Team Members
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Debbie Wells
Executive Director
Debbie Wells, Executive Director of the Achievement Institute for STEM Scholars (AISS), brings a powerful blend of corporate expertise and nonprofit leadership to her role...
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Karla Ramirez
Marketing Manager
Karla is also the Marketing Manager for AISS, where she hopes to use her business and industry experience to support the growth of the program and empower the next generation of STEM leaders.
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Jonathan Fuentes
Program Instructor
TBD
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Melodi Morgan
Marketing Intern
Melodi Morgan (she/her) is a class of 2021 AISS Alumni currently working towards her BA in Drama as a 4th year in the University of California Irvine! In the past 3 years she’s worked on various shows at UCI as a part of the cast and graphic design team.
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Paul Pooler
Assistant Director
Paul has lead curriculum design, STEM content development, and educator training across a wide range of learning environments.
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Christopher Nguyen
Program Manager
Passionate about education and uplifting young people, Christopher looks to support AISS scholars in achieving their goals in STEM and higher education.
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Omar Carino
Instructor (Adv. Mathematics)
Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Sport Management at the University of San Francisco, Omar brings both academic and athletic leadership to his work.
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Julissa Mendoza
Alumni Volunteer
Julissa Mendoza is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at California State University, Fullerton, with plans to concentrate in General Management.
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Lama Ziq
Fund Development, Director
Fluent in five languages, she passionate about connecting cultures and communities through education.
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Salvador Rojas
Lead Instructor
His leadership and problem-solving skills were shaped early on through his training as an Eagle Scout, while his strong communication and interpersonal abilities were honed during his time working in customer service...
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Nicole Pacheco
Marketing Intern & Advisor
Nicole is excited to apply her skills and enthusiasm to both her studies and her role in guiding fellow students.
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Liz Mendoza
Alumni Volunteer
Outside of AISS, she continues her passion for wellness and community by working as a Wellness Coordinator at the Hydration Room and as a dance instructor at CSULB.





