Staff

Aminata Dolo

  • 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.

Angela Pierce-ngo

  • Angela Pierce-Ngo is an advocate for education justice and is currently serving as an Interim Co-Executive Director at Northwest Education Access. She has been with the organization since 2012, serving as an Education Advocate, Program Manager, and Program Director. She grew up in Tacoma, Washington, and earned a Bachelor of Social Work at Pacific Lutheran University and a Non-Profit Management Certificate at the University of Washington. Angela was a low-income student in Tacoma college access programs and attributes her passion for education justice to her personal experiences navigating the complexities of postsecondary. Angela is a mother, eldest sister, and partner living with her family in Tacoma. When she is not working at NWEdA or serving in the community, she spends time outdoors in the Pacific Northwest with her family and dogs or belting a ballad on the karaoke mic.

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

Cam Tu Nguyen

  • 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 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

Camilla Pusceddu

clinton parrilla

  • 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

  • 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 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

dafne moreno

Dulce Sigüenza

  • 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

  • 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

gaby morales

  • Gaby graduated from Northwest University with a BA in Business Administration and Political Science. Her passion for serving students has continued to grow, leading her to pursue a master’s degree to better support students.

    As a first-generation student, Gaby understands the systemic barriers that students face and is dedicated to helping them navigate these challenges.

    Outside of her role at NWEdA, Gaby enjoys reading, watching Disney movies, and spending time with her twin nieces.

    (253) 200-0798

    gaby@nweducationaccess.org

  • 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

haley edwards

hannah neve

  • 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

hans torres

  • 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 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

jeff corey

jenny taylor

  • 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

  • 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

katrina roe

  • 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

  • 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

kerry dirk

  • 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

  • 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

Raina Enrique

  • 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

  • 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