Year Up's National Capital Region site opened its doors in February of 2006. We have been overwhelmed with the warm welcome and support from both corporate and community partners in the Capital Region. Over 33,000 young adults in the National Capital Region area do not have access to livable wage careers or higher education. Our inaugural class has proven that these young adults are capable of adding immediate value to local companies, and we look forward to closing the opportunity divide in this community with your help.

WHAT'S NEW
To view our news archive, click here

Year Up National Capital Region receives kudos from Avectra Read More

VPP praises Year Up National Capital Region and Northern Virginia Community College Partnership. Read More

Year Up Mentor, Jimmy Lynn featured on Washington Post Read More

YEAR UP AND GEORGETOWN STUDENTS COLLABORATE FOR BUSINESS PLAN CHALLENGE
Sudents at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business worked with the local nonprofit Year Up to provide coaching for students preparing to enter a Business Plan Competition hosted by the school. Read More

VPP Investors and Team Share the Holiday Spirit with Year Up, NCR, VPP's Newest Investment Partner

Year Up and VPP Enter $4.5 Million Investment Partnership

Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP) and Year Up announced today VPP's largest single investment to date—$4.5 million—in the National Capital Region (NCR) site of Year Up. Lauded by President Barack Obama for its proven, innovative approach, Year Up is a national organization that provides career training to low-income young adults and helps them secure internships with top US companies. Read More

WHO WE SERVE
Year Up serves high school graduates and GED recipients ages 18 to 24 years old from the Metro Washington D.C. area. Currently we have students from the District, Prince Georges County, Montgomery County, and Fairfax County.

EVENTS
There are currently no events.

back to top

back to top

BOARD MEMBERS
National Capital Region LOCAL BOARD

national Board of Directors

national Technical Board

back to top

CONTACT US
Address:
Year Up, National Capital Region  
1560 Wilson Blvd., Suite 350
Arlington, VA 22209

Phone and Fax:
Phone: 703-312-9327
Fax: 703-312-7986

For driving directions:

For questions about becoming a Year Up student, contact:
Candace Winfield
cwinfield@yearup.org
703-312-9327x1213

To hire a National Capital Region intern, contact:
Erin Regan
eregan@YearUp.org
703-312-9327 ext. 1211

To volunteer at Year Up, contact:
Bridgette Gray
bgray@yearup.org

To invest in or donate to Year Up, contact:
Ronda Harris Thompson
rthompson@YearUp.org

Media Inquiries, Contact:
Roberto Zeledon
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
rzeledon@YearUp.org
617-542-1533 ext. 1563

back to top

our team

With over 20 years of experience in the D.C. market, Ronda has held several positions maximizing her youth development and managerial expertise. Prior to joining Year Up, Ronda served as Deputy Director for City Year in Washington, D.C., where she oversaw the site's training, corps member support and service initiatives.

Other positions Ronda has held include Acting Director of the Public Affairs Office of the D.C. Housing Authority and Public Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Agency for International Development. Ronda, a D.C. native, graduated from Bowie State University, an historically Black university, with a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Science in Administration (M.S.A.) in Organizational Development from Trinity Washington University. She currently serves on the board of Gifted Servants (Maryland).

Allison Alt
Development Manager
Allison’s passion for youth development begins as far back as high school. At age 17, she created a weekend mentoring camp in central Florida for hundreds of children and teens. Inspired, she began volunteering as a Big Sister for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. While earning her BS in Public Relations, Allison started the first Big Brothers Big Sisters student organization at the University of Florida (UF). Allison holds a Juris Doctorate from UF, where she focused on children’s rights and family law. She is currently a licensed attorney in the state of Texas. After graduating law school, Allison served as a Public Policy Coordinator at Generations United. In this role, she created key partnerships, planned and executed special events, developed federal policy recommendations, and acted as an advocate on Capitol Hill for issues such as education, foster care, and adoption. At Year Up, Allison works with the members of the development team to support the site through grant writing, special events, and other fundraising opportunities.

