Staff

Aminata Dolo

they/she/elle

  • Aw Dansé, Aminata is a U.S.-born citizen who spent her formative years in Mali. She belongs to the Dogon, Mandinka, and Fulani tribes. During her time in Mali, she attended a Catholic private boarding school, drawing parallels to Native American boarding schools. Later, she pursued higher education at Western Washington University, where she earned a degree focused on The Epistemology of Critical Indigenous Futurity. Her academic work critically addresses the pervasive structures of white supremacy that affect not only Indigenous peoples but also other communities of color.

    Aminata is deeply committed to fostering non-traditional educational pathways for students who may not thrive within conventional academic systems, advocating for more inclusive and adaptive approaches to education.

    For her downtime Aminata likes cooking, karaoke, traveling, hiking, and being in community.

    206-929-1777

    aminata@nweducationaccess.org

Angela Pierce-ngo

she/her

  • Angela Pierce-Ngo grew up in Tacoma as the daughter of an immigrant mother — and from an early age, she understood that the systems meant to create opportunity don't work equally for everyone. That understanding, rooted in her family's story and her own experience navigating college as a low-income student, became the foundation of her life's work.

    Now an education justice advocate and Program Director at Northwest Education Access (NWEdA), Angela has spent more than a decade walking alongside opportunity youth as they find their footing in postsecondary education. She joined NWEdA in 2012 and has grown through roles as an Education Advocate, Program Manager, and Program Director — each step deepening her conviction that every student deserves not just access, but genuine support and belonging.

    Angela is also the facilitator of the Sound Reengagement Collaborative, a collective impact initiative focused on reconnecting young people and adult learners to education and career pathways.

    Tacoma isn't just where Angela works. It's home. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work at Pacific Lutheran University and a Non-Profit Management Certificate at the University of Washington, and she proudly raises her family in the city that raised her. When she steps away from the work, you'll find her outdoors in the Pacific Northwest with her family and dogs — or absolutely belting a ballad at karaoke.

    (253) 948-8831 | angela@nweducationaccess.org

Cam Tu Nguyen

she/her

  • Cam Tu grew up in Tacoma after her family emigrated from Vietnam when she was five years old. She overcame cultural and economic challenges to pursue higher education goals through the support of college programs such as the Achievers and Act Six Scholarship. Cam Tu earned her bachelor’s in cross-cultural studies at Whitworth University and a Masters of Education at UWT. Before coming to NW Education Access, Cam Tu has worked with first-gen students in various non-profits throughout Pierce and King County for over 10 years. Outside of work, Cam Tu enjoys organizing community events and is highly active in the Seattle Salsa scene. She is also a mom to her Boston Terrier pup, Bella-Tu. 

    (206) 485-1166 | camtu@nweducationaccess.org

chastity catchings

she/her

  • Chastity’s career has spanned 20 years in management and operations in public, private, and non-profit organizations. Her drive for disrupting, transforming and collaboratively innovating education and other systems of inequities are the driving force for the work she does. She is passionate about ensuring that opportunities and creative space are available for global majority scholars so that they may be able to decide and change their own life trajectory. 

    Chastity considers Washington home but has roots in San Diego and Mississippi. She graduated from the University of Hawaii West Oahu with a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management. She holds a Finance in Education Certification from Georgetown University. When she’s not working Chastity enjoys spending time with her family adventuring through the great Pac Northwest and exploring the world one country at a time.

    425-270-5657 | chastity@nweducationaccess.org

clinton parrilla

he/him

  • Clinton is a first-generation college student from South Seattle, Washington. Clinton earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Washington State University. Prior to joining Northwest Education Access, he was an AmeriCorps Member with College Access Now as an 11th and 12th Grade College Coach, where he worked with high school students at Mount Rainier High School and helped mentor and guide them through the college process. Clinton’s values lies in his rooted experience in his community and wanting to continue the mentorship of young people as he received the same mentorship that helped him become who he is today. Outside of the workplace, Clinton has deep passion for sports, movies, and superheroes/comic book world!

    (206) 485-4948 | clint@nweducationaccess.org

cooper metz

she/her

  • Cooper has worked in the education nonprofit sector for over a decade. She began with NW Education Access in 2018 as an Education Advocate supporting students in the North & Central Seattle Area. In her current role she leads the Student & Community Engagement Team, which works to enhance student and alumni community-building, social capital, and organizational engagement. She also collaborates with Program Directors and Managers to enhance training and support for staff, improve services offered to students, and provide capacity-building training and assistance to service providers out in the community. Cooper holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Nonprofit Management Certificate from the University of Washington. She absolutely loves the PNW, but she’s a southern girl at heart and misses the Carolinas, lightning bugs, thunderstorms, warm beaches, and boiled peanuts!

