Degrees Earned: B.A. in History & Philosophy, Antioch College; M.A. in International Studies, University of Washington
Fun Fact: As a college student I participated in six internships (we called them co-ops) including working at a feminist art gallery in Minneapolis, running a campus coffee shop, and spending a summer on an organic farm in the Berkshire mountains.
Why You Do This Work: I work in college access because I believe in the power of education. My favorite thing about TRIO Upward Bound is that we help students every step of the way to get ready for college. At Upward Bound we are committed to building students UB strong so they are prepared not just to get into college, but ready to thrive and earn their college degrees.
Fun Fact: As a college student I participated in six internships (we called them co-ops) including working at a feminist art gallery in Minneapolis, running a campus coffee shop, and spending a summer on an organic farm in the Berkshire mountains.
Why You Do This Work: I work in college access because I believe in the power of education. My favorite thing about TRIO Upward Bound is that we help students every step of the way to get ready for college. At Upward Bound we are committed to building students UB strong so they are prepared not just to get into college, but ready to thrive and earn their college degrees.
Miranda Gardner
Writing Instructor (Serving Chief Sealth, Cleveland, & Franklin High School)
Pronouns: She/Her
mirang3@uw.edu
Degrees Earned: B.A. in English (Minor in Writing), University of San Diego; Ed.M. in Literacy, Washington State University
Fun Fact: I have done the Seattle to Portland bike ride in 2019 and plan to do it again in 2022!
Why You Do This Work: After graduating from Seattle’s Cleveland High School in June 2000, I decided I wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to me. Thus, I want to share my knowledge of reading and writing with students from South Seattle high schools.
Fun Fact: I have done the Seattle to Portland bike ride in 2019 and plan to do it again in 2022!
Why You Do This Work: After graduating from Seattle’s Cleveland High School in June 2000, I decided I wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to me. Thus, I want to share my knowledge of reading and writing with students from South Seattle high schools.
Mack Ikeru
STEM Tutor (Serving Chief Sealth, Cleveland, Franklin, & Kent-Meridian High School)
Pronouns: He/They
ikerumd@uw.edu
Degrees Earned: B.A. in Education, Communities, & Organizations, University of Washington; M.Ed. Student in Learning Sciences & Human Development, University of Washington
Fun Fact: I was a child actor from ages 5-10.
Why You Do This Work: I aim to cultivate critical learning spaces that de-settle STEM disciplinary practice to liberate and sustain the dynamic, heterogeneous ways of knowing and being that converge in our communities.
Fun Fact: I was a child actor from ages 5-10.
Why You Do This Work: I aim to cultivate critical learning spaces that de-settle STEM disciplinary practice to liberate and sustain the dynamic, heterogeneous ways of knowing and being that converge in our communities.
Sandra Ruiz Kim
Upward Bound Teacher & Certified Teacher (Serving Kent-Meridian High School)
Pronouns: She/Her
sruizkim@uw.edu
Degrees Earned: B.A. in Language, Literature, & Cultural Studies, Western Washington University
Fun Fact: Things I wanted to be when I grew up: Olympic figure skater, pediatrician, a horse.
Why You Do This Work: For the chance to remove some of the systemic barriers that prevent students of historically marginalized communities from achieving to their full potential.
Fun Fact: Things I wanted to be when I grew up: Olympic figure skater, pediatrician, a horse.
Why You Do This Work: For the chance to remove some of the systemic barriers that prevent students of historically marginalized communities from achieving to their full potential.
Degrees Earned: B.A. in History & B.S.W. Bachelor of Social Work, Heritage University; M.S.W. in Policy and Administration with a Specialization in Latinx Communities
Fun Fact: I enjoy cooking traditional Mexican foods, watching history documentaries, spending time with my family, trying new foods, hiking and crafting.
Why You Do This Work: My passion lies in serving students that have been historically left out of equitable opportunities and policies. I aim to work towards dismantling oppressive systems that have created barriers for first generation, BIPOC, and low-income students. I am a proud daughter of two hardworking farm-working parents and a previous first-generation student. My personal experiences have influenced me to pursue higher education and serve students to give them the tools and mentoring to pursue their goals and aspirations.
Fun Fact: I enjoy cooking traditional Mexican foods, watching history documentaries, spending time with my family, trying new foods, hiking and crafting.
Why You Do This Work: My passion lies in serving students that have been historically left out of equitable opportunities and policies. I aim to work towards dismantling oppressive systems that have created barriers for first generation, BIPOC, and low-income students. I am a proud daughter of two hardworking farm-working parents and a previous first-generation student. My personal experiences have influenced me to pursue higher education and serve students to give them the tools and mentoring to pursue their goals and aspirations.
Paulette Q. Thompson
Academic Advisor & Certified Teacher (Serving Chief Sealth, Cleveland, & Franklin High School)
Pronouns: She/Her, We/Ours
pqt@uw.edu
Degrees Earned: B.A. in History & French, Mount Holyoke College; M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction (Multicultural Education), University of Washington; Ph.D. Student in Multicultural Education, University of Washington
Fun Fact: I gave up coffee for a full year just to see if I could do it.
Why You Do This Work: Education can change the world.
Fun Fact: I gave up coffee for a full year just to see if I could do it.
Why You Do This Work: Education can change the world.