Deborah Young
Director, Literacy Action Center
Deb is passionate about helping English-speaking adults build literacy skills and achieve new levels of empowerment. She also provides opportunities for volunteers to become mentors through the center’s tutoring program. “Deb works with students in a manner that reinforces their worth and builds their confidence,” writes a colleague. “It’s pretty amazing to speak to her students and listen to their experiences with the program.”

Elaine Peterson
Counselor, South Park Academy
Elaine’s students are involved in the Utah State Prison system, and many consider postsecondary education out of reach—until they meet Elaine. A stalwart advocate for her students, Elaine makes ACT preparation and testing available to every learner in her school, and she finds opportunities through which students can expand their skills. She encourages successful students to teach struggling students, sharing with all the philosophy that despite challenges, they can achieve a brighter future.

Elizabeth Davies
Teacher, South Park Academy
Elizabeth has helped hundreds of students graduate or earn their GED diplomas during 24 years of service at the Utah State Prison. She has guided learners ages 16 to 70 in reaching educational milestones that, for many, are their first experience of success. The South Park Academy’s 2017 Teacher of the Year also mentors other educators so that even more inmates gain the skills they need to successfully rejoin society and enter the workforce.

Jamie Vargas
CTE/Comprehensive School Counseling Program Specialist, Jordan Academy for Technology & Careers
For Jamie, mentoring is more about showing than telling. With a calm approach, strong listening skills and excellent advice, he coaches school counselors and new teachers, passing along the behaviors and knowledge they need to mentor students more effectively. Jamie’s colleagues say he is “irreplaceable” and that his leadership “raises the bar” in their workplace.

Jerry Hansen
Heavy Duty Diesel Technician Instructor, Tooele Technical College
Jerry goes out of his way to make time for students. In turn, his students appreciate his expertise, patience and encouragement so much that many keep in touch with him long after they’ve completed the program. Jerry also creates an atmosphere that encourages students to seek insight and learn from their peers.

Jim LaMuth
Admissions Specialist, Uintah Basin Technical College
Jim works tirelessly to help students register for technical education classes, obtain financial aid, complete programs and obtain employment. Understanding that people come to technical education for a variety of reasons, he supports students and colleagues in realizing their full potential and has been described as “the type of person that makes everyone around him better.”

Kate Brainerd
Director, Guadalupe School
A tireless advocate for English Language Learners, Kate teaches workplace skills by running a thrift shop where students practice their English while performing various roles. Kate also designed a course to help students get workplace ready by learning English while preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant exam, and she mentors school volunteers who then mentor students.

Katie Blunt
Educational Technology Specialist, Canyons School District
Each year, Katie helps hundreds of students expand their worlds and develop technology skills that help them get career ready. With Katie’s support, Youth In Care classes in her district participate in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, preparing to become the next generation of public media. From curricula and Professional Development to the broadband capacity of the facilities in which she works, Katie depends on public media resources to change students’ lives for the better. Watch Katie’s video profile here.

Lisa Birch
Director of Technology Programs, Mountainland Technical College
Lisa collaborates with local professionals working in industry to connect technical college students with mentors. Through a 900+ hour program in Web Programming and Development, Mountainland students can learn industry technology, intern with a local company and earn credentials as junior level programmers with little to no educational debt. Lisa is passionate about helping students realize the potential of building on their technical degrees and advancing both academically and professionally.

Madison Keltner
Career Development Coordinator, Ogden-Weber Technical College
Madison partners with high school students, employers, school districts and higher education to set up internships for students. Through her efforts, enthusiasm for the Utah Aerospace Pathways program has grown and more students and parents are learning about how technical training can build into a rewarding technical career.

Mark Hugentobler
Principal, Central Utah Academy
Mark works to give students involved in the justice system better access to postsecondary opportunities through programs such as Building Trades. Through this program, students construct and sell sheds to the community, gaining work experience that can help them enter the workforce in the future. Mark encourages students to mentor one another, supporting social skills and enhancing learning.

