Core Staff
NGHIEM BUI, M.ED
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nghiem is the first NGS alum to become the organization’s Executive Director. His story as a Malaysian-born refugee living in Marin’s low-income housing, comes full circle; his journey is an NGS journey.
He has two decades of experience empowering under-resourced communities and inspiring those in the halls of power: leading orientation programming for first-generation students at Boston College; living and teaching abroad in Ecuador at El Centro del Muchacho Trabajador; earning his Master’s in Education from Northwestern University while teaching on the southside of Chicago; presenting in Spanish and in Vietnamese, building strategic partnerships working in Admissions at Marin Academy, and overseeing student programs and school-wide DEI initiatives, as Dean of Student Life at Live Oak School.
He most recently led as NGS’ Director of Strategic College and Career Design, ensuring 100% of NGS scholars earned acceptances at 4-year universities, while counseling the College Scholars program into their careers.
In addition to creating more educational access, ask him about his two dogs, Tobi and Tiger Lily, and his Bruno Mars impression!
Northwestern University | Masters in Education
Boston College | Bachelor of Arts
“I am the product of a transformative education; I have made it my life's work to provide more access and opportunity to powerful, uplifting experiences.”
LAUREN CHELEW
DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE AND CAREER PATHWAYS
For over 10 years, Lauren has dedicated her professional career to being an advocate for equity in education and student outcomes. She started her career as the only foreign language teacher at a turnaround school in Detroit, MI, and developed an engaging K-8 Spanish curriculum that exposed students to new language, cultures, and experiences both in and out of the classroom. Lauren went on to earn a Master's in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis where she pursued a year-long practicum at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Missouri and developed a program to empower young adults through professional and networking skills. Lauren has spent the last six years as a college counselor at a charter school in Chicago where her students achieved ambitious college and career outcomes. Lauren believes each young person has a unique story and through strong relationships she helps students connect to their own strengths, passions, and goals. Outside of work, you can find Lauren staying active outdoors, searching for the best Middle Eastern restaurant, talking with her four younger siblings over Facetime, or binging a good book or TV show.
Oakland University | Masters in Arts and Teaching
Washington University, St. Louis | Bachelor of Arts & Masters in Social Work
"I believe all students deserve joyful and inclusive spaces that empower them to think creatively and critically so they can ultimately access and lead choice-filled lives."
ANDREW CHONG
DIRECTOR OF HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING
Andrew was born in San Francisco and raised in San Rafael. He went to Sun Valley Elementary School, Davidson Middle School, San Rafael High School, and College of Marin. After a short stint at American University, he earned a BA degree from UCSD in International Studies and Sociology. During his time at UCSD, he studied abroad in Santiago, Chile. Andrew enjoys basketball, studying languages, playing music, cooking, and exploring nature and traveling.
University of California - San Diego | Bachelor of Arts
“I see education as the single greatest tool we have as a society to combat injustice and inequality. At NGS, I'm able to work with students to overcome barriers to high quality education so that they are equipped to better their lives and combat inequality in their communities.”
SHAWN COLE
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & PROGRAMS
For almost 15 years, Shawn has explored his personal commitment to education through the lenses of higher and secondary education, doctoral studies and research consultation, and identity and equity leadership. As a first-generation student studying Physics, Mathematics, Molecular Sciences, and Nanotechnology, he experienced inequities in STEM education fairly early in life. This awareness, paired with Shawn's core educational philosophy of "You just don't know it yet", has led to a passion for developing pedagogical practices intended to address blind spots that inhibit effective learning across all disciplines.
Louisiana Tech University | PhD
Tougaloo College | Bachelor of Arts
“I know what it's like to be overlooked and underrepresented in my own spaces; the intersections of my identities might not fully mirror that of our [NGS] community... but, everyday, we walk the margins of society together.”
LLESICA HERNANDEZ
DIRECTOR OF MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Llesica is a graduate of UC Merced with a B.A. in Psychology and has been part of the Middle School Program for six years; initially as the 7th Grade Lead Teacher and currently as our Middle School Director. Being a daughter of Guatemalan immigrants and growing up in the community, she knows firsthand the challenges of becoming a first-generation college graduate.
University of California - Merced | Bachelor of Arts
“As a teacher, I get to witness "a-ha" moments in the classroom and build relationships with each student that go beyond the classroom. It's a real joy to witness the growth of each Scholar as they progress through the program, especially those that started in my classroom as middle schoolers.”
