Alejandra brings a wealth of academic advising experience having served at two- and four-year institutions. As a first-generation college graduate, she has a deep understanding of the barriers our community faces in their academic journeys and, more importantly, how to overcome these challenges. Alex takes pride in having started her college journey at a community college; she holds a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Outside of HDF, Alex volunteers her time serving as a Commissioner for the Board of Parks and Recreation in Kansas City, Missouri, focusing her efforts on youth access to community resources and civic engagement.

John joined the staff of the Hispanic Development Fund in 2018 after spending ten years as a high school social studies teacher and college advisor. It was during this time that John discovered his passion for helping Latino students reach their college goals and saw first-hand the unique barriers that many first-generation students face in navigating the college admissions and financial aid processes. In addition to his role at HDF, John founded the Pell Project. 

John earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in secondary education from the University of Kansas.

Melissa Gonzalez joined the Hispanic Development Fund serving in 2021 as a Family College Prep Advisor. As a first-generation college graduate and Kansas City Kansas Public School graduate, she relates to the uncertainties that many students and families face when it comes to the college process. Melissa supports students and their families at two KCK high schools – Bishop Ward High School and Wyandotte High School.

Melissa earned her Associate degree in Liberal Arts at Johnson County Community College and her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Printmaking at the Kansas City Art Institute. 

Outside of HDF, Melissa is a visual artist that continues to be part of the art community, exhibiting her work in local galleries and collaborating with other artists.

Joining as a volunteer in 2018, Liz has grown alongside HDF in the last 3 years. Serving HDF as a Marketing Director now, Liz has a vast history of marketing experience in both the non-profit and for profit world. Originally, from Queretaro, Mexico, Liz is a first-generation college graduate earning her Bachelor's degree from the Kansas City Art Institute. Liz's dedication to HDF is a direct result of growing up in an immigrant household, understanding first hand the struggles our students are faced with.

Elizabeth Mounteer grew up in the Westside neighborhood of Kansas City, where she learned the importance of community from her elders. She is a Chicana, a mother, a lifelong learner, and a first-generation college graduate. Elizabeth graduated with her bachelor's degree in Languages and Literatures with a French emphasis from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She also earned her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at UMKC. Elizabeth is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration at the University of Kansas. Before her role with HDF, she spent over six years working in the college access field on both sides of the state line. She is passionate about the arts, college access, and educational equity.

Ayanna Castaneda is originally from the Northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri and she has always made it her mission to return to her community to give back and support the youth. She returns to serve Northeast High School as well as the Northeast Community Center in partnership with Harmony Project KC. 

Ayanna graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Educational Studies. She aims to foster a college-going culture and provide access to the college admissions and financial aid process for students and their families.

During her spare time, she volunteers to return lost pets to their original homes or no-kill shelters.

Robert's expertise in college access and retention advising was developed and solidified through his/their personal and professional experiences. As a former undocumented immigrant, member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and first-generation college graduate, Robert has a wealth of knowledge on systematic barriers that are faced by some students and families at the intersection of their identities and the attainment of higher education processes. More importantly, he/they take a holistic approach and framework that allows him/them to analyze the intent and impact on how we approach our efforts while working with students and families from different backgrounds.

A native of Peru, Paola immigrated to the U.S after serving as an attorney for 5 years. Since immigrating, she has worked with families and students for the last 14 years at Guadalupe Centers High School, assisting them in finding resources and activities that support their unique needs. With a passion for supporting immigrant and first generation students, Paola looks forward to assisting our students and their families with access to education and opportunities in civic engagement both at Sumner Academy and JC Harmon High School.