OUR STORY

Michelle is a higher education professional with more than 14 years of experience in academic advising, student success, and program development. She has led advising teams, designed curriculum and student-facing resources, and supported students through complex academic programs.

As a first-generation college graduate with deep roots in Texas border communities, Michelle founded Anchored Pathways to Higher Education in 2025 to expand access to clear, bilingual guidance for families navigating college, career training, and financial aid decisions. She is committed to building service models that are honest about the real complexity families face including immigration status, licensing rules, and the hidden curriculum of higher education.

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. He has vast experience protecting a company's financial health, ensuring technology security, and managing overarching risks. 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, transparency, and helping expand access to higher education for under-resourced families.

Melissa serves as a Behavioral Health Specialist for Child and Perinatal Psychiatry Access Networks, where she supports mental health access for children and families. 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 behavioral health, social work, and community resource expertise to the board, along with a personal passion for creating systems of care that help families thrive.

Dora recently retired from mental health counseling in higher education and brings more than 30 years of experience across recruitment, admissions, business office operations, orientation, First Year Experience programming, and student support. As a first-generation college student herself, she understands the perspective of first-time-in-college students and families and is knowledgeable about the full enrollment journey from admissions to graduation.

Connie is the Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives and Community Relations at Houston City College, where she has served since 2021. Her career has centered on helping underserved and emerging communities gain access to education, entrepreneurship support, and community resources. She has worked closely with Houston’s creative and maker small business community, led research on local economic development, and developed programming that responds to the real needs of students, families, and small business owners. Her work has helped rebuild the local maker ecosystem and expand access to continuing education opportunities on Houston’s west side. Connie brings a relationship-driven approach that can help Anchored Pathways better serve the people it supports. She is also the founder of Houston Latina Collaborative, a women’s empowerment and creative organization.

Sam brings a strong background in business controls, finance strategy, and business development, shaped by his education at Rice Business and the University of Houston and his experience as a participant in the Greater Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Institute. As Director of Strategic Partnerships, he will help Anchored Pathways build high-level relationships, cultivate corporate and Latino-network partnerships, make strategic introductions, and identify opportunities that expand the organization’s visibility, reach, and sustainability. His experience and Houston-based network position him well to help strengthen the connections and resources that support the people Anchored Pathways serves.