Matt Fuller
Robotics & Composites Instructor, Bridgerland Technical College
When most teens are hitting the snooze button, students in the AM STEM Academy are up and ready to learn robotics from Matt Fuller. Through this innovative program, students can earn a 900-hour certificate and walk out of high school with in-demand job skills and up to 30 tuition-free credits toward a college degree. The program, which celebrated its first batch of graduates in Fall 2016, uses UEN’s distance learning technology and other public media resources to provide effective virtual instruction. Watch Matt’s video profile here.

Nick Tankersley
Volunteer, Girl Scouts of Utah
As a coach for Girl Scouts participating in robotics competitions, Nick guided “The Cookie Bots” as they tried new things, overcame failures and learned they could achieve anything. When the team aged out of their league, Nick found new competitions for his team and recruited and mentored new coaches to pass the robotics torch to the next generation.

Scott Leavitt
Employer Services Director, Southwest Technical College
Scott develops customized training plans with employers that help workers advance in technical careers. He also helps develop leadership training for local businesses, building the next generation of leaders and mentors for Southern Utah’s small businesses. A former business owner himself, Scott brings to his work an appreciation of the challenges and need for hiring and developing a strong workforce.

Abe Kimball
Youth in Care Art Teacher, North Sanpete School District
Abe Kimball’s students dive into challenging art projects—and find their powers of self-expression in the process. For any child, this discovery can be profoundly empowering. For youth in care, it’s a critical breakthrough—and, of course, they’re also developing design thinking, synthesis, and other critical-thinking skills. “Other professionals working with at-risk students should be inspired by Abe,” writes a colleague. “In his class, boredom is out; fun and creativity is in.”

Cindy Willis
Youth in Care Teacher and Site Facilitator, Granite School District
For more than two decades, Cindy has been a Champion for youth in care, helping them untangle complex challenges on their way to educational achievement. In addition to identifying each learner’s unique set of needs from the start, she facilitates communication with relevant agencies to support their successful transition from the detention center. A colleague observes, “Cindy never quits on students. They know she cares, which helps them shift their attitudes to become more positive about school.”

Danelle Black
Youth in Care Science Teacher, Iron County School District
Danelle is always willing to try new things to engage students. As the only science teacher for Youth in Care at her school, the veteran educator innovates her teaching practice by collaborating with other science teachers in the district and engaging in ongoing self-reflection. When students fall behind, she actively seeks solutions to help them perform. A colleague writes, “I don't think Danelle realizes her school-wide impact. I hope other Youth in Care teachers hear her story and realize that they, too, are doing great work.”

Jacqueline “Mrs. J” Bode
Youth in Care Computer Teacher, Granite School District
Jacqueline knows that her students are as capable of achievement as anyone. She helps them recognize the potential of life beyond school by teaching skills and helping them attain credentials that can lead to employment, such as Microsoft Digital Literacy certification. According to a colleague, “Mrs. J sets an example of how we all need a shared vision for best helping the youth we serve.”

Jared Tucker
Youth in Care Lead Teacher, Provo City School District
Jared keeps students learning and motivated with a unique teaching style and strong rapport. Drawing on years of experience working with adjudicated youth, he has also helped Slate Canyon broaden its options for learners seeking GEDs, Credit Recovery and ACT preparation. “Effective teaching in a juvenile detention center takes a special skill set and a lot of flexibility,” says a colleague. “With his varied experience with multiple subjects, Jared can really help students understand and work through their academic challenges.”

Jim Hawkes
Youth in Care English & Special Education Teacher, Granite School District
With more than three decades as a student-focused educator, Jim has brought innovative instruction to students in a wide range of Youth in Care programs including public schools, residential treatment centers and secure care facilities. Jim has encouraged students to build and apply their Language Arts skills through narrative writing and poetry competitions, student newspapers and filmmaking projects. Jim has been described by a colleague as “one of the finest, most caring and devoted teachers you will ever meet.”

