Staff
Angela Pierce-ngo, interim co-executive director
Angela graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and received a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington. Angela grew up in Tacoma, Washington and received support from various college access organizations and mentors in her education journey. She was inspired from her personal experiences to assist other students in navigating postsecondary and learning all their options. Angela is committed to working towards justice in our education systems and uplifting the voices of young folks in our communities. Before becoming a Program Director, Angela served in various roles at NWEA since 2012 including Program Manager and Education Advocate. Outside of work, Angela enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with her family and dogs, traveling, and karaoke!
(253) 948-8831 | angela@nweducationaccess.org
Cam Tu Nguyen, Volunteer Services Manager
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
Camilla Pusceddu, Development Manager
Camilla was born and raised in Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean. She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Cagliari (Italy) and a master's in Local and Global Development from the University of Bologna (Italy). She moved to the Seattle area in 2018, and, before joining NWEdA, she worked in fund development at Ventures, a Seattle-based nonprofit supporting low-resourced entrepreneurs. Recently, she earned a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Washington. In her free time, Camilla enjoys reading, watching the latest TV shows, and caring for her plants.
(206) 485-0290 | camilla@nweducationaccess.org
Clinton Parrilla, Education Advocate, Seattle
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/comicbook world!
(206) 485-4948 | clint@nweducationaccess.org
Cooper Metz, interim co-executive director
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, education advocate, eastside
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, Student engagement & events Manager
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, Education Advocate, Renton/South King County
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, Education Advocate, federal way & tacoma
Haley is a PNW transplant originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She’s passionate about empowering students to overcome the institutional barriers to higher education. As a first-generation student, she took pride in earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Iowa. She also minored in Social Work and Mass Communication. After graduation, she headed west to serve with AmeriCorps at College Possible where she discovered how much she appreciates working with young people as she coached low-income University of Washington students. These days, Haley lives in Tacoma with her partner, two dogs (Posie and Leo), and enjoys reading and simulation games.
(206) 552-7744 | haley@nweducationaccess.org
Hannah Neve, Education Advocate, Seattle
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-judgemental 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
Hans Torres, Program manager
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, interim co-executive director
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
jenny taylor, Education Advocate, seattle
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
Jerry-Lee Bulala, Education Advocate, Auburn & TACOMA
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 spent three years with the Act Six Tacoma-Seattle Leadership Scholarship program in Tacoma as an AmeriCorps member for two years and one year as Program Coordinator. 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 dedicating time outside by hammocking and growing in his knowledge and practice of wilderness medicine.
(253) 200-9008 | jerry@nweducationaccess.org
Katrina Roe, Education Advocate, tukwila/south king County
Katrina is a NW Education Access alumna who sought higher education later in her life; she graduated from Highline College with her AA in 2019, then transferred to UW Tacoma where she earned her BA in Psychology in 2021. Having the recent student experience herself now in addition to her previous education work within K-12 Highline Public Schools and at Tacoma Community College, she is enthusiastic about letting everyone know they have options and resources! Beyond work life, Katrina enjoys being an auntie, spoiling all her nieces and nephews, prefers tea over coffee, and loves watching all Marvel movies and shows.
(206)249-9003 | katrina@nweducationaccess.org
Katy Childers, Finance Director
Katy directs finance and 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. 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, eating, and running.
(206) 523-3662 | katy@nweducationaccess.org
kerry Dirk, development and communications director
Kerry grew up in Eastern Washington and then settled in the area after living on the East Coast for six years. She joined NW Education Access in 2023 after holding fund development roles at CFH, Homeward Pet Adoption Center, and New Beginnings. In her most recent role as Director of Philanthropy at CFH, she helped to raise over $9 million toward building the first-ever shelter for men experiencing homelessness on the Eastside. Kerry has a PhD in Rhetoric and Writing from Virginia Tech, as well as an MA and BA in English from Eastern Washington University. She enjoys hiking, reading, connecting with friends over wine, trying to keep plants alive, and spending time with her two dogs.
(206) 485-4726 | kerry@nweducationaccess.org
Konto Southisombath, Program MANAGER
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
Miski Ugas, Education Advocate, Kent, Des Moines, Seatac
Miski was raised in Burien, WA and obtained her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Washington Seattle. Miski has worked with many different local organizations supporting low-income students and families impacted by poverty. Miski is passionate about supporting individuals and families in obtaining independence, building healthy support systems, and navigating institutional barriers. Miski enjoys learning how to play guitar, songwriting, writing poetry, and learning about trauma informed healing practices.
(206) 929-1777 | miski@nweducationaccess.org
Raina enrique, Education Advocate, South Seattle
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
Seth Hilliard, Math & Science Tutor
Seth is an interdisciplinary scientist with a PhD in Biology from City of Hope Cancer Research Institute, a B.S. in Physics from California Polytechnic Institute in Pomona, and a whole lot of experience in coding. He is currently pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors while tutoring. He believes anybody can learn anything if they put in the effort, and has a passion for helping others along the way. He grew up in the central valley of California—amidst the orange trees and dairy farms—and is currently living out of Yelm, Washington. Outside of work and tutoring, Seth enjoys hiking, gaming, and spending time with his dogs.
Vilma Alvarado Garcia, Education Advocate, Edmonds/Shoreline
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