JESSUINA PÉREZ-TERÀN, PhD., MSW
FAMILY CASE MANAGER
Jessuina was born and raised in Nicaragua, arriving in the U.S. in her late teens with her tween brother. She knows firsthand the immigrant experience, especially of those arriving without parents and assuming the responsibility of raising a younger sibling. She attended school to learn English so that she could pursue a career. At different times, she earned a Bachelor in Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies, and a Master’s in Social Work from San Francisco State University. Eventually, Jessuina earned a dual doctorate in Social Work and Political Science from the University of Michigan. She has over 20 years of experience working with immigrant communities. She worked with farm workers in the California Central Coast, and with immigrant communities in Marin County. Jessuina developed a program to organize the Canal neighborhood residents to improve the health and safety of their apartments. She has over 10 years of teaching experience. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate classes in social work and political science. Jessuina is passionate about facilitating a process through which people discover and cultivate their own power.
University of Michigan | Doctorate in Social Work and Political Science
San Francisco State University | Master’s in Social Work
San Francisco State University | Bachelor in Social Work, Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies
RUBEN RODRIGUEZ
ALUMNI, COLLEGE, AND CAREER COACH
Ruben grew up three miles north of the Mexican-American border in South San Diego in a predominantly low-income neighborhood. During a short time away from San Diego, he pursued a Bachelors from UCLA and later an M.Ed. from Harvard. Ruben's professional aspiration is to help students reach their full potential and this aspiration has led him home where he supports a long-term cohort-based scholars program at UC San Diego where their mission is to help students graduate with options. He is extremely excited to bring his skillset, passion, and professional network to Next Generation Scholars.
Harvard University | Masters in Education
University of California, Los Angeles | Bachelor of Arts
“There are no failures, only perceived failures. Everything is a learning lesson.”
Board of Directors
ANDY ARENBERG
CHAIRPERSON, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marketing & Strategy Consultant
Andy spent over 30 years in the corporate world including roles with Barclays Global Investors (Blackrock), Charles Schwab, and the Boston Consulting Group. In addition, he has served on the Board of Trustees of Marin Montessori School and as an Encore Fellow at SMASH, an Oakland based educational non-profit focused on serving high school students of color interested in STEM. He has a BA from Brown University and an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
“As the parent of two current college students, a former Independent School board member, and a Fellow at an educational non-profit, I recognize the inequities that exist in providing students equal access to higher education. I'm proud to be part of NGS given its mission to support motivated students and their families in Marin as they shape their identities and future pathways.”
PAMELA BONNIE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Independent Investment Analyst
Raised in a multicultural family, Pam's many worlds inspire her enthusiasm for this work. Of Chinese, Hawaiian and Caucasian descent, Pam lived in Hong Kong for seven years working as an equity research analyst, and then in the US for Salomon Smith Barney/Citigroup, and other firms. A 27-year resident of Marin County, Pam is an active community volunteer. She served as board chair of Belvedere Hawthorne Nursery Schools Inc and as Parents Association President of Marin Country Day School. Passionate about racial justice and equity, Pam works with children and families in Marin's underserved communities. She tutored kids for Bridge the Gap College Prep and collaborated on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Marin Country Day School and Marin Academy. A Coro Northern California Women in Leadership Fellow, Pam graduated from Lake Forest College with a B.A. degree in Economics and Politics.
“Why NGS? It is inspiring to see the success of NGS students as they become the first in their families to attend college and beyond. NGS has an impressive track record, and I am proud to work to help break down structural barriers to education.”
ZULEIKA GODINEZ
SECRETARY, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Program Officer, S.H. Cowell Foundation
Zuleika holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Sociology from Pomona College. She has worked in philanthropic and nonprofits organizations for more than 10 years, advancing education, economic equity, and racial justice. Previously the Policy Manager for Ensuring Opportunity Campaign to End Poverty in Contra Costa County, she is now a Program Officer at S.H. Cowell Foundation. Zuleika has also served as Youth Program Associate at the James Irvine Foundation, working to increase the number of low-income youth in California who earn a postsecondary credential; as a Policy Fellow at the Center for Community Change in Washington, D.C.; and as a Program Coordinator at Next Generation Scholars.
“I am inspired by the resilience, passion, and commitment to equity and justice of NGS students. I choose to serve on the board of NGS to support these incredible youth.”
DAMON KERBY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marin Educator (Retired)
Damon is a longtime Marin educator. He began his career teaching history at the Branson School and subsequently served as head at Mark Day School for 24 years. Since his retirement, he has been an interim head at Branson, a performance coach with the leadership consulting group Stand & Deliver, and chair of the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). He’s been a member of the Board of Trustees at both Marin Academy and Branson. Damon received an A.B. in History from Kenyon College and an M.A. in Education (Learning, Design, and Technology) from Stanford University.
“I watched with appreciation as Next Generation Scholars got off the ground in the early 2000s, having an incredibly positive impact on its participants even in those early days. I’m very excited to see how now, as an institution, it has grown and matured, broadening and deepening its influence in its students’ lives, preparing them for success in both school and life.”