Jodie Horgan
YESS Program Teacher, Granite School District
Children who have experienced neglect or abuse can face many challenges on the path to academic achievement. Jodie helps these students gain skills and confidence. She fires up their enthusiasm and empowers them to take ownership of their own learning through creative lessons based on meticulous planning, data analysis and blended learning. “Jodie loves her job and she loves learning,” writes a colleague. “She shows that optimism, caring, creativity and giving students basic skills and opportunities make a positive difference.”

Leona Schexnayder
Youth in Care Teacher, Iron County School District
With more than two decades’ experience as an educator, Leona has motivated countless youth to complete high school diplomas. Now a Special Education teacher for a secure care facility in Iron County School District, she plays a key role in helping students graduate from and prepare for life after high school. A colleague says, “Leona cares about all her students. She doesn’t let anything get in the way of helping her students achieve their goals. She stays on top of changes, including technology, to enhance her instruction.”

Marvin Hull
Youth in Care Teacher, Ogden School District
Marvin knows an individualized approach is essential to helping youth in care rediscover a love of learning. Through his creativity and patience, he helps youth shift from disengagement to enthusiasm and to overcome learning and behavioral issues on their way to academic success. A colleague says, “Marv is a great communicator because he listens to kids and treats them with dignity and respect. He allows them to have a voice in his class and does a great job motivating them to enjoy school again.”

Marv Luddington
Education and Career Advocate, Davis School District
Marvin brings years of past experience as a Youth in Care teacher to his new role as an Education and Career advocate at the Renaissance Academy Farmington Bay Youth Center, where he helps students with transition planning. His colleague writes, “Marv is a Champion because he really cares and works hard to find out each student’s next step. The sky is the limit for Youth in Care students if we can help them see their own vision—and Marv works to do just that.”

Melanie Bliss
Youth in Care Teacher and Administrative Assistant, Provo City School District
Melanie has been described as a “Renaissance Woman” and “the lifeblood” of the Slate Canyon Secure Care Facility. Splitting her time between teaching and administrative duties, she is a dedicated advocate for youth who strives to ensure that each one progresses. “She works tirelessly to ensure students have a good experience when they are in the facility,” writes a colleague. “She helps create great opportunities like the Bicycle Repair program, Scholastic Bowl and programs for music, talent and credit recovery.”

Mitch Peterson
Youth in Care English Teacher, Logan City School District
Mitch inspires youth in care to consider themselves in a new light with lessons that open their minds to possibilities. Recently, he introduced his students to the work of Leon Logothetis and arranged for his students to videoconference with the internationally known author for a potentially life-altering exchange. “We talk all the time about how one person has the potential to make a positive difference,” writes a colleague. “What the kids learn from Mitch is that they can be that person.”

Nikki Sorensen
Youth In Care English & History Teacher, Uintah School District
Nikki creates a high-quality, structured learning environment to motivate youth to do their best and experience success as participants in writing contests, journaling, and other learning activities. With nearly two decades’ experience, Nikki regularly refreshes her curriculum and teaching strategies to ensure that they are relevant and meaningful to her students. A colleague says, “Nikki is an exceptionally dedicated and effective teacher. She has an excellent rapport with students and helps them overcome their challenges in literacy.”

Rebecca Jackson
Youth in Care Teacher, Washington County School District
Always looking for ways to engage youth in meaningful learning, Becky provides students with a wide array of opportunities. Recently, her students have earned top honors in a national read-a-thon, composed music that was recorded and performed by professional musicians, discovered art through virtual field trips and participated in literary writing contests. Becky’s colleagues note that her optimism and dedication brings out the best in learners, helping them discover they can outgrow setbacks and flourish.

Sharon Hall
Christmas Box House Teacher, Granite School District
Teachers have a unique opportunity to impact learners’ lives. As a teacher working with young children in temporary shelter care, Sharon meets her students at a particularly vulnerable point in their education, and her exuberant and caring presence makes an impression that can last for years. A colleague writes, “I’ve worked with teenagers who light up when they hear the name ‘Mrs. Hall’ and remember in detail their interaction with her from their elementary school years. Knowing such a wonderful teacher exists on the planet gives hope for the world.”

