Executive Director
ANJULIE PONCE
Anjulie began with Leadership Forward in 2016 as a mentor to a student at Adamson High School. Profoundly impacted by the experience, Anjulie signed on as Executive Director of the Organization in 2018. “Through Leadership Forward, I saw what a ripple effect mentoring can have on the community around us. We can come together to make a difference and learn from each other. That is what makes this program so powerful.”
Anjulie graduated summa cum laude from Southern Methodist University in 2008 with her Bachelor of Science in Economics and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Spanish. In 2011, she graduated cum laude from Baylor Law School. Prior to becoming Executive Director, Anjulie practiced as a trial attorney in Dallas, advocating for those without a voice or the means of pursuing justice.
Anjulie lives in Oak Cliff, Dallas with her wonderful husband JJ and their bright-eyed toddler Amaya.
Program Manager
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'ANA HALE
'Ana joined the Leadership Forward team in 2021 as Program Manager. Although born and raised in Houston, her family roots are in Detroit, MI. Her experiences in both cities have shaped her to be immensely proud of who she is and truly appreciate how people from diverse backgrounds and cultures add to her life and the community as a whole.
'Ana graduated cum laude from Houston Baptist University, is working on her Masters of Social Work at the University of Texas-Arlington, and has worked in youth and family development since 2004. She believes that every student, family, and community already possesses the strengths and talents to be successful, and it is our role to come alongside our community to increase access to resources, obtain necessary information, and remove barriers. From both personal and professional experience, she knows mentorship is one of the most effective ways to help a student reach heights they may not have thought possible.
'Ana and her husband live in Fort Worth and have a blended family of five kids. She loves football (go Texans!) and her 90s/00s R&B playlist.
Program Coordinator
MAYRA VAZQUEZ
Mayra joined the team in early 2022 as Program Coordinator, where she supports overseeing the high school mentoring program. She is set on spending her life and career helping students reach their dreams and empowering people to be civically engaged through volunteerism and mentoring.
Mayra graduated from Cal State University, Sacramento with a B.A. in Humanities and a minor in Teacher Education. While in school, she spent her free time volunteering at local elementary schools, museums, and her local library. She also completed two years of service as an AmeriCorps Member through Reading Partners.
After graduating, Mayra worked at other education nonprofits and gained a wealth of experience and knowledge around mentorship and programming for youth. It is very important to her to be a part of an organization that puts students and their communities first. It is also just as important for her to be a part of an organization that is committed to real change. This is why she is proud of being part of the Leadership Forward team.