NO HERO RISES ALONE.
From the Co-Founders
WhatWe’reBuildingTogether
WhenCarolinaYouthCoalitionbegan,theworkwassimpleinitsambitionand complexinitsexecution:findstudentswhosepotentialwasclear,butwhoseaccess wasnot andwalkalongsidethemeverystepofthewaytoandthroughcollege
Sincethen,somethingremarkablehashappened Whatstartedasasmallcohorthasgrownintoalarge,vibrantcommunity,aliving andexpandingnetworkofstudents,families,mentors,partners,andbelievers.A communitywhereyoungpeoplearesurroundedbybelief,structure,and opportunity
Thisyear,wegavethatideaaname:UniverCity.
UniverCityisnotaplaceonamap.Itisourcitywithinthecity,builtonresilience, collectivecare,andtheconvictionthattalentdeservespathwaystoflourish.
UniverCityisCYC’secosysteminwhichFellows,alumni,mentors,partners, andsupportersformasingle,connectedpathwaytoopportunity.Itprovidesthe supportfirst-generationstudentsneedtogettocollege,exceloncetheyarrive,and leavereadytopursuetheircareerandlifegoals.
ThispastyearmarkedaturningpointinUniverCity
WiththeopeningofournewSouthwestcampusatCPISecurityheadquarters,the largestseniorclassinourhistory,andcontinuedgrowthacrossallthreeprograms, CYCmovedfrommomentumintoscale.Thesemilestonesbringusclosertoagoal thatoncefeltaspirationalandnowfeelsinevitable:serving500TorchFellows annuallyby2028.
Thatnumbermattersbecauseitrepresentsliveschanged OurFellowscarry extraordinaryresilienceastheynavigatenewandunfamiliarenvironmentsand experiences.Weexisttoequipandpreparethemforwhatevertheymayface.
Weareproudthatourgrowthhasstayedpersonal.InUniverCity,relationshipsare thefoundation,andexpansiononlymattersifitstrengthensthevillagearound eachFellow
Noneofthishappensalone Volunteersshowup Donorsinvest Partnersopen doors.Staffexecute.Fellowsrise.
Withyoursupport,UniverCitywillkeepgrowing,andtheflamewe’velittogether willkeepburningbright,lightingthepathtoandthroughcollegeforFellowseach year
Thankyouforcarryingthetorchwithus,
KathrynSchanenKissam Co-Founder&Chairwoman
AaronRandolph Co-Founder&ExecutiveDirector
MISSION
EVERY DREAM NEEDS A TEAM
Carolina Youth Coalition is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that nurtures and propels highachieving, underresourced students to and through college.
PURPOSE
To transform the life trajectory of CYC Fellows by helping them fulfill their promise through college and beyond.
Torch Fellows annually by 2028
COREVALUES
HISTORY
GROWTH
Be a work-inprogress.
OPENNESS Value different.
COMMUNITY Take care and one a EXCELL Invest i absolute EMPOWE Choos be pow
Founded in February 2018 through a generous donation from the Albemarle Foundation, CYC emerged in Charlotte, NC after a community
Following the successful completion of its $10M Flourishing Fund Campaign in 2024, CYC aims to triple its high school impact by 2028.
CYC’s mission and model are inspired by the highly successful Baton Rouge Youth Coalition (BRYC) in Baton Rouge, LA.
IN MOTION
I I WHERE BUILDING MET MOMENTUM
f this year proved anything, it is that futures are built in moments that look ordinary from the outside A workshop that becomes
a breakthrough. A mentor match that becomes a lifeline. A partner visit that turns into a new pathway Across 2024–2025, CYC’s community showed up again and again, and UniverCity grew in the places that matter most: relationships, opportunity, and belief.
From new partnerships and volunteer experiences to a major campus expansion, this was a year of building Not just new space, but more access. Not just more programming, but more consistency. Not just more milestones, but more Fellows who can see the road ahead clearly, and walk it with support
Use the blocks to the right as your guide to the year with some of the moments that made memories.
Our inaugural Future Fellows summer program welcomed newly admitted 9th graders into a threeweek immersive program blending academic enrichment with career exploration, preparing them for a strong start to their high school journey
CYC’s 2nd annual Community Cup brought Torch Fellows, staff, mentors, and volunteers together for a day of friendly competition and connection From obstacle courses to relay races, the event strengthened relationships, celebrated teamwork, and affirmed that belonging and joy are central to UniverCity.