Sheri Bradshaw
Youth in Care Math Teacher, Box Elder School District
Sheri knows her Youth in Care students can master math—and she aims to make sure they know this too. After teaching, she volunteers personal time to help students with their homework. Along the way, she encourages them to develop additional skills for succeeding in school and life. A colleague says, “Sheri is an example of not giving up and of providing students with multiple opportunities to learn.”

Sombryn Williams
Youth in Care Teacher, Iron County School District
Sombryn encourages students to use their creative talents and participate in literacy, art and writing projects, and competitions. A teacher with ten years’ experience in alternative education, she was one of the first Youth in Care teachers to create a school newsletter that highlights student accomplishments and improves communication with parents, family, staff and community partners. “Sombryn goes the extra mile in her teaching responsibilities,” says a colleague. “She motivates and engages students in meaningful goals and projects, helping them to achieve a greater level of success and achievement in their lives.”

Spencer Robinson
Youth in Care Teacher, Davis School District
Spencer helps his students take aim at the future through mindfulness-building experiences such as the archery program for the Renaissance Academy Main Campus Youth in Care program. Through hand-on activities, students learn important lessons, such as persistence and inner focus, that can help them in all areas of life, including academics. “Through Spencer’s efforts, students become more in tune with where they are going and the effects of their decisions,” a colleague writes. “He truly cares about students.”

Tim Marriott
Youth in Care School Counselor, Iron County School District
Former probation officer Tim Marriott works to ensure that each student finds the pathway to their goals. In addition to meeting individually with youth in care and presenting in their classes, he arranges field trips, creates weekly College and Career lesson plans, and attends every graduation ceremony. “I’ve never seen a Youth in Care School Counselor so involved and visible with our youth,” writes a colleague. “Many have lost trust in educators from past experiences. Tim helps repair that trust and hope so youth can rediscover and reach their educational goals.”

Virginia Parry
Youth in Care Counselor, Davis School District
“I’m a cheerleader with planning skills,” says Virginia. The school counselor’s professional mission is to “guide students through their education with grace and ease.” For nearly 30 years, Virginia has helped learners surprise themselves with their capacity to achieve as they learn testing strategies, financial planning and other valuable skills. In working with youth in care, her goal is to open students’ minds to the opportunities available to them through education and empower them to reach new heights.

Brenda Beyal
Teacher, Nebo School District
Said to be a teacher who “never gives up on a child,” Brenda helps facilitates programs that give students the opportunity to deepen their connections with Native American traditions, build community and experience education as relevant and positive. Colleagues credit her work with Title I and Title VII programs for boosting Nebo School District’s high school graduation rate to 100%. “It’s important to look beyond grade levels and test scores and really see each student as an individual,” Brenda says. “Positive expectations are also important: my high school counselor didn’t ask ‘Are you going to college?’ He asked ‘What college are you going to?’ That language is powerful.”

Tamara Brown-Johansen
FACS Teacher, Ben Lomond High School
Since first becoming a teacher more than 30 years ago, Tamara has observed increasing socioeconomic pressure on her students. Yet as her own Master’s research bore out, having a caring, consistent adult can make the difference for children in breaking a cycle of poverty. For kids without strong supports at home, teachers may be a child’s only visible advocate for staying on the path to graduation. Tamara says, “Sometimes you’re the only stable thing in a student’s life for a while. It’s important to step up and mentor the next generation—help people use their own strengths, their own skills, and become the best versions of themselves. That’s what a mentor does.”

Stephanie Hunt
Teacher, Clayton Middle School
Each of Stephanie’s refugee students works on Language Arts skills by writing their life stories in seventh grade. At the end of the year, the stories are published and copies are shared with the students’ communities. In eighth grade, the class identifies postsecondary programs they may want to apply to and write plans for getting there. With one project, Stephanie helps students affirm where they’ve been; with another, she helps them glimpse the future. She says, “These kids can be game changers for their families. If they can graduate from high school and get into college, they will change generations.”

