the U.S. Jaycees and recipient of the Syracuse University Orange Circle Award for outstanding community service and philanthropy. Mr. Dias is currently a member of the Columbia Law School Association Board of Directors, the Syracuse University Maxwell School Dean’s Advisory Board and the Syracuse University Office of Multicultural Affairs Advisory Board.

Suzanne is an experienced educational consultant and former public school educator with nearly 30 years of experience supporting students through the college planning process. She brings a unique, multi-perspective lens to her work as a teacher, college counselor, independent consultant, and parent of two college-aged students.

Suzanne founded Meridian Educational Consulting in 2016 and has worked with students across a wide range of academic backgrounds, including gifted and AP programs. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Arizona State University and a graduate certificate in College Counseling from UCLA, along with teaching and school counseling certifications from the Arizona Department of Education.

Suzanne is an active leader in the Independent Educational Consultants Association, currently serving as Vice President for Membership & Engagement. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a tribal citizen of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and an LGBTQIA2S+ ally and advocate.

Tamara Baptiste is a dynamic college admissions coach, speaker, author, and engineer determined to increase the presence of women in science, technology, engineering, and math careers. She is adept at building bridges and partnerships, facilitating discussions meant to find common ground, and building high-performing, motivated teams and trust within the community. A trusted advisor, Tamara employs an award-winning, empathetic and transparent leadership style.

Tamara mentors men and women whose goals include growing and applying their skills, navigating difficult situations, defining their goals, and devising a course of action to achieve them.This passion led her to launch The College Application Specialist™ a consulting firm providing families and students with the information needed to confidently apply to higher-education opportunities that fit them academically, socially, and financially. Tamara has partnered large county library systems and churches in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, the Anne Arundel County NAACP, and True Ground Housing (formerly APAH) to provide college admissions and financial aid knowledge to thousands of parents and teens. Since 2015, her students have gained admissions to over 65 prestigious colleges and universities (including the Ivy League and Top 20) with over $15MM in merit aid, scholarships, and high-profile scholarships such as the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship and the USC Presidential Scholarship.

Tamara graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Engineering and a M.Eng. in Engineering Management. She holds a College Counseling and Higher Education Certificate (with Distinction) from the UCLA, and an Executive Certificate in Organizational Development and Change Leadership Consulting from Georgetown University. Tamara is a member of the ITSMF, SACAC, PCACAC, and IECA. She is also a proud member of Top Ladies of Distinction – Concord Chapter and the Queen City Metropolitan Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.

Michael Donnelly-Boylen is Associate Dean of Enrollment and Strategic Initiatives at Roger Williams University School of Law, where he has served since 2002. With over two decades of experience in legal education, he is a national leader on LGBTQ+ inclusion in law school admissions. Dean Donnelly-Boylen serves on the LSAC Board of Trustees and chairs the Schools & Candidates Committee, and has held leadership roles with LSAC and AALS. He holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Suffolk University.

Dean Donnelly-Boylen began his career in legal education in 1995 at Suffolk University Law School working in both admissions and career services. He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Notre Dame and a M.S. in political science from Suffolk University.

Tali Levy is the founder of LectureBound, a college admissions advising firm that supports students through the highly selective undergraduate admissions process. She works closely with students and families to navigate academic planning, college selection, and application strategy with clarity and care. Tali brings a student-centered, ethical approach to admissions counseling and is deeply engaged in conversations around access, transparency, and student well-being in higher education. Through her work, she helps students present authentic narratives and make informed decisions about their educational paths.

R. Tamsin Jones is the Managing Director of The Channing Company, specializing in organizational transformation and growth. With expertise in change strategies, leadership development, and crisis management, she helps businesses and individuals navigate change, improve performance, and build resilience. Tamsin brings executive experience in strategy, operations, and HR, allowing her to align people, processes, and strategy for sustainable growth. A systems thinker with a background in process improvement, she has led large-scale change management initiatives, executive coaching programs, and organizational development efforts across industries. In addition to her consulting work, Tamsin is the Founder and Executive Coach at Coach Tamsin, where she focuses on performance, leadership, and executive coaching for women.

She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education, building on her two Master’s degrees: an M.S. in Human Resources Management and Development from New York University and an M.A. in Human Services from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. Tamsin is a proud first-generation college graduate.

