Estefany earned her Master of Education degree with a concentration in College Student Affairs Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Before pursuing graduate studies, she completed her associate degree at Northwestern Michigan College and earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Grand Valley State University's Frederik Meijer Honors College.

Before joining the Battle Creek Scholars Program, Estefany supported underrepresented student populations through her work with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C., and TRIO Student Support Services. She is deeply committed to advancing equity in higher education by providing meaningful services, support, and opportunities that empower students from underserved backgrounds. Estefany is passionate about providing holistic support to Battle Creek students as they navigate their journey toward graduation from GVSU.

(616) 331-7621
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Charlotte Balkus earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with a focus on college student affairs leadership from GVSU, solidifying her status as a Laker for a Lifetime. She previously achieved her bachelor's degree in psychology with double minors in youth and society and human behavior and social services from Michigan State University.

Prior to joining the Battle Creek Scholars Program, Charlotte served as the Program Advisor in GVSU's TRIO Student Support Services (SSS Classic) Program. Being a fellow first-generation college student, she is deeply passionate about assisting first-generation/low-income college students in navigating their higher education journey and addressing their unique needs. Charlotte aspires to continue her career in higher education while advocating for increased educational access and fostering new opportunities for all.

(616) 331-7622
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Emma is passionately pursuing her Master of Education degree with an emphasis in Adult and Higher Education from Grand Valley State University.  Prior to pursuing her graduate degree, she received her bachelor's degree in Biological Science with a teaching certification in Biology and Integrated Science from Michigan State University as a member of the Urban Educators Cohort Program.

Prior to joining the Battle Creek Scholars Program, Emma served as an Admissions Recruiter at Grand Valley State University serving students in Southwest Michigan.  She also taught 9th grade Biology in Grand Rapids Public Schools. She aspires to connect students to post-secondary resources while ensuring equitable access to all students.

616-331-7637
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Ana is a dedicated graduate student in Grand Valley State University’s combined Master of Science in Occupational Science and post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program. A proud Laker, Ana is dedicated to utilizing her education to advocate for equity in healthcare and education, particularly for underserved populations.

Prior to serving as the graduate assistant for the Battle Creek Scholars Program she has worked as a recreational therapist supporting refugees and immigrant youth through culturally competent programming and community-based interventions. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ana leverages her bilingual abilities to build trust, foster inclusivity, and break down language barriers in supporting others. Working closely with diverse communities has inspired her passion for creating inclusive, client-centered occupational therapy practices. She aspires to become both a practicing occupational therapist and a professor, continuing her mission to expand access, representation, and opportunity in the field.

616-331-7625
[email protected]

Rachel is a passionate graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at Grand Valley State University. She is committed to creating more accessible and equitable spaces for individuals of all ability types—particularly in medical settings and the communities they live in. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Cultural/Global Studies from Central Michigan University. 

Before beginning her graduate studies, Rachel collaborated with professors and a local Indigenous tribe to develop research examining the cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples through the lack of educational standards in public schools. She also has extensive experience working with individuals with diverse abilities, specifically in educational settings. Working closely with these communities has deepened her passion for fostering inclusion, accessibility, and equity in all environments. Upon completion of her masters program, Rachel plans to pursue a career in policy social work, advocating for systemic change to improve how individuals and communities navigate evolving spaces.

616-331-7617
[email protected]