ABRAHAM LOPEZ
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Founder/Owner YucaTech Technology Solutions
Abraham arrived in the United States in 1998, coming directly to San Rafael. His first job was washing dishes at Joe’s Taco Lounge in Mill Valley. Through his hard work and appetite for learning, he moved from busboy to waiter to supervisor at Rickey’s Restaurant in Novato. It was previously at California Pizza Kitchen, where he met and worked with Nghiem, NGS' current Executive Director, almost two decades ago. In his spare time, he studied hard to master English, earned his GED, and took courses to get an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems at the College of Marin. He started repairing electronics for his neighboring friends and family and now runs a successful small business in San Rafael - YucaTech Technology Solutions. His son, Johny, is an alum of NGS, a graduate of Pomona College, and currently serves on the Young Leaders Board.
"Programs like NGS give me the confidence to succeed, inspiring me and my son to become one of their many success stories!"
TONY NETHERCUTT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
VP Sales, Yahoo (Retired)
Tony grew up in Watsonville, CA. He is the proud product of an impassioned grade school teaching mother and a strong middle school administrator father. He learned early that certain segments of school-going children had both challenges and opportunities that needed to be addressed. Tony brings the same energy and passion he had during the 30+ years of his television and digital advertising career to NGS and the many philanthropic relationships he has today. Tony is also on the board of Homeward Bound of Marin, Digital Nest (in Watsonville), and Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary. He lived in San Rafael for 30 years prior to moving to Soquel, CA. His son Zander graduated from Kenyon College in May of 2016, and is now working for Cameo.com in Chicago.
“NGS is near and dear to my heart as we support first generation kids in their quest to improve their opportunities to lead productive lives for themselves and their communities. My mother taught English to native Spanish speaking children in the Pajaro Valley School District for years. I felt first hand how transformative she felt the gift of language was for the kids she taught. I feel the same pride in the additional knowledge and confidence we enable in our students.”
ANUAR RAMIREZ-MEDINA, ESQ.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Immigration Attorney, Seven Hills Law Firm
Anuar grew up in Marin County and now lives in San Francisco where he practices immigration and business law. He believes that helping immigrants realize their immigration and business goals is important to creating a more diverse and vibrant country because diversity breeds innovation, market growth, and an overall more beautiful world. Before studying law, Anuar worked in public service, where he was able to see first-hand how the different societal systems contribute to the endemic problem of inequality. And if education is at the crux of inequality, Anuar is impassioned to help NGS close the equity gap.
“As a first-generation immigrant I received the invaluable gift of a quality education in programs like NGS. I have since reaped the rewards of that gift and I want other future generations of students to share that opportunity.”
MICHAEL SHIPPEY
TREASURER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP
Mike has spent 30 years at Deloitte in various client leadership roles. His interest in education and underserved youth in the Bay Area is evident in his board roles at Aim High and Summer Search, in addition to his current board role at NGS. He also serves on the Finance Committee of St. Anthony’s Church. He has a BA from Wits University in South Africa, and a CPA accreditation.
“NGS has made a significant impact on the lives of many scholars and fellow Marin residents. I want to help sustain and grow that to serve many more for generations to come.”
ANDY TAYLOR-FABE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Middle School Division Head at The Hamlin School
Andy is the Middle School Division Head at The Hamlin School, a K-8 independent school for girls in San Francisco, where he also taught middle school English. He previously taught 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts at KIPP Summit Academy, a public charter school in San Lorenzo serving students in Grades 5-8. He received his Master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and his B.A. from the Residential College at the University of Michigan. Andy lives in San Rafael.
"It is an honor to support NGS's mission and commitment to providing Marin students and families with vital educational opportunities, tools, and resources. I am so inspired by the Community Uplift projects and NGS students' palpable sense of joy and purpose."
CLINT WILKINS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Founder & Head of School, Sage Hill School (Retired)
Clint's educational experience is wide-ranging -- from serving as a teacher, coach, college counselor, dean of students, principal and board member to becoming the founding CEO of a thriving independent high school in Southern California. Most recently he has turned his attention to low-income youth, serving as the Interim Executive Director with Next Generation Scholars and as an Encore Fellow in the Mayor's Office in San José, CA. He holds a BA from Williams College and a Masters Degree from Harvard University.
“Spend just forty-five seconds at our Center on any weekday afternoon, and you’ll be blown away by the positive energy of teenagers deeply engaged with each other and their teachers. How so? It’s a safe place - emotionally and academically - allowing them to grow into the persons they are meant to be.”
