Building empowered futures

Mindy Wright

Mindy Wright is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Upward Project. She launched The Upward Project in January 2018 with a clear goal: to disrupt the wealth gap in Boston by providing students with the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive in competitive fields.

Before founding The Upward Project, Mindy served as the Founding Director of the Persistence Project at Boston Prep, where her work helped boost persistence rates for students navigating the transition from high school to college. She also led Boston Prep’s Graduate Support program and History Department, and began her career teaching middle school social studies at the Epiphany School in Dorchester, MA. She holds a master’s degree in education from Boston College and is a proud Colby College graduate.

As a first-generation, low-income college graduate herself, Mindy knows firsthand the challenges FGLI students face. That experience fuels her work every day, ensuring scholars are not just prepared for graduation, but positioned for long-term career success and economic mobility.

Jennifer Chan

Jennifer Chan (she/her) is an education leader whose work has spanned scaling a BIPOC teen workforce program in visual art and woodworking, building a capacity-building program for working Boston artists, and coaching college students in academic writing and competitive applications. This work, along with her own experiences navigating college and graduate school as a second gen student, drive her passion for creating tangible pathways that unveil the hidden curriculum of economic and educational mobility. She combines a strategic vision honed through an Ed.M. at the Harvard Graduate School of Education with ten years spent directly supporting youth in K-12, college, and informal learning spaces. She is an alumna of the Fulbright Program, AmeriCorps, and Carleton College.

“TUP aligns with my own mission of working toward a world where socio-economic status and family background don't predict student outcomes. I can’t wait to celebrate wins, regroup after challenges, and support young people fighting for their dream jobs and internships.”

Saira Carreto Romero

Saira Carreto Romero has been a dedicated college success advisor committed to supporting first-generation students through the challenges of higher education. She earned her B.A. in Spanish and Anthropology/Sociology from Centre College, where she was a Posse Scholar. As a Senior Success Advisor at Bottom Line, Saira provided coaching to a caseload of over 80 students, guiding them through academic, financial, and career milestones. As a first-generation college graduate herself, she brings both lived experience and deep empathy to her work, ensuring students feel seen, supported, and empowered to persist.

“I am beyond excited to work with students 1:1 and support them as they navigate their college years and early career development. I am looking forward to collaborating with such an amazing team as we work together to support our students and celebrate their wins!”

Aya Nakkachi

Aya Nakkachi supports The Upward Project’s scholars as they transition to college and begin early career planning, bringing a rich background in youth workforce development and mentorship.

As a proud Boston Public School alum, and graduate of Suffolk University with dual degrees in Political Science and Sociology, Aya has held roles at the City of Boston and Suffolk’s Center for Learning & Academic Success, where she focused on career development and academic coaching. Her professional and lived experiences have shaped her deep passion for guiding students through pivotal moments in their academic and professional journeys—helping them grow their skills and confidence every step of the way.

Outside of work, Aya enjoys taking walks by the beach, listening to music, and spending time with family, friends, and her cat.

Zach Shapiro

Zach Shapiro provides operational and strategic support to The Upward Project, helping strengthen systems and processes that keep programs running smoothly. He draws on his background in product management and entrepreneurship to support day-to-day operations, streamline workflows, and advise on long-term strategy. His focus is on making sure the team has the tools and structures needed to expand opportunities for students.