Kristy M. Arnold, PhD
Student Services Manager
Kristy is a native of Decatur, GA and is known for being a proud Southern Belle. Kristy received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia, a M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from Howard University, and her Ph.D. in Counselor Education with a dissertation centered on race, ethnicity, and culture from Virginia Tech. With regard to her clinical experience, she has primarily served in community counseling environments. Kristy has worked with adolescents in both the juvenile justice & foster care systems, conducted sexual abuse group sessions (with victims), provided individual counseling sessions to young adults, and was a psychometrist within a private practice. Kristy also has a special interest in volunteerism and has mentored underserved youth in local Boys-n-Girls clubs and throughout various mentor programs. A word that many Year Up students would likely quote as being Dr. A’s favorite is “choice”, as she fully believes that in order for you to reach your goals and fulfill your destiny you must unapologetically choose your path.

JUAN CARLOS ARTERO
IT Support Specialist
Juan Carlos is a Junior Tech Instructor and a graduate of Year Up program has been employed of Year Up since Aug 2007. He enrolled as a student in September 2006 and completed his internship at Freddie Mac. After graduating from the program he became as employee of Year Up National Capital Region as Junior Tech Instructor and IT Support. Currently he is working on his Network + certification and attending NOVA community college for his Associate Degree in Networking Engineering. Juan Carlos Is a native of El Salvador and reside in Arlington Virginia with his 5 months girl Shantell Alexa.

Richard Baltimore
Corporate Partner Relations Manager
Richard Baltimore joins Year Up with a diverse background in both business and the nonprofit sectors. He began his career as a financial analyst on Wall Street, and has spent time in a professional recruiting role and in account management at a start up company. Prior to joining the team, Richard was a Community Center and Programs Director at The Salvation Army in the Westside of Chicago. He is a 2004 graduate of Morehouse College where he was President of the Golden Key International Honour Society, a Resident Assistant, an intern at Morehouse College Corporate Relations and a participant in the competitive professional summer internship programs Inroads and Sponsors for Educational Opportunity. After a few semesters at Morehouse College Richard was able to pay for his education costs with scholarships including funds from Oprah and UNCF. Richard is originally from San Francisco, CA and as an Eagle Scout he enjoys volunteering with Boy Scouts of America where he has earned The Scoutmaster of the Year and Spark Plug Awards.

Valentino Burke
IT Instructor
Valentino comes to Year Up with a true love of teaching and developing young people. He has over ten years of combined experience in electronics and computers. A self-proclaimed computer geek since the age of ten, he has been bringing this passion to his classrooms in the United States and the Republic of Panama for years and now brings his enthusiasm for technology to his classes at Year Up. Valentino possesses a B.A. in Computer Science from the Technological University of Panama and an Electronics Degree from the Professional Institute of Panama. He also holds CompTIA A+, CompTIA NET+ and MCP certifications. Currently, he continues his education and is pursuing CISCO CCNA and MCSE certifications.

Jeanne T. Byrd, LCSW-C
Year Up Student Services Specialist
Jeanne comes from a family of “social workers” that has always given back to the community in many ways, making it seem as though she was born to help others. Born and raised in Woonsocket, RI, Jeanne made her way to Year Up in the summer of 2011 by way of Atlanta, GA and then Washington, DC. Jeanne graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA in 2003 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology. She went on to graduate school at Howard University School of Social Work in Washington, DC and obtained a Masters of Social Work degree. Jeanne’s concentration was mental health in order to gain further knowledge and skills in this field. Prior to completing her MSW, Jeanne obtained the Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) licensure, and then in 2009 she obtained the License Certified Social Worker – Clinical licensure (LCSW-C). She has worked for over six years in the field of social service as a case manager and supervisor for children in treatment foster care, as well as a mental health therapist for children, adults and families throughout Maryland, as well as assisted with training staff and collaborating with agencies to provide trainings, and she has helped with recruiting efforts. Jeanne volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club in Washington, DC, teaching teens about dating etiquette. Outside of social work, Jeanne has a passion for dance, having danced for over 20 years, with 2 years of professional experience. This passion has given Jeanne the opportunity to be an assistant choreographer, coordinator and recruiter for a prominent state level pageant system in Maryland and Illinois. Jeanne comes to Year Up with the same drive and passion to help others in any capacity needed. Jeanne feels her knowledge, skills and experience in foster care, mental health and even in her extracurricular activities will translate positively in working with the students and staff at Year Up to achieve Year Up’s mission – “…to close the opportunity divide…”