Fellows traveled to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center through the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy, a week of immersive leadership and STEM exposure, including multi-axis simulations, coding challenge, and learning from astronaut Robert “Hoot” Gibson
Week after week, Fellows showed up for Core Programs –ACT prep, writing workshops, college planning sessions, and tutoring. In classrooms and small groups, progress was built through consistency –proof that persistence, support, and daily effort are what turn preparation into opportunity.
Senior Fellow Kali Adhanom was named this year’s Jordan Wings Scholarship recipient, earning a full-ride scholarship to pursue higher education ands marking a milestone moment in CYC’s longstanding partnership with Jordan Wings
Our newest group of volunteers, Small Group Mentors, helped our 9th and 10th grade Fellows develop soft skills, selfawareness, and a sense of belonging.
Right: Caleb Joel became the 12th CYC Fellow to earn a QuestBridge National Match Scholarship, receiving a full ride to Stanford University
Sophomores Crystal and Elsabet present their innovative idea for sustainability improvements to Bank of America stadium for the Honeywell FutureShaper Innovation Challenge
Left:
Above: NFL legend Luke Kuechly joins CYC and CPI Security to celebrate the opening of the new Southwest Campus.
HOUR
Impact Since 2018
$99M $99M
FELLOWS ON CAMPUS
IN FALL 2025, CYC FELLOWS WERE ATTENDING OR HAD GRADUATED FROM 60 INSTITUTIONS IN 22 STATES:
APPALACHIAN STATE ^
BEREA COLLEGE ^
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIV.
BROWN UNIVERSITY ^
CENTRAL PIEDMONT CC ^
COLBY COLLEGE
COLGATE UNIVERSITY
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
DAVIDSON COLLEGE
DREXEL UNIVERSITY
DUKE UNIVERSITY
EAST CAROLINA UNIV.
EASTERN CONN ST ^
ELON UNIVERSITY
EMORY UNIVERSITY
FAYETTEVILLE ST. UNIV.
RICE UNIVERSITY
ROANOKE COLLEGE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
SPELMAN COLLEGE
UNC ASHEVILLE
UNC CHAPEL HILL ^
UNC CHARLOTTE ^
UNC GREENSBORO ^
UNC WILMINGTON ^
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ^
UNIVERSITY OF NW OHIO
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
$37M+ WILL BE REDEEMED IN SCHOLARSHIPS EARNED
FURMAN UNIVERSITY ^
GEORGETOWN UNIV ^
GEORGIA TECH ^
GRINNELL COLLEGE ^
GUILFORD COLLEGE
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
HOWARD UNIVERSITY ^
JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIV.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY^
MEREDITH COLLEGE
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
NC STATE UNIVERSITY ^
NORTH CAROLINA A&T ^
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA ^ UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CAL. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
VIRGINIA TECH
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY ^
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
WHEATON COLLEGE
WINGATE UNIVERSITY
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIV
WOFFORD COLLEGE ^
YALE UNIVERSITY
^COLLEGES THAT FELLOWS HAVE GRADUATED FROM SINCE 2018 640 640 TORCH FELLOWS 40 SERVED IN 2018
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL
QUEENS UNIVERSITY ^
RHODES COLLEGE ^
WELCOME TO WELCOME TO
UniverCity UniverCity
HOME TO THE HOME TO THE
FUTURE FELLOWS TORCH FELLOWS COLLEGE FELLOWS ONE JOURNEY. THREE PROGRAMS.
The Future Fellows Program is a multi-week summer experience designed for incoming 9th graders who want to begin high school with confidence, curiosity, and connection Fellows explore a variety of career paths, prepare for high school academics, and begin forming bonds that carry forward into the school year
Core activities & support include:
Summer programming before 9th grade begins
Math and English skill-building and enrichment
Exposure to college and career possibilities
Team-building and leadership development
The Future Fellows Program is where students enter UniverCity They are welcomed, prepared, and ready to grow
WHATTOEXPECT
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a frequent visitor, here’s what to know before you plan to arrive:
The Torch Fellows Program is a multiyear after-school program for 9th–12th grade students that prepares Fellows to identify, apply to, and pay for their best-fit colleges Fellows build academic readiness, leadership skills, and confidence as they move toward graduation
Core activities & resources include:
ACT preparation, writing coaching, and academic tutoring
Personalized college application guidance
In-state and out-of-state college tours
Exclusive scholarship opportunities
Career exploration and leadership development
College transition support
The Torch Fellows Program, the main hub of UniverCity, combines the resources, relationships, and exposure needed to both reach college to thrive.