Young Leaders Board
Next Generation Scholars (NGS) Young Leaders Board is a distinguished cohort of young professionals who are committed to narrowing the opportunity and achievement gaps for NGS students and families, and first-generation students throughout the Bay Area. This inaugural Young Leaders Board will represent the corporate, education, legal, nonprofit, and tech communities across the United States. They raise awareness of NGS’ cause and advance its fundraising, volunteer, and alumni engagement efforts. Launched in 2023, the Young Leaders Board seeks highly qualified, first-generation individuals, for one year, to join as founding members to develop a strategic vision for the YLBs future.
PARTH DESAI
PITZER COLLEGE, BACHELOR OF ARTS
NEXT GEN SCHOLAR '19
SOFTWARE ENGINEER | APPLE
Parth joins the Young Leaders Board as a proud alumnus of NGS after being raised in San Rafael. His desire to remain involved stems from his experience navigating the Marin County public school system as a first-generation student. It wasn't until joining NGS as a student that he learned how to speak truth to power and try to uplift those around him. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Pitzer College and works at Apple Inc. as a Software Engineer. He is passionate about building technology that makes the classroom more equitable. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, biking, and exploring nature whenever possible.
"As an NGS product myself, I feel inspired to open the same doors for students that were opened for me. I look forward to remaining involved with NGS through the Young Leaders Board and advancing NGS' efforts to uplift student voices."
JOHNY EK ABAN
POMONA COLLEGE, BACHELOR OF ARTS
NEXT GEN SCHOLAR '19
INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE | ARCHITECT CAPITAL
Johny Ek, a Marin County, CA native, holds a B.A. in Economics from Pomona College. He currently serves as an investment associate at Architect Capital, specializing in deal sourcing, investment analysis, and data analytics for portfolio and risk management. Previously, at BlackRock, he focused on data analytics, reporting, and investment strategies for institutional clients. Committed to making a positive impact, Johny strives to help others in any way possible within his professional journey. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Pomona College.
“A manager from one of my college jobs at Pomona really mentored me and provided a guide forward to a career in finance.”
YOEL ISKINDIR
SAN FRANCISCO STATE, BACHELOR OF ARTS
NEXT GEN SCHOLAR '17
FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY TEACHER | SAN DOMENICO SCHOOL
Yoel Iskindir is a Bay Area native with Marin County roots. Being raised by his family of refugees and with the experience of not fitting in, Iskindir was motivated to create social change through media. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema at San Francisco State University. Iskindir spent many years working in education in a variety of non-profits, and in media, where he wore multiple hats, including writing, directing, and producing. After a couple of years in New York City, Iskindir joined San Domenico to bridge his experiences working with students with his production background. His aim was to establish a media program that would equip students with both technical skills and a global perspective. With expertise spanning media production, education, and media education, Yoel brings a dedicated focus on social justice and community uplift to every space he enters. In a society where many of us exist as the "other," his aspiration as a filmmaker is to craft thought-provoking, challenging works that provide a platform to explore our world on screen.
“I remember meeting a mentor and friend in college who helped me navigate the digital media department, really inspired my career and pathway forward.”
JANEENE ILES
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY, BACHELOR OF ARTS
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO LAW SCHOOL, JURIS DOCTOR
NEXT GEN SCHOLAR '14
PRODUCT & PRIVACY COUNSEL | 23ANDMe
Janeene Iles, a Bay Area native and global citizen, boasts a rich academic background, having earned a Bachelor of Arts from UC Berkeley, where she double-majored in International Law and Human Rights as well as French Literature. Her educational journey continued with a Juris Doctor from UC Hastings College of the Law and a Masters in European Law (LLM) from Paris II - Panthéon Assas. With prior experience as in-house counsel at Wish, Janeene greatly values the knowledge and insights she gained while collaborating with remarkable mentors, colleagues, and forging new friendships. Her professional path has now led her to her current role as Product & Privacy Counsel at 23andMe, a company dedicated to enabling people to access, understand, and benefit from the human genome, thereby revolutionizing and personalizing the healthcare industry. Beyond her career, Janeene is dedicated to giving back to her local community and marginalized communities worldwide, reflecting her profound commitment to social responsibility.
“I’m still really close friends with my roommate from UC Berkeley, and still to this day, we stay connected and she inspires my commitment to educational equity.”
AAMIA MALIK
SWARTHMORE COLLEGE, BACHELOR OF ARTS
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
NEXT GEN SCHOLAR FRIEND
SENIOR CONSULTANT | DELIOTTE
Aamia is a senior consultant at Deloitte. She uses her background in Behavioral Science to understand the external and internal factors that lead us to make sub-optimal decisions that impact our individual health. She is passionate about using data driven insights and evidence-based practices build solutions that address inequities in healthcare care and outcomes. Aamia feels strongly about promoting community-based education access and feels lucky to be a very very small part of the work NGS does. She holds a bachelors in economics from Swarthmore College and a Masters in Behavioral and Decision Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania.