Meet the Team
Dr. Ana Aguayo-Bryant
Dr. Ana Aguayo-Bryant has worked in higher education for over 30 years. She has managed different student programs such as Dream Centers that support undocumented students, foster youth programs, services for students with disabilities, and other programs that support students in achieving their academic goals. She is dedicated to promoting a collaborative culture that supports underrepresented, first-generation, and disadvantaged students. She illegally entered the United States as a child, along with her parents and her older brother from Mexico. She is the first in her family to obtain a doctorate on both sides of the border. In her personal time, she launched the Alumni Alliance as a mentorship program for former foster youth, but it has evolved into more than just a mentorship program. She holds a doctorate degree in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne, a master's degree in public administration, and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach.
Craig Bryant
Craig Bryant was born and raised in Oklahoma and moved to California over 35 years ago. He and his wife have lived in Orange County, California, for 20 years. Craig has over 25 years of experience in the financial arena as a real estate and mortgage broker. Craig has always felt called to help clients in the financial arena. Craig aims to educate and advise his clients on ways to achieve their financial goals and provides personalized service to make home buying easy and stress-free. He specializes in creating custom and comprehensive insurance and financial strategies for his clients to help improve and safeguard their financial future and the financial future of those they care about. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from California State University, Long Beach. He holds a State of California Insurance and Mortgage license.
Jason Cooke
Jason has over 25 years of experience in financial planning and wealth management. He is the director of Edelman Financial Engines and the owner of Herrmann & Cooke Wealth Management, where he provides financial planning and investment management services to more than 300 clients, managing $500 million in assets.
In addition to his financial expertise, Jason has held various roles in nonprofit organizations and local government. He has served as a member of the Advisory Board for Today Youth Matter, participated in the Walnut Creek School District, and was the treasurer of the Citizen Bond Oversight Committee. Further, he was involved with the Lake Lakewood Association in the City of Walnut Creek, contributed to the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Fiscal Health, and served as president of the Tri-Valley Executives Association.
Jason holds a bachelor's degree in political science from California State University, Long Beach, and has earned the designation Certified Financial Planner.
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Junely Merwin
Junely Merwin is a passionate advocate for higher education and the rights of foster youth, drawing from her own experiences as a former foster youth. She was featured on FOX 11 News, where she shared her inspiring journey from foster care to earning a Master’s degree in Higher Education. In 2024, she served as her university's commencement speaker, emphasizing the importance of supporting disadvantaged individuals who aspire to pursue college degrees.
During her graduate studies, Junely represented the CSU Chancellor’s Office, advocating for improved resources and services for former foster youth across all 23 California State Universities (CSUs), thereby opening doors for foster youth statewide. As a devoted mother and leader, her commitment to the foster care community remains strong. Junely proudly serves on the board of the Alumni Alliance, where she champions initiatives that empower and uplift individuals with similar backgrounds.
Dr. Sara I. Gamez
Dr. Sara Gamez is an immigrant from Guatemala and a first-generation college graduate who has dedicated over 20 years to helping first-generation, low-income, and foster youth access higher education. Through her work, she empowers these students to graduate.
Dr. Gamez has held various roles in education, including high school and educational counselor, program coordinator, and director of foster youth support programs. Her primary research interests focus on the experiences of foster youth in college, and she has published works relevant to this population.
She has served as chair of the Southern California Higher Education Foster Youth Consortium (SCHEFYC) and co-chair of a NASPA knowledge community. Additionally, she co-founded Foster Scholars and serves on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Fund of San Bernardino County.
Dr. Gamez has received several awards, including the 2017 College Hero title and the Outstanding Professional Award from NASPA in 2021. In January 2023, she received a certificate of achievement for promoting equity and inclusivity on campus.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, a Master of Science in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Long Beach.