Laura Anderson
President, Autism Council of Utah and Co-founder Big MAK’s
Laura left her full time job in healthcare to devote her time and advocate for her son when he was diagnosed with Autism. Since then, she co-founded (with Cheryl Smith) Big MAKs—Mothers of Autistic Kids—a network through which parents gain peer mentoring, camaraderie and information. She also serves on various boards and committees, including the Autism Council of Utah. “Mentorship is about collaboration and not competition,” says Laura. “We all have a shared responsibility in mentorship.”

Flor Olivo
Director, Go Girlz Community Initiative at the Woman’s Resource Center, University of Utah
As director of Go Girlz, Flor helps girls grades 6–12 grades see self-awareness and empowerment as the key to academic success in high school and beyond. An initiative of the University of Utah’s Women’s Resource Center, Go Girls aims to increase college enrollment and completion by learners from underserved communities. Flor helps participants recognize the value of their own ways of knowing, learning and interacting with the world and how these can contribute to their educational journeys. “My hope is that this understanding may also contribute to their motivation to make changes in their own lives and also in their own communities.”

Bill Hulterstram
Founder of EveryDay Learners and Executive Director, United Way
Bill has a passion for community development and service. In addition to being the President and CEO of United Way of Utah County, he launched a literacy program called EveryDay Learners. His work in the program is raising the literacy rate in Utah County, which is leading to lower high school dropout rates. His work is also providing opportunities for others in the community to serve. Bill believes that “no matter what neighborhood, economic or educational level one is in, we all have the desire to succeed. We all have the ability to support each other in this ambition.”

Teresa Patricia Organista Estrada
Founder, Casa Quetzalcoatl
Teresa started Casa Quetzalcoatl to help more Latino/a children attain higher education and become civically engaged. The nonprofit organization brings together families, schools and communities with an emphasis on affirming the role culture can play in academic success. She also encourages parents to lead the way by committing to their own lifelong learning and says, "Parents, guardians and mentors make all the difference!"

Joel Duffin and Kevin Reeve
Co-Founders, Cache Makers 4-H Club
In October 2013, Joel Duffin and Kevin Reeve co-founded the Cache Makers 4-H club and maker space, an after-school program to boost interest and skills in STEM fields. Now serving 700+ students, the program encourages youth to identify areas of interest, and recruits volunteer adult mentors with expertise who are willing to share their talents and skills with youth. Joel says “the semi-structured, hands-on approach helps prepare the youth for STEM workplaces.” Kevin says, “It’s amazing to see how quickly these kids take off. They are so eager to learn, and just need willing mentors to answer questions and point them in the right direction.” Skills and projects over the past year included robotics, soldering, electronics, building autonomous vehicles, 3D design and printing, programming mobile apps and microcontrollers, launching experiments on a high altitude balloon, and the Internet of Things.

Cate Praggastis
AVID Elective Teacher and Coordinator, East High School
As a teacher for an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, Cate works with students for all four years they’re in high school. This means she sees a lot of struggles—and a lot of triumphs. She aims to meet learners’ individual needs, which can range from academic deficits, financial struggles or simply identifying careers that will bring them joy and purpose. She also helps parents understand the complexities of the college application process. Cate says, “I absolutely love teenagers! I love nothing more than seeing the lightbulb go off or the pride they feel as they achieve and succeed.”

Sylvia Bradshaw
Volunteer, Bring a Friend to Finish
As the Associate Director of Sponsored Projects at Dixie State University, Sylvia goes to college every day. When the college president encouraged staff to reach out to others who hadn’t yet earned a degree, she did—and from her experience, the Bring a Friend to Finish (BFF) project was born. Through BFF, staff at Utah colleges and universities can nominate friends for mentoring and recruitment or volunteer to be mentors. Sylvia says, “The beauty of mentorship lies in the fact that in the end, the role of ‘mentor’ is completely reciprocal. Both sides of the relationship are deeply enriched.”