Dominique Chester
Dominique joined Year Up in the summer of 2011. She has been working in the IT field for well over 9 years. In the last three years she has made training her primary role because of the immense personal satisfaction of having her students "get it".

Prior to joining Year Up, Dominique was a technical trainer at The New Horizons Learning Center, teaching classes in everything from Microsoft Office and Vista to A+ certification. As an instructor, she brings her love of technology and vast knowledge to the classroom but finds a way to make it accessible to students just entering IT for the first time.

Dominique is a Strayer University graduate and completed her Associates Degree in Internetworking Technology (Cisco Routers). She is currently a Microsoft Certified Trainer and a Langevin Certified Instructor. She is also certified as an MCSE, MCSA, MCDST, MCTS, and MCITP (Enterprise Support Technician) and holds her A+ and SECURITY+ certifications.

Outside of work, Dominique volunteers as a tutor in her community teaching computer applications such as Microsoft Office. She has a loving family with a husband and three children that she cherishes dearly and enjoys traveling, laughing and experiencing life with them.

Elizabeth (LIBBY) Edwards
Business Communications and Writing Instructor
Libby comes to Year Up with a love for teaching and language. Since 2004, she has been working with students of all ages and backgrounds; she spent five formative years teaching English at an alternative Quaker high school that focused on whole-student education and community-building. Before coming to Year Up, she also taught a free SAT workshop and helped run a private tutoring company. A native of the Washington, D.C. area, Libby graduated from St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD, where she studied philosophy via the Great Books. Her passions include reading American literature, listening to old music, and learning new words.

Nicole Escuadro
Business Communications and Writing Instructor
Nicole comes to Year Up with a strong passion for education and writing. She received her BA in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara and her MA in English from Georgetown University. Through her family's emphasis on education and her own experience in academia, she developed a profound interest in teaching young people and providing them with the tools to think critically and be successful in whatever they pursue. After graduating from Georgetown in 2008, where she worked as a teaching assistant and Writing Center tutor, she served as an adjunct professor of English at Trinity Washington University in Northeast DC and at the Art Institute of Washington in Rosslyn, VA. She also taught a summer writing course at Georgetown University. She believes that language and writing are "world-making" tools, and the means to develop authority and construct one's voice and self.

Theodore Frazier
IT Instructor
Ted, better known as Uncle Ted, was born in South Carolina to a large village of mostly farmers and fishermen. After completing high school, Ted joined the USAF where he traveled the far northern parts of New York State, Eastern New Mexico and England. Shortly after the Air Force, Ted attended Eastern New Mexico University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Technology. Upon graduation Ted worked for his alma mater, Eastern New Mexico University, as the Computer System Manager of the then newly automated library system. Ted longed for home and relocated back to the East Coast, settling into Washington DC. Ted has continued his studies of computer technology including computer networking, currently holding certifications in MCSE, MCP, A+, and Network+. Ted taught the A+ course at Nova (Loudoun campus) for 6 years. Ted describes himself as a teacher by nature. Ted is currently pursuing continuing education courses in computer technology at Georgetown University and will obtain a CCNA and Security+ certification in July 2009.

Kate Gerwig
Operations Coordinator
Kate joined Year Up in September of 2011 as the Operations Coordinator for the National Capital Region. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Public and Urban Affairs in May of 2011, focusing on topics such as urban planning, policy implementation, and sustainability. Kate learned about the Year Up program from her mother, who worked with Year Up while at Freddie Mac in 2008. By way of her educational background and her mother’s positive experience, Kate hopes to bring a new level of energy and excitement to NCR, and is excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young adults in the greater DC area.