1 Who UniverCity is for. Fellows are typically first-generation college students and/or come from families with incomes under $60,000
2 There is no cost to participate in UniverCity. In return, Fellows are asked to show up, stay engaged, and take ownership of their growth.
The College Success Program provides continued, individualized support to ensure College Fellows persist in college, graduate on time, and transition into careers or graduate programs
Core activities & resources include:
1:1 personalized coaching and regular check-ins
Emergency and impromptu financial assistance
Career coaching and professional development opportunities
Connections to internships, employers, and partner organizations
Community-building events and peer connections
Continued encouragement through key milestones and transitions
The College Success Program is where UniverCity extends beyond campus, so Fellows don’t have to navigate college alone.
3 You won’t do this alone. Fellows are supported by peers, staff, and mentors who know their goals, listen closely, and stay invested over time
4 Access is built in Transportation is provided before and after school so getting to and from programs isn’t a barrier.
Support that stays with you.
Finding your fit.
A strong start to high school.
1 8 to make the most of your time in UniverCity... 4 5 6
THINGSTODO
1.Show up for weekly core programs to build momentum through ACT prep, writing workshops, and grade-level seminars that strengthen academics, college readiness, soft skills, and career awareness.
2.Get connected to the community by signing up for one of CYC’s affinity groups FLAME, SHINE, and SERVE which create space for leadership, belonging, and service within CYC, and by attending events like the Community Cup or Holiday Party.
3.Venture beyond UniverCity by visiting in-state and out-of-state colleges to experience campuses firsthand and expand what feels possible.
4.Explore potential careers early and often through Career Club and AlumNight experiences that connect you with workplaces like Atrium Health, Bank of America, McKenney’s, Microsoft, TIAA, and Wells Fargo.
5.Get personalized support with college applications and scholarships by working closely with your EmpowerMentor during senior year and completing your FAFSA with guidance from CYC staff to maximize your potential for grants.
6.Make your college decision and celebrate the milestone alongside your peers, family, and the CYC community at CYC’s annual College Signing Day and red carpet-laced Torch Awards.
7.Attend College Send-Off to be equipped with dorm essentials, networking opportunities, professional headshots, and a campus-ready celebration with plenty of food and fun
8 Stay connected as a College Fellow as you transition to and through college for ongoing encouragement, navigation support, and career advising
ANOTHER DOOR OPENS
The launch of CYC’s Southwest Campus at CPI Security marks a new chapter in expanding opportunity and access for Fellows
In September 2024, Carolina Youth Coalition opened its second campus in partnership with CPI Security, expanding access to college preparation and persistence support for Charlotte youth in the Steele Creek and surrounding areas.
The campus launched with a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought CYC champions and supporters together to mark this milestone and celebrate what’s possible when a community invests together
CPI Security’s donation of meeting and program space on its campus for CYC’s new location, coupled with the volunteer efforts of its employees, underscores a shared commitment to creating pathways to success for CYC Fellows CYC plans to grow to serve 500 local high school students annually, including at least 150 at the new southwest campus by 2028
“We are so excited to partner with CYC, a results-driven organization with a proven track record in our community,” stated Ken Gill, CEO and Founder of CPI Security.
CPI Security CEO and Founder Ken Gill, his wife, Malinda Gill, and CYC Co-Founders Kathryn Kissam and Aaron Randolph cut the ribbon to open the new campus.
CYC’s Board of Directors is all smiles after the organization’s latest milestone.
CYC alumni Ngoc Le ’23 and Praises Amponsah ‘24 welcome the community to the festivities.
Rewriting the Problem
BuildingConfidenceinSTEM, OneBreakthroughataTime
Q&AwithMariahAlexander, AssociateDirectorofSTEM
WhydoesaccesstostrongSTEMinstructionand exposuremattersomuchforFellowsatCYC?