Isabel Perez
Mentor, Youth Teaching Youth at the NHMU
As a seventh grader at one of Utah’s most economically challenged schools, Isabel began participating in the Youth Teaching Youth program (YTY), a peer mentoring and science enrichment program with the Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU). Since then, Isabel has logged hundreds of volunteer hours, mentoring scores of students who, in turn, have helped others become more confident scientists. Isabel is now the first in her family to attend college, where she majors in Nursing. “YTY sparked my interest in science and helped me believe that college was possible. As a mentor, I’m happy to share that experience with others!”

Rebecca Richardson
English Language Development (ELD) Teacher, East High School
Many of Rebecca’s students are new to the English language, the American education system, and sometimes even literacy in general. To help them stay on the path to graduation, she enhances regular course offerings with afterschool programs such as the College Club. The club pairs learners with college students to create personalized plans for after high school. As a first grader, Rebecca initially struggled with reading, but a dedicated teacher helped her achieve literacy through individualized instruction—inspiring her career choice. She says mentors help people reach academic milestones in part through the quality of attention they give: “Every one of us needs to feel seen, valued and heard. It can be life-changing.”

Cheryl Smith
Co-founder, Autism Council of Utah and Big MAKs
Cheryl says that when she received her son’s diagnosis of Autism, “It was like getting a lifeline that wasn’t attached to anything.” In the years since, she’s worked to provide other families the support she wished she’d had. In addition to serving on boards and committees, Cheryl is a founding member of the Autism Council of Utah and co-founder (with Laura Anderson) of Big MAKs (Moms of Autistic Kids) which helps hundreds of Utah parents connect with each other online and in-person, essential for helping children on the Spectrum reach their academic potential. Cheryl says: “You can have experts tell you things, but it’s priceless to hear from other parents who are living with Autism 24/7.”

April Townsend
Salt Lake County Library Services and Founder of the Women’s Leadership Forum
April Townsend knows mentoring can help women earn postsecondary credentials. With encouragement from her supervisors, she used her employer’s tuition reimbursement program to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s—qualifications that proved essential to her family’s financial security through tough times. April has paid forward the benefits of mentorship by founding The Women’s Leadership Forum through which more than 250 women in Salt Lake County have gained opportunities to learn from influential women leaders. She also makes a point of supporting others in less formal ways and says, “Mentoring is a philosophy—how you help others along the way.”

Susan R. Madsen
Founder/Director, Utah Women and Education Initiative & the Utah Women & Leadership Project
Susan is a strong advocate for Utah women in education. Through her research and initiatives including the Utah Women & Education Project and the Utah Women & Leadership Project, this Utah Valley University professor and mother of four is helping women and girls better understand how a college degree helps them become better resources for their families and communities. "Getting more women to go to college and stay in college is at the foundation of so much progress that can be made in our state. When women are college educated, they have more abilities, skills, and confidence to reach out and lead whether in their homes, churches, PTAs, legislature—anywhere they are."

Amber Palmer
School Technology Specialist, Bennion Elementary
Amber Palmer keeps Bennion Elementary wired and students motivated. As a school technology specialist, she sees every student in her school each week, helping students and teachers integrate technology and learning. Students get to see their own work come to life in movies, blogs and websites through her empowering guidance. "All students need to know that there is a place for them in this world," says Amber, "that they are capable and valued."

Katie Krein
8th Grade English Teacher and Debate Coach, Kearns Junior High
Struggling students at Kearns Junior High have a Champion in Katie Krein. In addition to teaching English classes, Katie tutors students and coaches the debate team with the aim of inspiring an appreciation for lifelong learning. Her high expectations allow students to experience success and moments of change. "Mistakes are part of learning," says Katie. "So do your best and let your teacher worry about the rest."