Bridgette F. Gray
Director of Outreach and Community Partnerships
Bridgette joined the Year Up team as Director of Operations in the DC office in the fall of 2007. Prior to joining Year Up, Bridgette had an extensive background in National Service, working with such organizations as the Corporation for National & Community Service, Earth Conservation Corps and Hands On Network/Points of Light Foundation. Bridgette has served as a VISTA Project Director for the state of Tennessee; a Senior Corps Project Director; and an Independent Consultant in the areas of National Service, Education, Diversity and Leadership Development. Over the years Bridgette has developed a strong passion for working with older youth, aiding them towards reaching their highest potential. Bridgette completed her undergraduate work in Human Services Management at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and will pursue her MBA in the fall of 2008.

Amber Herman
Federal Partner Relations Manager
Amber Herman, Year Up's Federal Partner Relations Manager, is responsible for Year Up's federal business strategy including business development, internship sales and contract administration. Prior to Year Up, Amber served as the Acting Deputy Director of the USDA Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and as a Program Analyst for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Office of Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships and Outreach. In these roles, Amber was responsible for building cross-sector partnerships among the federal government and non-profit , advocacy, educational and private sector institutions. Amber has been recognized for her commitment to public service by the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation and was selected by the Congressional Hunger Center to serve as a Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellow. In 2006, Amber graduated from graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in public service and administration in agriculture.

Marlissa Hudson
Manager of External Affairs
Marlissa Hudson is an innovative administrator and educator with a proven track record of exceeding fundraising objectives, improving organizational productivity, and forging positive partnerships with internal and external customers. With a wide range of experience in academic, non-profit, and for-profit settings, she comes to Year Up with a unique perspective and the ability to deliver comprehensive solutions that positively address all levels of the organization. In addition to industries, Marlissa has proven expertise in accounting, people development, fundraising, marketing and program development. Marlissa has an undergraduate degree from Duke University and a Masters from Johns Hopkins University.

Katrina Jones
Operations and HR Manager
Katrina joined Year Up in 2011 as the Operations and HR Manager. Katrina first became acquainted with Year Up via an article in the New York Times. She was inspired to serve as a volunteer mentor to a Year Up student after reading about the program, and the academic and professional opportunities available to its students. Prior to joining Year Up, Katrina worked in administrative management within the federal government, overseeing business operations for a branch of the National Institutes of Health. She also worked within Development at Project GRAD USA, a national non-profit that partners with public school districts to improve the quality of public education for economically disadvantaged children. Katrina received her Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies from The University of Texas at Austin, and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management at The Catholic University of America.

Casey Krall
Business Communications and Writing Instructor
Casey comes to Year Up with a passion for language and intellectual challenge. Although she was born and raised in Pennsylvania, she spent most of the new millennium in Oregon where she received her BA in English from the University of Oregon and an MAT from Pacific University. She’s had experience teaching in the secondary classroom and worked in the tutoring center of the local community college in Eugene, Oregon. Casey is at home in the classroom, pushing students to realize their own power and creativity, supporting them as they learn to navigate the waters of academic discourse, and enjoying the opportunity to learn from them in return. Her love of words extends beyond the classroom into her own writing and is rivaled only by her love of music, beautiful days spent outdoors, and her family.

Roxanna Garcia Marcus
Career and Alumni Services Manager
Roxanna joined the Year Up team in July 2008. A Florida native, Roxanna first came to the DC area when she served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year. A first-generation American, Roxanna said she was drawn to the opportunity to give back to her community and country in a meaningful and lasting way. After graduating with a BA in Public Relations from the University of Florida, Roxanna served as the Development Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida. There she worked on all aspects of the agency’s fundraising and strengthened the organization’s brand. She first joined Year Up as the Development Manager working with other members of the development team to support the site through grant writing, individual solicitations and other fundraising opportunities. She currently serves as the Career and Alumni Services Manager working to help develop and coordinate alumni engagement opportunities.