AccesstostrongSTEMinstructionandexposureiscritical atCYC,asmanyofourFellowsarecapableofexcellingin STEMwellbeforetheyhavetheopportunitytoproveit. Toooften,Fellowsarrivehavingbeentrackedoutof advancedcoursework,under-challenged,ortaughtto believethatSTEMisonlyforaselectfew.
Withoutintentionalexposure,theymayneversee themselvesascandidatesforadvancedclasses,STEM majors,ortechnicalcareers.Stronginstructiondoesn’t justbuildskills.IthelpsFellowsrecognizetheirpotential, seekmorerigorousopportunities,andnavigateacademic spaceswithconfidenceratherthanhesitation.
WhenaFellowbelievesthey“aren’tgoodatmathor science,”what’sthefirstshiftyoutry tocreate?
Istartbyreframingmathandscienceaslearnableskills, notinnatetalents ItellFellows,“Ifyoucanadd,youcan docalculus ”STEMisn’tmagic it’sbuiltfromsimple ideasstackedtogether Struggleusuallysignalsamissing step,notalackofability
WhatmomentinyourownlifemadeSTEMfeelpossible foryou?
I’vealwayslikedSTEM,butin10thgrade,Ihadmyfirst realmomentofclarityaboutmyability.MymominsistedI takeHonorsPrecalculus,APComputerScience,and HonorsChemistryallatonce.Iwasn’thappyaboutit.But whenIfinishedtheyearwithanAinallthree,Isawmyself differently.
Ihopetheyfeel encouragedtobe curiousthemselves, toaskquestions withoutshame,and toseeintellectual curiosityasa strengthratherthan somethingtohide.
FavoriteCYCCore Value:Growth
Growth,becauseitcenters progressoverperfection.Iseeit whenFellowsgainconfidence,ask betterquestions,andbeginto trusttheirabilitytolearn challengingmaterial.Growth remindsmethatsuccessisbuilt overtime,andmyroleistohelp Fellowsmoveforwardfromwhere theyare,notwheretheythink theyshouldbe.
TORCH AWARDS TORCH AWARDS 2025 2025
Each May, the Torch Awards bring together Fellows, families, volunteers, and supporters for a night that celebrates both achievement and the community behind it This year, we honored the “Super 7” Class of 2025, and we recognized the mentors, scholarship partners, donors, and leaders who helped keep our flame lit. From the senior toast to the red carpet, the evening reflected a simple truth. When a young person rises, it is never alone.
The Torch Awards are more than a ceremony. They are a snapshot of what UniverCity is built to do – create spaces where talent is seen, effort is celebrated, and the next step feels possible. Below are a few of the moments, honors, and partners who helped make the night unforgettable.
Executive Director Aaron Randolph finishes the red carpet walk with a salute to all of the heroes in attendance.
Each year’s Torch Awards is kicked off with a toast to the senior class before Fellows hit the red carpet (below)
MARAND BUILDERS CYC’s newest scholarship partners, provided last dollar scholarships to close Fellows’ financial gaps
THE WINTON FAMILY
CYC’s Highest Honor
RONIE JEAN
EastMecklenburg‘25|HowardUniversity‘29
RoniejoinedCYCinSpring2023,duringthesecondsemester ofhersophomoreyearatEastMecklenburgHighSchool,and quicklyfoundmorethanacademicsupport.Through mentorship,ACTpreparation,andastrongsenseof community,CYCbecameaplacewhereRoniefeltsupported, appreciated,andconfidentinherself.Theencouragementshe receivedhelpedhergrownotonlyasastudentbutasaleader whotrustedhervoiceandbelievedinherabilitytosucceed.
Thatgrowth,pairedwithsteadydetermination,showedupin everyareaofherlife.Whilestillinhighschool,Roniebalanced heracademicswithmultiplejobs,includingservingasa SupervisoratBigAirTrampolineParkandaYouthActivities CounseloratCharlotteCountryClub.Shehascarriedthatsame disciplineandprofessionalismintocollegeandnowworksat WashingtonGolfandCountryClub,continuingtobuildher leadershipandindependencealongsideherstudies
“IhopemyjourneyshowsotherFellowsthatperseveranceand positivitycanhelpyouovercomechallengesandkeepmovingforward.”
NowafreshmanatHowardUniversitymajoringinMarketing, Ronieispursuinghergoalofbecomingafashionmarketer,using herboldandcreativestyletoblendstorytellingandstrategy.
