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.”

Alumni Leadership Council Chair

Giselle Naranjo

Ford Scholar

Class of 2013
Chair, 2024-2026

I’ve served as an alumni ambassador since 2020, a scholarship reviewer since 2024, and ALC chair-elect in 2023. As 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.

Shauna (Harper) Stevens

Ford Scholar

Class of 2007
Chair-Elect, 2025-2026

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.

Community Service Committee members

Danny O’Neil

Ford Scholar

Class of 2009

My hope is to empower alumni to continue two tenets of the Ford Family Foundation’s mission – community and leadership in their communities. I hope we can build a more involved alumni community amongst ourselves and help all to make a difference in their local communities.

Lisa Mathis

Ford Restart

Class of 2016

I am a first-generation college graduate and not a “traditional” college student. I wanted to show my 5 children that it is achievable and worth the hard work to get a master’s degree. I am passionate about helping those struggling with houselessness, mental health/ substance challenges, and other burdens.

Lupita Clemente

Ford Opportunity

Class of 2020

As a first-generation Latina university graduate who experienced firsthand the struggles of navigating cultural expectations, language barriers, academic challenges, financial challenges, discrimination, and the need for good role models, I feel a strong responsibility to use my voice and privilege to mentor future generations.

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.

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.

Crystal Cevallos

Ford Scholar

Class of 2009

My lived experiences as a first-generation Latina student deepened my commitment to elevate the value of diversity. My vision is to build resources for self-development and networking that are informed by our unique experiences as alumni, our differing seasons of life, and the varied stages of career tenure we represent.

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.

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.

Ruby Barrera

Ford Scholar

Class of 2018

I am a proud daughter of immigrants who planted roots in Eastern Oregon. Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have thoughtful, service-oriented, and kind leaders who empowered me. I hope to similarly empower future generations of young professionals and Scholars through mentorship, resource sharing, and community building.

Leonor Alvarez-Morque

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.