Last week, GEAR UP Directors from across the country gathered in Miami for the 2025 Directors’ Summit—an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and address some of the toughest challenges facing GEAR UP programs. This event focused on problem-solving, leadership development, and strengthening the network of Directors driving change in their communities.

Through guided discussions led by our session facilitators (listed below) and structured networking, attendees explored key topics such as student motivation, academic readiness, workforce alignment, and family leadership. These conversations examined root causes and real solutions that can create lasting impact.

Aligning Goals to Workforce

Julie Johnson – MiraCosta College-Oceanside Unified School District
Andrew Bramson – Onward We Learn
Robert E. Dais – GEAR UP Massachusetts
Erika McMahan – GEAR UP Arkansas

Academic Readiness

Dominica Scibetta – CSU Long Beach GEAR UP
Jacque Deahl – GEAR UP Idaho
Logan Minshew – Texas GEAR UP

Family Leadership

Annette Scogin – GEAR UP Achieve State Grant, Auburn University
Duane Gregg – GEAR UP Tennessee
Sylvia Vargas – Region One ESC
Michael Lane – Winston-Salem State University GEAR UP

Balancing Centralization

Nicole Saenz – Region One GEAR UP: College Ready, Career Set!
Corinne Smith – Appalachian GEAR UP
Kristin Hubert – VSAC
Kim Welch – GEAR UP Kentucky

Student Motivation

Yvonne Culver – Aim High Akron GEAR UP
Corinne Smith – Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP
Lisa Gonzalez – Miami GEAR UP
Christian Callihan – GEAR UP Promise Zone
Lindsay Williams – K20 Center

The event also fostered a sense of community, with attendees sharing words of wisdom and reflection. As a gesture of gratitude, Sheron Leihuanani Bissen from GEAR UP Maui performed an inspirational song—a tribute to the resilience and dedication of those working tirelessly to support students and families.

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