BeingrecognizedasaTorchAwardwinneraffirmedtheenergy andintentionRoniebringstoeverythingshedoes.Shecredits herCYCmentor,GenettaVinson(picturedright),ahighschool counselor,forencouragementthroughoutherjourney,keeping hermotivated,remindingherofhergoals,andshowingupwhen itmatteredmost.
Ronie’sjourneyembodiesthespiritoftheTorchAwardthrough consistenteffort,quietconfidence,andawillingnesstokeep growingwhileliftingothersalongtheway.
2025 TORCH AWARD WINNERS
CYC’s Highest Honor
CHRIS ROMERO
CatoMiddleCollege‘25|DartmouthUniversity‘29
ChrisjoinedCYCinSpring2022,duringhis sophomoreyearatCatoMiddleCollegeHighSchool,at atimewhenhewasbeginningtoseehispotentialtake shape.Throughhisparticipation,CYCbecameaspace whereChriscouldsharpenhisfocus,buildconfidence inhisgoals,andbechallengedtogrowacademically andpersonally.
Atschool,Christranslatedthatgrowthintoleadership andservice.HebecameactivelyinvolvedinMotivated Men’sMovement,acluboriginallyfoundedbyaCYC Fellowyearsbefore,wherehehelpedfostercommunity, accountability,andacademicsupportamonghismale peers.Chrisalsoservedinstudentgovernmentand consistentlysoughtopportunitiestomakehisschoola moreinclusiveandengagingenvironment,believing stronglyinthepowerofpeerleadership
“IhopetoshowotherFellowsthatifyoustaygrounded,putinthe work,andbelieveinyourself,bigthingscanhappen.”
AnaspiringComputerSciencemajor,Chris approacheshisgoalswithintentionanddiscipline, pursuinghands-onexperiencesandinternshipsthat fusetechnologywithreal-worldimpact.
BeingrecognizedasaTorchAwardwinneraffirmed Chris’sbeliefinsteadygrowthandself-improvement. HecreditshisCYCmentor,StevieYoung(right),for helpinghimthinkcriticallyabouthisfutureandsee challengesasopportunitiestogrow.
Chris’sjourneyembodiesthespiritoftheTorchAward throughresilience,humility,andacommitmentto becomingbetterthanhewasthedaybefore.
AT
FELLOWS WORK
Turning Degrees into Careers
College is not the finish line. Through CYC’s College Success Program, Fellows receive continued support as they navigate internships and early career decisions after graduation. From career coaching and interview preparation to employer connections, CYC helps Fellows move from classrooms into workplaces and into communities with confidence.
Zadok’s journey reflects what becomes possible when preparation meets opportunity After receiving the Marand Builders STEM Scholarship, Zadok attended the Marand Builders Clay Shoot Fundraiser and stepped out of his comfort zone to give a speech at the event. Following the event, PDM US invited Zadok to their offices to meet with the CEO and Chief Engineer, and they offered him an internship while he finished his senior year. Upon graduation, Zadok transitioned into a full-time role as a Junior AI / Automation Technician.
Ce’vion Barber ‘24 continues to build momentum after graduating from UNC Charlotte with a degree in Computer Science. Now an Associate DevOps Engineer at Spectrum, Ce’vion applies technical skills and problem-solving experience gained through his academic work and professional preparation.
Astou Nkouyate ‘27, a student at Yale University and former QuestBridge College Match recipient, brought her academic excellence into the professional world as a Strategy Intern at Capital One. During her internship, Astou collaborated with peers and senior leaders to gains hands-on experience in technology and financial services.
Jose Santos Ortiz ’24, a proud Berea College graduate, brought his commitment to service and leadership into the classroom as a Special Education Teacher with Teach For America in the Chicago region. In his role, Jose supports students with diverse learning needs while building inclusive learning environments and expanding access to educational opportunity.
Ngoc Le ’23, a UNC Chapel Hill alumna and former Goodwin Meissner Alumni Fellow at CYC, is continuing her academic journey after earning acceptance to UNC’s Adams School of Dentistry. Le is one of many alumni who are also pursuing graduate studies to launch their careers.