Roxanna Cruz is an accomplished, results-driven enrollment professional with over 20 years of working in higher education. Her extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive plans to recruit and retain talented and diverse individuals has been proven through her track record of consistently meeting and exceeding university and law school enrollment goals. Roxanna’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through her leadership is evident in her ability to not only help shape a class that is reflective of the world, but also in recruiting, developing, mentoring, and leading high-functioning diverse teams.

Roxanna recently re-entered law school admissions where she serves as the Associate Dean of Admissions at Ave Maria School as of January 2023. Prior to this role, Roxanna held the position of Associate Vice President of Enrollment at Barry University in Miami Shores where she oversaw all undergraduate, graduate & professional enrollment. Roxanna also served as the Assistant Dean of Admissions at Barry University School of Law, Associate Director of Recruitment & Marketing at FIU Law, and as Director of Student Recruitment at Miami Law.

Roxanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from St. Thomas University and a Master of Business Administration in Management at Nova Southeastern University. As a first-generation college graduate, Roxanna takes pride in her accomplishments and her professional development in enrollment management. Roxanna’s creativity, adaptability, innovative thinking, and passion for access to higher education has provided successful outcomes in many aspects of her work. In addition, she considers her most prominent role to date as that of wife and mother of four children.

Benita Blackwell is a proud first-generation college graduate and passionate advocate for educational equity, technology integration, and student transformation. Raised in an underserved South Georgia community, Benita’s early life was shaped by both hardship and hope. Though her parents served in the U.S. military, she was raised by a single mother who instilled in her the values of education, resilience, and purpose. She went on to graduate as the Salutatorian of her high school class and later charted her own path at Wesleyan College, where she helped create her interdisciplinary major and became one of the first three graduates with a degree in Computer Information Systems.

With over 17 years of experience across K-12 education and Department of Defense-connected learning programs, Benita has served in roles including STEM Coordinator, Educational Leadership, Program Developer, and Equity-Focused Consultant. She is the founder of IMperfect Academy, a STEM microschool for underserved and overlooked students, and the founder of MindSpaced, an AI application and software agency. She is also the Co-Founder of Schooling, a digital platform using AI, gamification, and global access to reimagine student-centered learning.

Known for designing inclusive ecosystems rooted in personalized learning, restorative justice, innovation, and real-world learning, Benita has helped thousands of students recover credits, accelerate academically, and reconnect with education. From launching school reintegration programs to developing global STEM curriculum her leadership continues to drive impact.

Benita is committed to creating pathways for students who have been historically left behind—empowering them to reclaim their education, rewrite their narratives, and reimagine their futures. Her story—from first-gen student to tech-empowered education leader—fuels her mission to make sure the next generation knows: your beginning does not define your brilliance.

Ayesha Sitlani, PhD is Associate Vice President of the Product Development Center at IAVI, a global nonprofit focused on developing vaccines and antibody-based solutions for HIV, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. In her leadership role, she drives strategic partnerships and advancements that accelerate scientific discoveries from bench to clinic and expand access to affordable biologics worldwide. Prior to joining IAVI, Ayesha spent nearly 20 years at Merck & Co., where she held senior roles in biologics, vaccines, and antibody research and development. She earned her BA from Smith College, an MA from Columbia University, and a PhD in Biochemistry from Caltech, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in Biophysical Chemistry at Yale. Ayesha is passionate about science education, guest lectures at Columbia University, and serves as Board President at the Wardlaw Hartridge School.

Ali Moghaddam is Executive Vice President, Chief Enterprise Risk Executive, and Bank Secrecy Act & OFAC Officer at City National Bank of Florida, where he leads enterprise risk, compliance, and anti-financial crime efforts. With more than 15 years of experience monitoring and combating financial crime across banking and regulatory environments, Ali brings deep expertise in risk leadership, legal strategy, and compliance best practices. He previously served in specialized roles with Promontory Financial Group and UBS Financial Services, and holds a Juris Doctor from Temple University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of California. Ali is recognized for his collaborative approach to risk management and financial integrity.

Director of Access to Law School of Education Programs at the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law.

Director specializing in intellectual property litigation at Elysium Digital, where she works on complex patent, trade secret, and software copyright matters.

Chief Marketing Officer and business coach helping women entrepreneurs grow their businesses with strategic marketing, coaching, and community leadership.

Retired healthcare executive and longtime Princeton University alumni leader active on multiple nonprofit and alumni boards, including the Association of Black Princeton Alumni.

Senior Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Services at Penn State Dickinson Law with a long career in higher education leadership, admissions, and student affairs.

Higher education professional and admissions leader with experience supporting student access, enrollment strategy, and equity-focused initiatives.