    (206) 317-1177 | cooper@nweducationaccess.org

dafne moreno

she/her

  • Dafne graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor's in sociology and a minor in gender, women, and sexuality studies. As a first-generation college graduate, Dafne knows first-hand the multiple barriers placed in our education system that push many demographics away from higher education. She is passionate about advocating for folks who are constantly overlooked in our education institutions and in helping students find their own voice and confidence. In her free time, Dafne enjoys listening to true crime podcasts, catching up on the latest horror movies, and preparing for her favorite holiday all year round (Halloween).

    (206) 922-8746 | dafne@nweducationaccess.org

Dulce Sigüenza

she/her

  • Dulce is a former NW Education Access student and Student Advisory Board member. She was also part of NWEA’s Board of Directors after graduating from the University of Washington. As an immigrant who faced countless barriers to achieve a higher education, Dulce is passionate about advocating for education rights for all. At NW Education Access, Dulce focuses on creating student engagement opportunities and organizing annual fundraising events. In addition to her work, Dulce enjoys spending time with her family and friends, high intensity interval workouts, and creating content for her YouTube channel. 

    (206) 485-4327 | dulce@nweducationaccess.org

erra heinl

they/them

  • Erra graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Educational Studies and an M.Ed. in Education Policy. As an aspiring teacher turned Education Advocate, Erra is passionate about furthering educational justice and helping students navigate institutional barriers to their postsecondary goals. Erra’s experiences as a first-generation college student motivate her to provide students with holistic support and encouragement throughout their own educational journeys. Outside of work, Erra enjoys reading, live music, and doing crafts with their kiddo.

    (206) 745-4837 | erra@nweducationaccess.org

haley edwards

she/her

  • Haley is a PNW transplant originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She’s passionate about empowering students to overcome the institutional barriers to postsecondary education. As a first-generation student, she took pride in earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Iowa.

    Since arriving in Washington, Haley has had the opportunity to serve College Possible and Northwest Education Access students. These days, Haley lives in Tacoma with her two dogs (Posie and Leo). Outside of work, she loves to read, take long walks and is always looking for the next excuse to be on the beach.

    (206) 552-7744 | haley@nweducationaccess.org

hannah neve

she/her

  • Hannah received her Bachelor’s in Human Services from Oregon State University in 2016. She has since lived in Oregon and Wyoming, and is now back in Washington where she was born and raised. Much of her work has been done within nonprofits to support youth and young adults in different capacities. She is passionate about providing non-judgmental mentorship and support to young people, and is continuously inspired by working alongside individuals while they fully step into their power. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys reading, going on long walks, and trying new food!

    (206) 607-8886 | hannah@nweducationaccess.org

hansell torres

he/him

  • Hans is an immigrant from San Jose, Costa Rica. Hans attended Washington State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Cultures with an emphasis in Political Science and Sociology. Hans grew up understanding what it’s like to be a low-income, first-generation college student. Prior to joining NW Education Access, he worked at Federal Way Open Doors as a Re-Engagement Adviser, where he helped high school students explore their passions and future goals. 

    (206) 249-7798 | hansell@nweducationaccess.org

jeff corey

he/him

  • Jeff has been working for nonprofit organizations in Seattle for over 15 years. Prior to NW Education Access, Jeff worked with the Street Outreach Service’s Syringe Exchange program and the Capitol Hill Homeless Youth Case Management Program. Jeff is a co-founder of the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance (PHRA), which operates the University District Syringe Exchange. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Washington. In addition to his work, Jeff enjoys soccer, working with PHRA, and spending time with his amazing partner, VeraEve.

    (206) 485-1118 | jeff@nweducationaccess.org

Jerry-Lee Bulala

he/him

  • Jerry graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a bachelor’s in Sociology and a minor in Chinese Studies. Prior to coming to NW Education Access, Jerry did direct service at various non-profit organizations in Tacoma. As a first-generation student, he is passionate about working with students as they plan and navigate their future in education. Outside of NW Education Access, Jerry enjoys exercising, learning new skills, and visiting his local coffee shops.

    (253) 200-9008 | jerry@nweducationaccess.org

jenny taylor

they/them

  • Jenny grew up in the Skagit Valley of Washington State. After high school, they studied Hispanic Studies and Environmental Studies at Pacific Lutheran University. Jenny has worked at various local nonprofits, including as a domestic violence advocate with the YWCA Pierce County and a youth program facilitator with Tacoma Boat Builders, a community youth diversion program. Jenny is excited about building genuine connections with youth, and accompanying them as they explore their passions and educational goals. When they aren’t working, Jenny likes to learn more about woodworking, get lost in fantasy/sci fi books, and cook with friends and family.

