EMERGE

70% of all Texas jobs will require training beyond a high school diploma by 2030. Without the proper support, many talented students will miss out on opportunities to compete in the workforce. At EMERGE, we’re committed to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed. Help us prepare the next generation of leaders. Find out how at www.emergescholars.org

Did you know? Only 14% of low-income students in Harris County earn a post-secondary credential within six years of high school graduation. The odds are stacked against them, but we’re here to change that. 📚 Many high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds struggle to access higher education, limiting their potential. Learn how EMERGE is breaking down these barriers: www.emergescholars.org.

Meet Ali Ramazani, a recent graduate of Carleton College with a degree in computer science. As the first in his family to graduate from college, Ali’s journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Before joining EMERGE, Ali believed his only option was community college due to financial concerns. "EMERGE helped me realize that many resources exist to help fund my education," he said. "Without their support, I wouldn’t have attended Carleton College or graduated with a degree in computer science." One of his most memorable experiences during college was completing a summer study abroad program in the UK, where he explored a new culture and learned about the history of computing during WWII. Ali credits EMERGE for playing a pivotal role in his journey. "EMERGE was always there when I needed help," he said. "I would not be here without the support of EMERGE and the guidance I received from my program manager." We look forward to seeing what Ali accomplishes next as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey and continues to make his family and community proud! 🎓✨

Meet Abigail Diaz, an EMERGE Scholar and proud graduate of Milby High School in Houston ISD. 🎓 Now studying hotel administration at Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University Abigail says, "EMERGE provided me with lifelong connections and allowed me to be at my dream school studying what I love most." Help more students like Abigail achieve their dreams. https://lnkd.in/gfz9gHxE

Every day, EMERGE empowers high-achieving students from low-income communities to break barriers and achieve their dreams at the nation’s top colleges. 🌟 Through our holistic support, we’re building a future where all students can thrive, regardless of their background. Learn more at www.emergescholars.org. #CollegeAccess

🌟 Scholar Spotlight: Devin Morgan 🌟 Meet Devin Morgan, a driven third-year student at the University of Richmond, double majoring in political science and environmental studies. As both a Presidential and Bonner Scholar, Devin combines academic excellence with a deep passion for environmental advocacy and community service. As Vice President of Green UR, Devin leads sustainability efforts on campus, driving initiatives like recycling drives and waste reduction campaigns. His commitment to environmental justice extends beyond campus, as a member of the Sierra Club Youth Leader Council, where he advocates for positive change within Virginia. Devin’s dedication to social justice shines through his work with Shalom Farms, tackling food insecurity through sustainable agriculture. He also played a pivotal role with TurnUp Activism, working to increase youth voter turnout in underrepresented communities. "I am grateful to EMERGE for continuously empowering young, bright, BIPOC students and showing us that we deserve to be in these prestigious spaces, making great strides for not only our families, but our communities as well." Devin said. "Thanks to EMERGE I have gotten the opportunity to do things I could only dream about."  We're so proud to watch Devin making a lasting impact in both his community and the broader world. We can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next!

We recently hosted our annual Voices of Impact celebration at the beautiful home of EMERGE board member, Pedro Caruso. Guests were moved by the powerful stories shared by EMERGE scholars Marcela E. (Energized for STEM Academy ’25), America Salas (Sharpstown HS ‘21, Rice University ‘25) as well as EMERGE alumnus David Jasso (Heights HS ‘16, Boston College ‘20), who's now a consultant at Alvarez & Marsal. The event highlighted the transformative impact of our program and gave us the opportunity to share our vision for the future. We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this special evening!