Julie Mullen
Career Services Specialist
Julie joins the Year Up team with a passion for community development and a belief that youth are our biggest community assets. Prior to joining the Year Up team, Julie spent almost three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. While there, she taught environmental science to seventh graders, ran an after school program for girls and clocked countless hours chatting with neighbors in the shade of a mango tree. As an Economic Development Professional in Oregon, Julie created and managed a program to engage youth in entrepreneurship and provided technical assistance to small business owners. After earning her Masters in Business Administration in Social Policy and Management from Brandeis University in the Boston area, Julie is thrilled to be moving back to her native Virginia with her dog, Lucy. As the Career Services Specialist at Year Up, Julie brings her two passions together by connecting the IT community with Year Up graduates, creating mutually beneficial relationships and a stronger community for all.

Clifton Morgan
Director of Admissions and Enrollment
Clifton joins Year Up with a broad range of experience and talents. A Chicago native and graduate of Hampton University with a B.S. in Finance, Clif recognized his true passion early in his career and made a transition from the corporate world to working in higher education, youth and community development. Clif worked in Chicago’s City College system and helped to establish Chicago State University’s Office of Distance Learning, where he served as the Assistant Director. Clif has also had the privilege to serve on the advisory board and as program facilitator for Project Brotherhood, a nationally recognized men’s health clinic, which has been featured on CNN’s “Black in America”. Through his work with Project Brotherhood Clif was given the opportunity to partner with Grammy Award winning artist Common’s - Common Ground Foundation to establish and facilitate youth development programs for high school students on Chicago’s Southside. In addition to Clif's focus & passion for working in his community, he has launched 2 successful businesses with his wife. He believes in sharing with others and has served as a mentor to those seeking to start their own business. Clif loves to travel and has visited 5 continents, with 2 left on his bucket list. He is an avid sports fan and roots for all the teams representing the Windy City. Clif has “Skills” in the kitchen. One of his specialties is Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza. He is a lover of music and has a vast collection which spans across different genres.

Cashielle Nelson
Admissions Specialist
Cashielle initially joined Year Up as a temp in Admissions. While working at Year Up, Cashielle seized the opportunity to join the Year Up family to help young people succeed. Cashielle brings a wide range of professional experience to Year Up from her positions in the administrative, human resources, and recruiting fields. Having worked for 15+ years for a range of industries, including education, government, and government contracts, Cashielle has a strong understanding of what Year Up students need to be successful and brings that knowledge to the Admissions Team. Cashielle has a degree in Paralegal Studies with a minor in Information Technology.

Meredith Potempa
Director of Program
Meredith comes to Year Up from Chicago, where she gained several years of experience in management within both corporate and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining the team, she was working for Rocket Learning, a supplemental education services provider, where she was providing management at eight of the company's sites. Additionally, she has a great deal of experience in providing individuals and families with crisis intervention and intensive therapeutic services in the city of Chicago, through Community Counseling Centers of Chicago. She has received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame, and her Master's Degree in Social Work with a specialization in Leadership Development from Loyola University Chicago. Meredith is very happy to return to the east coast, as she used to live in Maryland, but is more excited to be part of the Year Up team and work with both the students and staff in an effort to fulfill the organization's ever important mission.

Deidra Prather
Corporate Partner Relations Manager
A native Washingtonian, Deidra earned her Associates Degree in Electronics, Computer Technology and Telecommunications from Tesst College. After graduating from Tesst, Deidra heard about a program starting in the DC area that focuses on IT, professional development, paid internships and job placement. Realizing she wanted to increase her knowledge of IT and put herself in line with a great career, Deidra decided to apply to Year Up, was accepted and is now a graduate and Alum of the first graduating class in the National Capital Region! After completing her internship at Perot Systems, Deidra knew she too wanted to be part of changing the “opportunity divide.” Deidra was offered an opportunity to work with Year Up as an Office Assistant and was quickly promoted to Internship Coordinator. What’s next? Deidra plans to continue her education by pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in the field of Technology. Outside of work, Deidra is a mom of two loving children, and loves to share her observation of their growth with the team.