Zadok Adua UNC Charlotte ‘25 PDM US
THE DREAM TEAM
InUniverCity,progressispoweredbypeople. Wearegratefulforeachofourincredible volunteersandmentorswhoaddessentialfuel toourfireandhelpusforgeabrighterfuture, oneFellowatatime.
CAPSMENTORS
MatthewArthur
StacyBaker
BelamyCounou
JanaeDorsey
EvanFernandes
TalayerFloyd
ShawanFox
PuspanjaliGurung*
DeJanaeHayes
AlexanderJoyner
PeteKeane
EvoniMartin
WillReid
TaikaraSaunders
CharlesSmith
DavidWilliams
EMPOWERMENTORS
PavanAdusumilli
BrielleBaehser
NicoleBarlow
JoannaBeck
AliceBragg
ReginaldBrown
MeganBuckley
VigneshChandrasekaran
ChristieChaffee
CaylaDammann
MaxFontaine
BrettFuller
TreasaGelinas
LisaGilleland
KathyGriswoldFine
SusanHall
GraceHaruta
CraigHodges
SamoneHooper
AdamHunt
LaKishaHurt
CamilleJackson
JarrettJacumin
AbbyJones
AshleyJones
TyranJones
LindaKroha
ArulmaniKulanthaivelu
SavnnahLansing
ShakiaraLeggett
MeaghanLoftus
AprilMcDonald
DwainMiller
AtiaMoore
ColinNash
JohnPierre
AngelPringle
CynthiaRandolph
LizzyRandolph
JacoleRankin
ShariSchwarzwald
DebraSmul
PeterSmul
CrystalStroupe
YolandaThorne
JamieTiano
GenettaVinson
HazelWhyte*
StevieYoung
EXCELLENCE
COACHES
SegunAkinyemi
AmyAndrews
JohnBoniberger
KristenChung
LaniGholston
JanayGraham
NicollaMartin
KatieMorris
LeahRapley
ClaireSchuch
JohnStatsick
GROUPMENTORS
HaleyBoram
TonjaBrown
EricCunningham
CesarDePazDias
TakeaGarraway
SarahGellert
DenijahHooker
TaylorAustinJohnson
TahanaKidd
ErinObrien
AliciaParson
DaniellePowers
AishaRoberts
CourtneyRoberts
JacobScales
MaryStrickland
YOUNG
PROFESSIONAL AUXILIARY BOARD
SegunAkinyemi
JohnM.Belk
IsaacBracey
Christopher Bowman
JonathanBryant
PatrickBu
Elizabeth
Mantreasa
JarrettJac
Alexander
Kneisel
Olufemi
Lamikanr
NadiraLo
AustinLo
AshleyMa
DwightMiller
RandellNairn
TimPalmer
JamelRoberts
JamieTiano
MeaganWilson
*CYCAlumni
CYC’sYPBoardhostedtheirinaugural PaddlesforaPurposePickleball Tournament,raising$18,000for CYC’sCollegeSuccessProgram!
CAPSScholarshipMentorsand EmpowerMentorsservedascritical1:1 guidesforseniorFellowsthroughout thecollegeapplicatonprocess.
UniverCity is not where the story ends. It’s where it begins to show up in the world. Thank you for being part of what comes next.
MAKING POTENTIAL POSSIBLE
Thankyoutothedonorswho helpturnbeliefintoopportunity.