Christelle Estrada
English Education Specialist, Utah State Office of Education
Christelle Estrada shines a brighter light on possible paths to education success for students in Utah and beyond. As an English Education Specialist for USBE, she connects a wide range of organizations with classroom teachers. With Education Opportunity Now, she focuses her work with the community to help increase high-quality learning opportunities for youth. Christelle says, "Success is often defined in material terms. However, my advice is based on the development of significant relationships with a wide range of people, including mentors"

Cassie Cox
English Teacher, Two Rivers Alternative High School
English teacher, Cassie Cox chooses creative projects to inspire her students at Two Rivers Alternative High School. Between books, guest speakers and plays, Cassie fosters life-long learning in her students by publishing their creative work. "Success comes from trying and trying again," says Cassie. "I work to instill in each of my students a growth mindset, reminding them that hard work and effort will pay off in the end."

Alejandra Hernandez
Student, University of Utah
University of Utah student Alejandra Hernandez invests her free time making sure children can read. As a tutor for the Utah Reads program, she provides invaluable one-on-one literacy tutoring at elementary Title I schools. Children in the program work to become grade-level readers, as well as create relationships with mentors who have achieved higher education goals. To reach success Alejandra recommends, "Read! Read every day with a parent or volunteer."

Rea Gubler
Professor, Southern Utah University
Rea Gubler prioritizes service learning in her classes at Southern Utah University. She creates opportunities for students to become actively involved in nearby programs that support the needs of children and families. On achieving success Rea says, "Work hard, serve others and look for opportunities to make a difference in the community"

Victoria Gonzalez Cabal
Director, First Ascent Scholars
Victoria Gonzalez Cabal gives a underrepresented youth a safe space to focus on education. As First Ascent Scholars' Director, she supports and mentors disadvantaged students while also supporting programs that enrich their educational experiences. Through these opportunities her students can engage with society on a local and even global scale. Victoria says, "In this way I can bring an empathetic ear or a helpful push to provide what each individual needs to find their own version of success."

Amir Jackson
Director, Nurture the Creative Mind
Amir Jackson is lighting the spark of creativity in our youth. As Founder and Director of the nonprofit organization Nurture the Creative Mind, he provides dynamic outlets for students through creative writing, music and visual arts. His organization cultivates self-empowerment in each learner by teaching the importance of the arts and even publishing their accomplishments. "We believe that any future success that is possible for people begins with believing in themselves today," says Amir.

Eileen Quintana
Manager, Title VII Education Program, Nebo School District
Connecting education to culture can be key to helping Native American students succeed. Through homework labs and summer camps for students in Nebo School district, Eileen Quintana brings individual attention to 220 students who need the resources and support. "We face many challenges such as poverty, low graduation rate across the state, health issues, high suicide rates," says Eileen, "but we are also resilient, hardworking, close knit families through clans and tribes. We are a strong community that feels very committed to the success of our youth."

Judi Marcy
6th Grade Teacher, Beacon Heights Elementary School
Judi Marcy believes in providing choices for students to learn in the ways that are best for them. In addition to engaging various learning styles in her Sixth Grade classroom, she serves as a coach and coordinator for the Utah chapter of the international Odyssey of the Mind (OOTM). The informal education program provides opportunities for kids to develop and apply art, engineering and communication skills with creative problem-solving. Through OOTM, participants have another path to discover their strengths and grow. "You have to look at each child individually," says Judi, "and provide ways that engage students to help them become college and career ready."

Brett Schwartz
Director of New Student Services at Dixie State University
Students on the brink of major life decisions can get overwhelmed. As Dixie State University's Director of New Student Services, Brett Schwartz meets with students individually to identify their passions and confidently choose an educational path. He says, "Once we can get the student to open up about what they love to do, it is much easier to point that student in the right direction."

Tammy Spicer
Director of Operations at Discovery Gateway
Tammy Spicer cultivates lifelong learners at Discovery Gateway, a children's museum in Salt Lake City where children and their families build, experiment and play their way into learning. As Director of Operations for the museum, Tammy inspires both visitors and staff—many of whom are students—to think big and explore the world. She says, "One can't go from A to Z in a week. It takes time. Take advantage of that time to really develop your skills and talents. By doing so you are certain to achieve success."