Erin Regan
Director of Corporate Partnerships and Alumni
Erin Regan joins year up with a professional background in technical staffing. Erin worked previously as an Account Manager/Business Development Manager for Aerotek, Inc, the largest privately held technical staffing firm in the United States. With Aerotek, Erin formed corporate partnerships to meet organizations temporary and full time technical staffing needs. She has experience working across numerous industries. Erin graduated from Boston College's Lynch School of Education, with a BS in Human Development and Sociology and a minor in Faith, Peace, and Justice. Erin's interest in examining our Nation's education system was sparked at an early age through the work of her families business, Data Networks, Inc., which is a technical service provider to Schools and Government agencies. After spending 10 years in Boston, she is an official converted Red Sox fan, who returns home to the Baltimore/DC area to join a mission that combines her technical staffing expertise with her passion for education and service.

Michael Scott
Manager of Corporate Giving and Engagement
Michael joined the Year Up staff after being introduced to the organization as a volunteer, while serving as Business Development Manager with Youth Legacy Inc. He is responsible for cultivating corporate and philanthropic relationships that provide financial support for the young professionals within the Year Up program. Prior to his current role, Michael served as the Director of Brand Strategy and Development for MPIRE Interactive LLC. During his tenure, he provided analytical insights, cause marketing and execution strategy to several multinational brands including: McDonald’s, Adidas-Rockport, Pepsi, Nike and KFC.

Michael is a proud alumnus of Bowie State University (Business Management/Marketing). While attending graduate school, Michael co-founded a technology firm that addressed the digital divide and launched a social media platform. His excitement and zeal for creating “new opportunities” for Year Up students drives his passion every day. He currently serves on the Steering Committee of the AdColor Awards honoring diversity in marketing and advertising.

Cherie Smith
Development Operations Manager
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Cherie comes to Year Up with extensive nonprofit program experience. After graduating with a BA in Sociology from Millersville University, she joined City Year DC to pursue her love for giving back.  After four and a half years, she accepted a Program Director position at New Community for Children After School Program. While there, she oversaw the Teen program for middle and high school students, where she planned and implemented after school activities.  At Year Up, Cherie is responsible for maintaining relationships gained through partners, mentors, and guests as well as planning special events.

Justin Steele
Director of Operations & Strategic Planning and Learning Community Leader
Justin Steele joined Year Up in 2009 in a strategy role before finishing his master’s degree and joining the National Capital Region site in 2010. The move to Year Up was motivated by Justin’s desire to contribute to systemic change in urban communities and develop nonprofit management theories that support high performing nonprofits as they attempt to scale their models for social change. Justin comes to Year Up with a wide range of experience developing strategies and programs for high impact organizations. He spent several years at Bain & Company and The Bridgespan Group as a management consultant working in the areas of education and economic development. He also wrote the start-up business plan for Summer Advantage USA, a nonprofit focused on creating high-quality summer learning programs, and participated in the Education Pioneers Fellowship at Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL). In his volunteer time, Justin has served as a consultant and board member for faith-based community organizations. Justin earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with distinction from the University of Virginia, where he served on the national executive board of the National Society of Black Engineers and co-chaired the Office of African American Affairs’ Peer Advisor mentoring program. He also holds a joint MBA/MPA degree from Harvard, where he was recognized for his role in creating and teaching a business apprenticeship course for Boston Public Schools’ 8th graders in partnership with Citizen Schools. Justin and his wife Sally live in Washington D.C. with their daughters Siena and Jaelyn.

