Makeda first joined Steppingstone in 2008 as a Scholar and commenced in 2009. After she graduated from Harvard with a B.A. in 2019, she returned to Steppingstone as a High School Success Advisor for two years before she transitioned into her current role as the Manager of Alumni Relations. Outside of Steppingstone, Makeda loves gardening, tea, and collecting vinyls.

Leocadia graduated from Regis College in 2020 with a B.S. in Biology. She's lived in Boston her entire life, specifically Dorchester. Leocadia is a former Steppingstone Scholar! Outside of work, Leocadia enjoys art, music, and spending time with her family and friends.

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!

Tauryn first joined Steppingstone in 2011 as a Scholar, and commenced in 2012. Tauryn returned to Steppingstone as a High School Success Advisor in 2023. Being both a first-generation college student, and Steppingstone alum, she considers her work a full-circle moment, helping Scholars access opportunity and resources.  She received her B.A. in Sociology, and Political Science, with a minor in Black Studies from Providence College. During her time at Providence College, she worked in a program designed for prospective students, helping out with various college-readiness workshops. Outside of work, Tauryn loves cooking, event planning, and traveling.

Kelly first joined Steppingstone in 2011 as a Scholar. As someone who spent a lot of time volunteering and helping the community, it was what inspired her to pursue her studies in Communications. She graduated from Boston University in 2023 and received her B.A. in Communications with a focus on Public Relations and a minor in Business. Outside of work, she loves traveling, reading, being in nature and spending time with friends and family.

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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.