$1,000,000+
AlbemarleFoundation
$500,000–$999,999
FidelityFoundation*
$300,000–$499,999
MicheleandRossAnnable
MaryandMikeLamach
$100,000–$299,999
BankofAmericaFoundation
MargotandCharlieBrinley
C.D.SpanglerFoundation
CityofCharlotte
EquitableFoundation
HoneywellInternational
KathrynandLukeKissam
TheDicksonFoundation
TheLeonLevineFoundation
TruistFoundation
WellsFargoChampionship
$50,000–$99,999
JeannetteandFranciscoAlvarado
JordanandWalkerCollier
CPISecurity
ElizabethandMattMagan
MarandBuilders
DanyandChipNisbet
JaneandCarlShowalter
AndreaandSeanSmith
TIAA
WellsFargoFoundation
$25,000–$49,999
BarbaraandBillChristensen
BetsyFlemingandEdWeisiger
DukeEnergyFoundation
GoodwinMeissner
FamilyFoundation
KatieandWalkerMorris
KellyandDariusAdamczyk
KimandJohnnyBelk LongleafFund
LynnandNethaJohnson MecklenburgCounty
SerenaandKiethCockrell
SusanandBobCalton
$10,000–$24,999
WilliamAckerman
AlphaandOmegaFoundation
NatalieandWillAlston
KathrynandDarrenAsh
Katie-RoseandDavisAustin ZanandHeathByrd
CharlesandMelanie WintonFoundation
CharlotteYoungProf.Group
LashondaFuselierand TerranceCotton
KathyandTomEwing
FalfurriasCapitalPartners
JaneandGaryGreen
JimandPeggyHynes
EstateofJimHynes
JordanBrand
PeteKeane
JaneandHughMcColl
MerancasFoundation
UlrikeandAlexMiles
Moore&VanAllenPLLC
ClaireandPeterPappas
Shelco
StephanieandGaryStarr
SteelFab
TenOaksPhilanthropicFund
MollyShawandDavidWebb BuffyandTimYork
$5,000–$9,999
SegunAkinyemi
AllyFinancialFoundation
NicoleandRichardArendale
MichaelClaffey,Jr.
BrighthouseFinancial
TedGarner
ShariandDavidGrams
RachelandJustinHannon
VirginiaHoward
JulieandHowardLevine
LeslieandMichaelMarsicano
MarianNisbet
ChristinaandDeeO'Dell
ElaineandJoePeterson
JenniferandSeanReilly
AnnandWellfordTabor
TheCynthiaandGeorge MitchellFoundation
BonikaandDontáWilson
$1,000–$4,999
JoniAdams
KarenandKendallAlley
RebekahandMacKenzieAlpert
MelissaandSteveAnderson
VandeverBatten
SarahandTimBelk
KathrynBlack
BetsyandBillBlue
HeatherandBenBraun
MarthaandJohnBurtis
JoyHordCook
CorebridgeFinancial
LindaandDanCottingham
JulieandTomEiselt
MinnaandMikeElliott
FirstNationalBank
LoriandGregSchermbeck
NatashaandTomScrivener DeniseShanahan RobbieShaw ToriSheets
PaulSilvio
PortiaStempora
JeanneandSkipTappy
JordanBrand
FINANCIALS
This year’s financials reflect strong belief in CYC’s mission and Fellows We are grateful for the generous donors who enabled us to put more Fellows on track to college success than ever before. We remain committed to fiscal prudence as we look forward to continued growth and deepening our impact.
$3,188,445
REVENUE* EXPENSES
$2,441,358
For every $1 invested in CYC programs since 2018, Fellows have earned $5 in scholarships and grants.
CYC Board and Staff
CYC’sworkismadepossiblebyaboardandstaffdeeplyinvestedinthesuccessofeveryFellow. Together,theyprovidetheleadershipandexecutionthatpowerourworkacrossUniverCity.
KATHRYN KISSAM Co-Founder & Chairwoman
DANY NISBET Vice Chair
KATIE-ROSE AUSTIN Treasurer
STEVE BOLAND JR. Secretary
NATALIE ALSTON Board Member
MELISSA ANDERSON Board Member
LASHONDA FUSELIER Board Member
DAN KAHN Board Member
MOLLY SHAW Board Member
BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF
AARON RANDOLPH
Co-Founder & Executive Director
TARA HAMMONS Deputy Director
LASHAWN ROBERTSON Managing Director of College Access
MARIA DIAZ Director of Persistence and Evaluation
PAULETTE PURNELL Director of Development
LINDSEY GRAVES Director of College Access and Community Programs
JADORA ROSS Director of Culture and Community Engagement
KATIE WEISMAN Director of Academic Success
JANAE AIKEN
Associate Director of College Access
MARIAH ALEXANDER
Associate Director of STEM
SHEKINAH CAMPBELL
Associate Director of College Access
MELANIE DOUGLAS
Associate Director of College Access
CATHERINE JIMENEZ Site Director, East Campus
TIM MYERS
Site Director, Southwest Campus
STEPHANIE SUAREZ Assoc Director of Persistence
REBECCA LEE
Administrative Assistant
NGOC LE
Goodwin Meissner Alumni Fellow
JAELA AGEE
Goodwin Meissner Alumni Fellow
HAZEL WHYTE
Goodwin Meissner Alumni Fellow