Oumar Toure
IT Instructor
Oumar joins Year Up with over 10 years of experience in the field of Education. Prior to joining Year Up, Oumar was a lecturer at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus, where he taught Information Technology courses. He also worked as a Technology Coordinator for The Potomac School in McLean Virginia and McLean School of Maryland in Potomac Maryland; where he was in charge of managing technology budget, designing course materials and training teachers on how to integrate technology into the curriculum. Oumar is an active member of the Virginia Society for Technology in Education. In his spare time, Oumar volunteers for the Long Branch Senior Center, Montgomery County Recreation Department, where he teaches computer classes to senior citizens. Oumar earned a Master of Science in Biology from Howard University in Washington DC and a Master of Information Technology from American InterContinental University in Washington DC

Margaret Walkup
Corporate Partner Relations Manager
When Margaret became Corporate Partner Relations Manager for the National Capital Region, she began working in her fourth position at Year Up. She started with the organization in the Boston office as a Teaching Fellow and after a year moved to the National Capital Region to assume an AmeriCorps VISTA position focused on Career and Alumni. At the end of that year, she became Internship and Alumni Coordinator and was then promoted to Partner Relations Manager. Prior to her work at Year Up, she spent a year teaching kindergarten and first grade students at schools in Boston and Watertown through grant-funded positions. Margaret graduated cum laude from Wellesley College with a B.A. in Spanish and Education Studies and is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, the National Spanish Honor Society. During her senior year in college she served as the General Manager of the on-campus pub, Punch's Alley, where she handled day-to-day operations, managed a staff team, and increased foot traffic and revenue by implementing a solid plan with a focus on customer service. She was also a member of the Dead Serious Improvisational Troupe. A native of Washington, D.C. who grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, Margaret has a deep affection for the young people that Year Up serves and feels privileged to be a part of the YU team.

Camilla J Wells
Academic Manager
Camilla comes to Year Up from the field of international education and undergraduate advising. She has taught English with the JET Program in Japan, served as a study abroad advisor at the University of California at Santa Barbara, and worked as the outreach manager for Boren Scholarships and Fellowships at the Institute for International Education in Washington, DC. Camilla graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor's and master's degree in English literature. Camilla served as a business communication instructor from December 2008 to September 2010. After the birth of her son, she returned to Year Up NCR as the academic manager.

Michael J. Williams, II
Learning Community Leader
Michael joins Year Up with an extensive background in national service. Before becoming a staff member at Year Up, Michael was a Recruitment Associate for City Year Washington, DC, where he also volunteered as an AmeriCorps Member. Since 2001, Michael has been involved in many community and volunteer organizations working with youth and young adults from all ages and backgrounds. Michael is also a personal trainer and has attributed his ability to connect with a variety of people to his experience in the fitness field. His unwavering dedication to helping youth and young adults reach their goals makes Michael a wonderful addition to the Year Up.

David Winder
Academic Director
With over 10 years in finance and a special talent for teaching, David is a natural fit with the Year Up team. His classroom experience includes teaching for a summer at a middle school in his hometown of Oakland, CA, and working as a student teacher of (subject) at Hampton University. In addition, he taught a training course for prospective co-op housing residents, for which he also created the accompanying course materials. David’s strong business background includes his work with non-profit agencies, investment firms and, most recently, his own property acquisition and management company. David earned his BA in Economics from Hampton University and an MBA from The American University. He is also an audiophile and avid record collector who loves sports and hates tomatoes.

Candace Winfield
Admissions Coordinator
Candace, a native Washingtonian, comes to Year Up with over 10 years of administrative experience with for profit and nonprofit organizations. Candace first joined Year Up as a student in 2007. Recognizing the importance of further education and professional networks, she quickly realized the valuable impact of an organization like Year Up. After completing the Year Up program and working as a VISTA with her internship company, Candace joined our organization as a contract staff member, filling the role of Operations Coordinator. By 2010 Candace had joined Year Up full-time as a Learning Community Leader. She now serves as the Admissions Coordinator and enjoys her role helping students navigate through the admissions process. Candace has always had a passion for helping people and truly embraces the opportunity to be a part of the Year Up movement to close the Opportunity Divide.