College Access Plan Announces New Leadership and Board Members

College Access Plan (CAP), a nonprofit providing free college readiness services in the Pasadena and Hacienda La Puente school districts, has appointed new leadership and Board members.

Dominick Correy, a long-time Board member and Pasadena Unified Schools graduate, has been elected as the new Board Chair. Correy, currently the Director of Community Relations for the Rose Bowl Stadium and former District Representative for California State Senator Anthony Portantino, is also the parent of a Pasadena High School class of 2024 graduate.

“As a CAP parent with a student in the I Heart College alumni program, I’ve experienced firsthand CAP’s ability to demystify the college application and financial aid process, and I’m excited to usher CAP into this next phase of growth and collaboration,” Correy said.

Laura Zachar, the immediate past Board chair who led CAP through the pandemic and expansion into Hacienda La Puente School District, will continue as vice chair. Mo Hyman, CAP’s co-founder and executive director, praised Zachar’s leadership during these challenging times.

Michael Ocon, a Pasadena High School graduate and five-year alumni chair and Board member, assumes the role of secretary. Ocon holds degrees from Stanford University and USC, currently manages community partnerships for Collaborate PASadena, and is an appointee of the Pasadena Community Access Corporation Board.

Lawton Gray, Ph.D., principal of John Muir Early College Magnet, joins the Board. Under his leadership, the school has grown into a thriving launchpad for students to begin their college journey in 9th grade.

“CAP’s support of PUSD students and families is crucial, not only for first-generation students, but for all students and families navigating the ever-changing college entrance and matriculation landscape,” Gray said.

Nancy Stiles, a former educator and experienced nonprofit leader, joins CAP as Director of Strategic Initiatives. Stiles will focus on fiscal sustainability planning. “It is truly a joy to join this amazing team that works so hard to ensure students and families have access to opportunities they need to thrive,” Stiles said.

Cynthia Contreras, who joined CAP’s high school team as a program coordinator in 2020, becomes Manager of Partnerships and College Champions. In 2023, she piloted the College Champions program, which empowers first-generation seniors to mentor peers at Pasadena and John Muir high schools.

“We are excited to welcome our new Board members and leadership staff,” Hyman said. “Everyone brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will guide CAP into the next phase of our strategic development and growth.”

Founded in 2006, College Access Plan partners with school districts and local agencies to provide college readiness advisement. The nonprofit offers topic-specific courses for high school and middle school students, families, and to graduates that attend college.