Meet Our Executive Board Members | Anchored Pathways to Higher Education

Who We Are

OUR VISION: We envision a world where bilingual families are recognized for their resilience, breaking cycles of exclusion and fostering multi-generational success through education and career opportunities.

OUR MISSION: Anchored Pathways empowers first-generation and multilingual families with the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate higher education with confidence, meeting them where they are, in their language, at no cost.

OUR STORY

Anchored Pathways was born from a simple truth: the families who need college guidance the most often have the hardest time accessing it.

Our founder, Michelle Gutiérrez, spent nearly 15 years in higher education watching talented students and committed families struggle to navigate a system that wasn’t designed with them in mind. Language barriers, safety concerns, lack of transportation, and unfamiliar processes created unnecessary obstacles between families and their dreams.

She knew there had to be a better way.

Anchored Pathways was founded to bring college guidance directly to families through technology, making it accessible, bilingual, culturally responsive, and completely free. We believe every family deserves a champion who walks beside them, answers their questions, and helps them see what’s possible.

Today, we serve families across communities, providing virtual college navigation support that respects their time, language, and circumstances.

Meet Our Executive Board

Our Executive Board guides Anchored Pathways with wisdom, accountability, and a shared belief that no family should walk the college journey alone.

Michelle Gutiérrez, M.S.

Founder & Executive Director

Michelle is a higher education leader with almost 15 years of experience in academic advising, student success, and community partnerships. She has led professional advising teams, designed student success initiatives, and partnered with community organizations.

As a first-generation college graduate, Michelle founded Anchored Pathways to expand access to clear guidance, bilingual support, and trusted resources for families navigating the path to higher education. She is passionate about creating service models that make college more equitable and accessible for all.

Carlos Lopez, CISA

Board Member

Carlos serves as the Business Assurance Lead for IT Controls & ERM at Motiva Enterprises LLC, with over a decade of experience in auditing, IT controls, and risk management. A graduate of the University of Houston and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), he has also worked with companies such as Marathon Oil, Schlumberger, and AIG.

As a first-generation professional, Carlos is committed to strengthening Anchored Pathways’ governance and helping expand access to higher education for under-resourced families.

Melissa Meléndez, LMSW

Board Member

Melissa serves as Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Houston, where she supports student well-being and academic success. As a Licensed Master Social Worker, she is deeply interested in how policies shape communities and has worked with organizations such as the Houston Food Bank, United Way, and SEWA International.

Melissa brings a unique blend of social work, student affairs, and community resource expertise to the board, along with a personal passion for creating systems of care that help students thrive.

OUR VALUES

Faith-Rooted

We believe every person is created with purpose and potential. Our work is grounded in the conviction that education is a pathway to flourishing.

Family-Centered

We honor the wisdom, strength, and aspirations within every family. Our approach respects cultural values while opening new opportunities.

Equity-Driven

We actively work to dismantle barriers that keep families from accessing higher education. Justice and inclusion guide every decision we make.

Technology-Enabled

We leverage digital tools to overcome geographic, financial, and safety barriers, making support accessible when and where families need it.