Michael joined Breakthrough as the Director of Programs in 2008. During his six-year tenure as Director of Programs, Michael managed a three-fold increase in students served, the organization’s expansions in Manor ISD and Austin ISD, the buildout of its college completion programs, and the creation of a customized Salesforce database to monitor the progress of students on their path to college graduation. In 2011, Michael was honored by Bank of America with the distinction of Emerging Leader.

In 2014, Michael took on the role of Executive Director at Breakthrough. Since that time, he has supported Breakthrough as it has expanded extensively to serve more students in multiple school districts in Central Texas and at colleges and universities across the country. Michael has expertise in educational best practices, partnership development, research and reporting, project planning, strategy formation, organizational leadership, and nonprofit governance. Michael is a founding member of the Austin College Access Network and is widely respected in the Central Texas nonprofit community.

Ashley is the Development Associate at Breakthrough, where she supports the Development team through gift processing, receipting, and data management. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Human Dimensions of Organizations. Ashley is especially drawn to Breakthrough’s mission to empower students to succeed in all avenues of life.

Outside of work, you can find her participating in any of her cozy hobbies like knitting, baking, or reading. 

Kate Garrett joined Breakthrough in 2016, bringing more than a decade of event management and development experience to her role. She currently serves as Director of Corporate Partnerships and the Breakthrough Internship Network, where she leads efforts to build strategic, long-term relationships with corporate partners. In addition to securing philanthropic investments, Kate designs employee engagement opportunities that connect corporate teams with Breakthrough’s mission and develops internship partnerships that provide meaningful professional experiences for Breakthrough college students, preparing the next generation of diverse talent.

Prior to Breakthrough, Kate served as Director of Corporate Engagement and Events at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas. She is deeply passionate about educational equity and committed to expanding opportunities for underserved youth in Central Texas. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Texas at Austin.

Issa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from St. Edward’s University, and a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication, with a focus in Latinos & Media, from Texas State University. She brings over 12 years of experience in nonprofit communications and graphic design through the implementation of internal and external integrated campaigns and strategic communications, and has contributed to assisting communities get the critical resources they need to live productive and secure lives. As a Latina and first-generation college graduate, Issa is passionate about strengthening underserved communities and breaking down cultural and financial barriers that impede on the success of underserved youth.

In his role as People Strategies Manager, Matt combines his background and experience in REDI with his background as a Google Certified Project Manager and Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Master to lead projects and initiatives rooted in REDI, framed in Agile principles, and implemented with a people-centric approach. All of this is in service to change the organization’s psychology around how we work with and for people. 

When Matt isn’t working on REDI initiatives, you can find him hiking trails on the Greenbelt or rock climbing at a local bouldering gym.   

Sierra (she/they) is a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Southwestern University, a Master of Science degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin, and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. She brings more than 15 years of data, evaluation, research and management experience in the nonprofit and education sectors, having worked with organizations like College Forward, College Possible, Communities In Schools, and The Contemporary Austin. She is also a three-time AmeriCorps alum.

As a native Austinite and student alumna of another college access and persistence program, they know first-hand the barriers that students and families encounter on the path towards achieving their educational goals. Her goal is to bring this knowledge and perspective to data, with her “north star” being a database that is awesome, actionable, and inclusive! When not actively dreaming of becoming the Steve Kornacki of education data, you can find Sierra spending time with her partner and their dogs Mokha and Bernie, knitting, rocking out on bass with Femme Rock, or volunteering with dogs at Austin Humane Society.

Ariana Esau is a Texas Native with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas State University- San Marcos and a Master’s in Education from Concordia University. Ariana has been in education for over a decade, working primarily with middle school students as a classroom ELA teacher and the Restorative Justice Coordinator for an alternative suspension campus. Ariana is inspired by Breakthrough’s commitment to supporting first-generation college students, with assistance starting in 6th grade. 

When Ariana is not advising and supporting students, she is running around Austin with her toddler and husband. 

Annette serves as the Associate Director of High School Programs on Breakthrough’s Austin team. In this role, she supports advising for high school students, develops 9th and 10th grade programming, directs the Rising 10th Grade Summer Program, and provides coaching to Austin staff.

She brings deep experience in K–12 and postsecondary programs, career access and success, STEM education, and program management. She holds a B.S. in Biology (Marine Ecology) from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

She is inspired by Breakthrough’s mission to support first-generation college students on their path to and through college. Being able to give back to the community that helped raise her is what motivates her every day.

A few fun facts: her heart is on the right side, she loves to snorkel, and she believes pineapple does not belong on pizza.

Elizabeth is a High School Advisor and Program Coordinator, where she works closely with juniors and seniors as they prepare for life after high school. With more than 10 years of experience in education—including roles as a teacher, curriculum writer, and grade-level lead—she has dedicated her career to helping young people grow, feel seen, and reach their goals.

She is deeply drawn to Breakthrough’s mission to empower students and expand opportunities. Being part of a program that helps students become the first in their families to attend college is both meaningful and motivating for her.

Outside of work, Elizabeth loves to travel and has a unique tradition: she gets a tattoo in every country she visits.

First-Gen UT Austin Grad 2022 BA Sociology Minor Education Psychology.

Christina Hillard is a dedicated advocate and catalyst for positive change in the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With a deep passion for creating meaningful connections within communities, Christina’s journey is driven by her unwavering belief in the power of inclusivity to transform lives. As a community connector, Christina’s innate ability to forge bonds has led to the creation of bridges between individuals of diverse backgrounds. Her empathetic approach and open-hearted attitude have made her an approachable figure for those seeking to engage in conversations about social issues. Christina’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging has helped diverse groups come together, transcending barriers and creating environments where everyone’s voice is valued. In her free time, Christina indulges in her passions for reading, writing, and the arts, finding inspiration in the world around her. She believes that personal growth is a lifelong journey, and she consistently seeks out new ways to expand her horizons.

EJ is a proud graduate of The University of Texas at San Antonio, where she earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies. She furthered her education at Our Lady of the Lake University, obtaining an M.S. in Organizational Leadership. Beyond her professional achievements, EJ finds joy in solo traveling, collecting and trying different hot sauces, supporting the Dallas Cowboys, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Originally from Austin, Ernestine brings a wealth of experience and a vibrant personality to her role as Associate Director of Advising at Manor New Tech High School.

Christi is a proud first-generation college graduate, an alumni of the University of Idaho. Go Vandals! She is also first-generation American & daughter of Mexican immigrants, like many of the students she supports. Christi joined Breakthrough in August of 2011 as an AmeriCorps Member. Over the last years, she has been working to grow and develop Breakthrough’s programs and services. She is a champion of student access and success. As Director of College Access, Christi is dedicated to supervising and supporting a team of staff supporting hundreds as they transition from secondary schools into postsecondary education. 

Marcus had the pleasure of working in student affairs in higher education with college students for over ten years where he supported and mentored students and student organization leaders as they navigated academic and involvement experiences. 

He believes that Breakthrough’s mission is holistic approach to supporting first-generation students is unique and exciting.

A Dallas native, Lorena has called the Austin area home for the past 10 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, supporting the local music scene, and spending quality time with her friends and family.