STAFF
Debbie Wells, Executive Director
MBA/ITM, BSCIS
Debbie is the Executive Director of AISS. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Chapman University. As Executive Director, Debbie organizes everything from the academic program to fundraising events. She is also a Career Beginnings mentor and also serves on the AISS Advisory Committee.
Jonathan Arellanes, Program Manager/Lead Instructor
BA
Program Management, Oversee Scholars' Performance and Development
Jonathan graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. He is planning to go back to receive his Master’s in Educational Leadership. Born and raised in the city of Santa Ana, and he graduated from Saddleback High School in 2015. His dream job is to become a principal within the Santa Unified School District.
Salvador Rojas, Program Student Advisor/Instructor
BA
Coaching, Mentoring, Instruction, Workshop & Activities for Scholars
Salvador graduated from The University of Redlands in 2008 with a BA in History. He developed leadership and problem-solving through Eagle Scout training, and communication and interpersonal skills through Disneyland customer service. By posing a Question of the Day prior to each class session, scholars say, “he helps us learn about each other outside of the program and think about events that shaped us into the people we are today.” A dual citizen of the United States and Chile, Salvador enjoys speaking Spanish and visiting his father’s homeland biennially.
Carmen Chavez, Marketing Associate
AAT
Program Support, Marketing, Social Media, Donor & Website Management
Carmen graduated from Century High School in '08. Continued to be the first in her family to graduate with an Associate degree in Communications at Orange Coast College. She Graduated with 8 different honor societies under her belt and transferred to Chapman University with Scholarships. Today she is studying to get her BA in Strategic Corporate Communications at Chapman University and a minor in Leadership. Her dream job is to work for either a college or Non-profit that helps students with resources to help them stay in school.