Margaret K. Peterson
Executive Director at Community Education Partnership of West Valley City, Inc.
Margaret Peterson reaches out to students before and after the school bell rings. As the director of Community Education Partnership (CEP) of West Valley City, Utah, she helps create afterschool programs for students and their families with a College and Career Readiness component. Through these programs, students and parents learn about the importance of college, gain on-campus experiences and learn from other successful students and families. Margaret advises students on their path to success to "work hard, listen to other students and teachers and do not be afraid to try new experiences and accept challenges."

Mark Matheson
English Professor at University of Utah, Director at My U Signature Experience Project
When it comes to success in education, Mark Matheson emphasizes the importance of developing individual relationships with inspiring people. A University of Utah professor of English, Mark also directs the University of Utah My U Signature Experience (MUSE) Project. Most significantly, the MUSE Project helps students connect with professors and mentors so students can identify and develop their own intrinsic strengths. "I'm concerned by the rapid pace of my students' lives, which is often a consequence of economic pressures, and by how this limits their contact with mentors and books," says Mark, "Students can advance their growth and success by taking advantage of engaged learning opportunities such as undergraduate research, study abroad, community engagement and internships."

Elissa Baldus
Health and Family Partnership Coordinator
Elissa Baldus is bridging the gap between school life and home life for students. As the Health and Family Partnership Coordinator at Salt Lake CAP Head Start, Elissa passionately advocates for early parent involvement for low-income children and their education. Through self-sufficiency programs and health services, she helps parents and families stabilize home environments for children ages 0-5, which improves learning outcomes. “An engaged parent has proven to increase the success rate of a student,” explains Elissa, “So we advise parents to be a part of their student’s success.”

Robin Farnsworth
3rd Grade Teacher
Robin Farnsworth uses Legos, coding and technology to inspire students at Neil Armstrong Academy. Through her work as a 3rd grade teacher, coding club creator and Lego League coach, Robin emphasizes that learning can take place anywhere, any time. Since college and career readiness can begin as early as elementary school, Robin aims to provide students skills they’ll need now and in the future. “I strive to provide my students with learning opportunities and experiences that will allow them to feel successful now,” she says. “If they are able to experience even small bits of what success feels like, and that is celebrated, I believe they will want to achieve more.”

Tami Ewell
9th Grade English Teacher
Tami Ewell uses her classroom to create connections with students around the world. In her English classes, 9th graders broaden their perspectives by sharing their in-class work with other students from different classes, states and countries. Her innovative teaching style pulls students toward real and fictional world interactions that make learning exciting. To achieve success, Tami teaches her students to “learn from everyone they meet” and “focus on being creative and innovative.”

Elise Peterson
Education Coordinator at PBS Utah
Elise ignites young minds at an early age by providing books to elementary students and engaging those students’ parents through PBS Utah's Family Nights for Title I elementary schools in Utah. On top of taking a free book home from these PBS Utah Family Nights, Elementary school students also get to share the evening with their community by doing hands-on educational activities and eating dinner with their families. “By talking about graduation and college as a reality in the home,” says Elise,  “students can begin to realize their own pathway to success.”

Debra Daniels
Director at U of U's Women's Resource Center
Debra Daniels is a voice for those who have been marginalized in political, educational and social justice dialogue. A passionate champion for non-violence in all aspects of her life, she is working to address barriers to education for women as the Assistant Vice President for the Women’s Enrollment Initiative at the University of Utah, where she also directs the Women's Resource Center. The Ogden, Utah native earned a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Utah State University in 1979 and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah in 1984. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, this Champion is an activist and advocate for women, non-violence and social justice.

Jorge Rojas
Education Director at Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Jorge Rojas uses art and technology to help people connect to themselves, their communities, and the world. Along with teaching high school art history, he’s promoted continuing education among immigrant, refugee, and underrepresented groups. Jorge was also the first artist-in-residence at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, facilitating outpatient and inpatient classes, workshops and exhibitions. Now Jorge oversees education, community outreach, and adult programming initiatives for the Utah Museum of Fine Art.