    (206) 485-3253 | jenny@nweducationaccess.org

Katrina cameron

she/her

  • Katrina brings a deep commitment to educational access and community partnership to her role as Senior Development Manager at Northwest Education Access. With a background in nonprofit and school-based fundraising, she has helped expand access to education through financial aid initiatives and supported students facing food insecurity. Passionate about building inclusive communities, Katrina has led affinity spaces that foster belonging and empowerment for students and is known for putting the fun in fundraising. She believes philanthropy is strongest when it is rooted in relationships, joy, and shared purpose.

    Born and raised in Southern California, Katrina double majored in Women’s Studies and Anthropology at California State University, Fullerton, where she learned to engage with the world not only as an observer but as an active participant. During college, she volunteered in Costa Rica with a nonprofit that mobilized university students for community service and conservation projects. Within six months, she followed that experience by taking a nonprofit course at New York University taught by Nancy Lublin, a serial social entrepreneur, which helped shape her path into the nonprofit sector. Outside of work, Katrina enjoys being a mom, partner, and friend and believes in getting into “good trouble” in service of a more just and connected world.

    (206) 485-0290 | katrina.cameron@nweducationaccess.org

katrina roe-colón

she/her

  • Katrina is an alumna of S.E.A. and a graduate of Highline College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree before transferring to the University of Washington to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. With firsthand experience as a student and a background in education, she has worked within the K-12 system at Highline Public Schools and at Tacoma Community College. Katrina is passionate about informing others about the various options and resources available to them. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her fur baby Kaners, reading mystery and fiction novels, and watching satisfying cleaning videos.

    (206)249-9003 | katrina@nweducationaccess.org

katy childers

she/her

  • A member of the team since 2015, Katy leads NWEdA’s finance, contracting, and grant fundraising efforts. In her 20+ years of nonprofit experience, she has worked with Jubilee Women’s Center, Conservation International, Global Partnerships, and the Bainbridge-Ometepe Sister Islands Association in Nicaragua. She holds a bachelor’s in international studies, and master’s in public administration specializing in nonprofit management, both from the University of Washington. Outside of work, Katy enjoys gardening, circus arts, cooking & eating, wake surfing, and running.

    (206) 523-3662 | katy@nweducationaccess.org

Konto Southisombath

she/her

  • Konto graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of California, San Diego. Growing up low-income and a daughter of refugees, Konto knows firsthand the importance of community involvement and social support. She is passionate about working with communities of color and deconstructing systems of social, economic, and educational inequity. In her spare time, Konto loves to travel to new places, cook delicious food, and watch all kinds of documentaries and shows on Netflix.

    (253) 254-5027 | konto@nweducationaccess.org

M. Yvonne Taylor

she/her

  • M. Yvonne Taylor is an award-winning intersectional feminist and critical organizational scholar-practitioner with over 20 years of experience advancing educational equity through research, teaching, and collaborative leadership. She has partnered with numerous education organizations to co-create trauma-informed, equity-driven strategies that bridge gaps between organizational values and outcomes.

    A passionate educator and mentor, she has taught students from 8th grade through adulthood and published on equitable mentorship practices. Her dissertation was featured on the NPR podcast The Mind of Texas, and her opinion pieces have appeared in The Daily Beast and the Houston Chronicle. Her PBS talk about equity and innovation will air in 2025.

    Yvonne holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy with a certificate in Women and Gender Studies from UT Austin. An army brat who spent her first three years in Tacoma, Yvonne returned in 2023, with her son and their dog, Lexi.

    206-413-9992 | yvonne@nweducationaccess.org

Raina Enrique

she/her/ella

  • Raina is originally from Orlando, Florida and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's in Psychology and Latin American Studies. Prior to joining the NW Education Access team, Raina devoted 7 years to culture-based youth work at nonprofits both abroad and in the Seattle area. She is a commitment to genuine connection and offering non-judgmental support as she works alongside students navigating their unique educational pathways. Outside of her role as Education Advocate, Raina enjoys trying new coffee shops, watching reality tv and taking care of her many plants!

    (206) 485-0787 | raina@nweducationaccess.org

Vilma Alvarado Garcia

she/her/ella

  • Vilma is a first-generation college graduate from the University of Washington, with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Communities, & Organizations. Vilma was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and grew up in Tacoma, Washington. Before coming to NW Education Access, Vilma was a College and Career Readiness Assistant working with the students of Foster High School in Tukwila. She is passionate about providing the support and encouragement she received in her academic journey to other students in her community. Outside of work, Vilma enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, crafting, and taking care of her plants.

    (206) 531-3022 | vilma@nweducationaccess.org