Cindy was born in Boston and grew up in the Greater Boston Area. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and Chinese Language and Culture from Beloit College in 2022. Though she thinks the Midwest is underrated, she has since returned to Massachusetts and she joined Steppingstone as an Admission Assistant in 2023. Being a first-generation college graduate herself, she appreciates being able to both work with Scholars and help them reach their academic goals.

Delaine, originally from the Dominican Republic, graduated from Brandeis University in 2023 with a B.A in Film, Television, and Interactive Media, and double minors in Creativity, the Arts & Social Transformation, and Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies. Delaine brings diverse experience from Film/TV, Admissions, and community engagement roles. Joining Steppingstone in 2023, Delaine is excited to contribute to the Admissions team supporting prospective students and families. Delaine values being part of a collaborative team that genuinely cares for increasing college access for all youth. In her free time, she enjoys dancing diverse dance styles, trying new foods, cafe-hopping, and being outdoors!

Deysi Gutierrez was born in El Salvador but has lived in East Boston since she was seven. During her upbringing Deysi struggled in school, but had various mentors that supported her education, including the Steppingstone Academy. In 2021, Deysi got her B.S in Communications from UMass Boston. Being the first person to attend and complete college in her family, it was a dream come true graduating! As a Steppingstone alumni, Deysi is so excited to be working with families and Scholars to support them with Steppingstone's admission process. Hoping that Steppingstone families can benefit from the program's guidance and support, as much as she did!

Danielle received her Ed.M from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and her B.A. from Bates College.  She has spent the majority of her career working at schools in New York and New England, and loves speaking with students about their favorite things: classes, books, games, artists, etc...

Originally from New York City, Danielle is a huge fan of live theater.  Although she cannot carry a tune, she can often be found singing songs from her favorite musicals (loudly) to her patient family and friends.  

Danielle is very excited to welcome new Scholars and their families into the Steppingstone community.

Ailyn joined Steppingstone in 2023 and supports both the Admission and Academy teams in her role. She is a Steppingstone Alumna and first-generation college graduate, receiving her B.A. in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Stanford University. In her role, she looks forward to learning from and supporting the Steppingstone community throughout the first chapters of the Scholars Program journey.