Alumni Leadership Council

Meet your Alumni Leadership Council

The Alumni Leadership Council’s mission is to provide opportunities for alumni to connect and further their leadership and service in their communities. The Council also keeps the Foundation connected to the wider community of scholarship alumni and informs the strategy related to alumni and scholar engagement. Alumni contribute to the mission of the Foundation with “deeds, not dollars.”

Photos and bios for the 2026-2027 Alumni Leadership Council are coming soon!

Alumni Leadership Council Chair

Shauna Harper Stevens

Ford Scholar

Class of 2007
Chair, 2026-2027

As a first-generation college graduate working in higher education, I strive to help students achieve their goals by helping them find ways to fund their futures. I hope to continue to grow our community service initiatives and would love to see alumni community service events spread around the state.

Shania Siron

Ford Scholar

Class of 2013
Chair-Elect, 2026-2027

Giselle Naranjo

Ford Scholar

Class of 2013
Outgoing Chair, 2026-2027

I’ve served as an alumni ambassador since 2020, a scholarship reviewer since 2024, and ALC chair-elect in 2023. As outgoing chair of the Alumni Leadership Council, my vision is to engage our alumni with our incredible network of resources and lead the implementation of an Alumni Leadership Conference in 2026.

Community Service Committee members

Rivka Butler

Ford Scholar

Class of 2011
Committee Chair

Mark Irsfeld

Ford ReStart Scholar

Class of 2015

I hope to use my time on the ALC to help with community service initiatives and to help Scholars and alumni across the state and country with finding resources both to help themselves and to give back to their communities.

Isaac Ison

Ford Scholar

Class of 2020

Janae Scruggs

Ford Scholar

Class of 1999

Professional Development Committee members

Lela Deherrera

Ford Restart

Class of 2020
Committee Chair

I worked as an IT Support Specialist for The Ford Family Foundation from 2018-2021, an experience that not only deepened my technical expertise but also inspired me to complete my undergraduate education. Having earned my bachelor’s degree, I am dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community among alumni.

Christian Ochoa

Ford Scholar

Class of 2011

I believe in the transformative power of knowledge and mentorship, and I am committed to giving back to the next generation.

I hope to inspire students to pursue their dreams and navigate their own paths to success, creating a ripple effect of positive change in our communities.

Toni Wallisa

Ford Scholar

Class of 2008

I want to use my role as an ALC member to connect with people, find ways for Scholars to communicate about matters that are important to them, and continue to grow personally and professionally.

Casey Baker

Ford ReStart Scholar

Class of 2014

Lackis Charles

Ford ReStart Scholar

Class of 2019

Online Engagement Committee members

Jenny Kalez

Ford Scholar

Class of 2000
Committee Chair

As first-generation college student, my scholarship expanded my horizons and my options. More than two decades later, I know that too many barriers remain for young people as they move into adulthood. I’m committed to offering whatever support and guidance I can to help them forge ahead on their paths.

Leonor Alvarez-Morquecho

Ford Scholar

Class of 2017

As a first-generation student who was raised in a large, single-parent household, I know how powerful belief and support can be when the path feels uncertain. Through the ALC, I want to help create a culture where every Ford Scholar knows they are seen, supported, and capable of achieving more than they imagined.

Warren Gunn

Ford ReStart Scholar

Class of 2019