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Taia Bush 🌟 We are excited to feature Taia Bush, an EMERGE alumna who graduated from Carleton College last spring with a BA in Sociology/Anthropology & Africana Studies. A proud graduate of the Houston Academy for International Studies (HAIS) in 2020, Taia is now studying for law school while also teaching pre-K. Taia's many accomplishments during college include: - Teaching middle school students in Minneapolis and guiding them through the challenges of COVID-19. - Mentoring new classes of Black students interested in liberal arts education. - Conducting Participatory Action Research in Mississippi to help revive a formerly abandoned all-Black cemetery in collaboration with local citizens and the university. - Actively participating in Carleton’s Black Student Association, First Generation Student's Organization, and the Black Babes Coalition. "EMERGE is the reason I understood that I really could go to college, that I could impact my life and other people's lives through meaningful work, and that the world became bigger than Houston," Taia shared. "EMERGE is definitely an organization that helps you figure out that potential isn't just some imaginary concept. They teach you how capable you are." We can’t wait to see what Taia accomplishes next! 🎓✨

Meet Ana Guzman, a former Division 1 tennis player and finance professional, now embarking on a new journey as a mentor with EMERGE. She's excited to help her mentee, Jacqueline, a driven Milby High School senior with dreams of studying genetics and making a difference through cancer research and advocacy. Together, they’re ready to explore new opportunities and grow through this impactful mentorship. Let’s hear more from Ana and Jacqueline in their own words! Q: Tell us a little about yourself, Ana.   A: My name is Ana Guzman, and I am originally from Guatemala. I grew up in a family that loved tennis, so the day I turned 4 years old, I was out on the tennis court getting my first lesson. I fell in love with the game and reached my dream of playing tennis at a Division 1 school when I got a full ride scholarship to play on the Rice University women's tennis team. At Rice, I majored in psychology and minored in business. After graduating, I started working on the Commodities trading floor at Citigroup as an analyst on the Latin American Sales team. Although I navigated a challenging learning curve at the beginning, I ended up loving the fast-paced nature and competitive aspect of the job and spent the next 11 years on the same team. In 2023, I decided to step back from work to spend quality time with my two daughters, Olivia and Mia, who are now 4 and 2 years old. Q: As a new mentor, what are you most excited about?   A: I'm most excited about the opportunity to make an impact in someone's life. During my freshman year in college, a senior on the Rice tennis team quickly became my friend and mentor. She had a huge influence on my life and inspired me to give it my all, not only on the tennis court, but also in the classroom. She showed me that I could do my best work in both and helped me see opportunities that I didn't know existed. Now, I'm excited to do the same for someone else.   Q: What colleges are you most interested in applying to/attending, Jacqueline? This fall, I will be applying to University of Michigan, Emory University, and the University of Southern California along with a few others.   Q: What are you considering majoring in? What are your career aspirations?   I'm interested in majoring in cell and molecular biology because it would offer a strong foundation for my intended career as a geneticist. I also am interested in research regarding cancer and starting a non-profit that advocates for those in need that are diagnosed with cancer or have been affected by it.   Q: What are you most excited about being in the mentorship program this year? I am thrilled to have the opportunity to get to know my mentor, Ana, who is such a kind person! I am also excited for the externship week in March, in which I will have the opportunity to experience additional careers. We can’t wait to see the incredible things Ana and Jacqueline will achieve together this year!

Meet Anahi Perez, a remarkable EMERGE scholar who is currently pursuing a dual degree in computer science and mathematics at Emory University and biomedical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. This summer, Anahi thrived as a Functional and Industry Technology Intern at PwC's New York office. There she helped developed strategic solutions to enhance client services in the health sector and participated in a pro bono project that placed in the top 9% of a company-wide competition. This internship experience was not only a testament to her technical prowess but also to her commitment to transforming healthcare through technology. During her impressive journey, Anahi has engaged in projects that meld her tech savvy with real-world applications. She played a pivotal role in developing 'Plank,' a banking feature designed at the Capital One Tech Summit Hackathon. This innovative tool simplifies how rewards are transferred into users' accounts, showcasing her ability to impact financial tech. An active participant in her community, Anahi is also a voice for technology’s role in public health. Her ultimate goal is to launch a nonprofit dedicated to developing educational and technological resources for children with learning disabilities. As Anahi continues to break boundaries and forge a path of innovation and service, EMERGE is proud to support her educational journey and future aspirations. Stay tuned as she shapes the future of tech and health!