Champions of the College Application Journey: Meet Our College Specialists

LINK’s College Specialists play a vital role for our senior Scholars, helping guide them in every stage of the college application and decision-making process. During our recent College Specialist Meet & Greet at the October Saturday Academy, our seniors got creative by designing their own dream colleges—complete with names, mascots, and campus culture. This fun and reflective exercise helped them think critically about various fit factors—such as environment, values, and what experiences will matter the most—as they prepare for their next chapter.

Scholars also connected individually with their College Specialists. From discussing college fit to exploring where Scholars are in their application journey, these conversations set the tone for an exciting year ahead!

In case you missed it, let’s take a moment to meet our College Specialists.

 

Ellen Bakker

Ellen has been dedicated to college counseling for the past 10 years, with a career focused on expanding post-secondary access for underrepresented students. Her passion began while she was completing her master’s degree in school counseling, when she supported students applying for the QuestBridge Scholarship. Her values are rooted in her background: She comes from a family of teachers and farmers, and she was raised to believe that education is a pathway to opportunity and long-term change. Her father’s decision to pursue a college education, which led him into a career in computer science, showed her the power in education and how it can shape a family’s future. 

As a College Specialist, Ellen works closely with Scholars during a pivotal point in their educational journey. “I place students at the center, helping them build confidence, advocate for themselves, and see that they belong on any campus they dream of,” she said. Ellen is committed to empowering students to broaden their college options and purpose opportunities that reflect their strengths, ambitions, and sense of self.

 

Gena Browning

Gena has been involved in college counseling for two years, during which time she has gained valuable experience in guiding students through the college application and decision-making processes. Her work revolves around supporting Scholars during a transition period—helping them prepare for college by navigating personal growth as well as the necessary academic achievement.

As a College Specialist, Gena sees her role as one of empowerment. “I am committed to helping students develop a sense of purpose and self-awareness through encouraging them to reflect on where they are now and where they want to be,” she said. “I hope to inspire Scholars to explore opportunities that will prepare them for long-term success, both in college and beyond.” Gena sees a College Specialist as a knowledge provider as well as a consistent source of encouragement. She is committed to helping students feel seen, capable, and confident in their aspirations. Through her guidance, she aims for Scholars to trust themselves, be their own advocates, and step into the next stage of their lives with a sense of purpose and clarity.

 

Isis Owusu

Isis has been dedicated to guiding students on their college application journey for the last three years. Their work began as a near-peer college advisor with the College Advising Corps, where they found purpose in helping students turn dreams into reality. “What keeps me passionate is the hope students have for their own futures and the passions behind their dreams,” Isis shared. 

A moment that truly stuck out for Isis was assisting an undocumented student in Georgia in navigating restricted admission policies—and with Isis’s help, the student was able to gain admission to two private universities with full tuition scholarships!

 

Kyle Semper

Kyle has been involved in college counseling since 2022. He began his career with College Possible through an AmeriCorps Year of Service. There, he supported 40 seniors at Morgan Park High School through their college search and application process. He then continued his work in college access with the Schuler Scholars Program, where he had the opportunity to return to his high school alma mater, Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep, working with 19 sophomores to ensure that they remained on track to attend selective colleges.

Across these experiences, Kyle observed the opportunities available to students of color and the systemic barriers that can stand in the way. His desire to deliver the right resources, guidance, and willingness to break those barriers led him to LINK. “Beyond preparing students to earn strong grades and gain college admission, I believe the exposure, connection, and leadership opportunities at LINK are essential to helping Scholars become their best selves,” Kyle said. He also emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to navigate the resources available to them on college campuses. While guidance and support are important, students must know how to evaluate their own needs to determine whether a college environment is the all-around right fit.

 

Marilyn Williams

Marilyn brings extensive experience to LINK, having been involved in college counseling for over 15 years. Her decision to join LINK as a College Specialist was driven by her powerful philosophy about the role of education and guidance: She passionately believes that children are our future. “If I can provide resources and pour knowledge into students as well as help navigate a path for their future, I am excited to do that,” she said. 

Throughout her time of being a counselor, she has come to appreciate all the nuances associated with the college application journey. She thrives on the beginning and end of the process—recognizing that the beginning stages present the greatest difficulty, with students being the most fearful. The challenges give way to the ultimate success, however, and Marilyn finds the end of the process to be a celebration of all the work that was put into the journey. Despite the immense effort involved, Marilyn offers this simple yet impactful advice for high school students, “Let’s have fun!”

Many thanks to our amazing College Specialists! Here’s to dreaming big and finding the right college fit—one Scholar at a time!