Welcome, New Generation Hope Team Members!

We’re so excited to be growing our team. Get to know the newest members of our staff, as well as a summer 2023 intern, below!

Oliver Judd
Donor Relationships Manager

I graduated from Loyola University Chicago with degrees in political science and international studies. I immediately worked on many campaigns across Greater Chicagoland, taking on various roles to support candidates at all levels. As Finance Director, I found innovative ways to raise over $3 million for federal candidates during the 2016 cycle, tapping into previously unexplored funding sources.

For seven years, I was at Democratic Municipal Officials, serving as the Political and Government Affairs Director. During this time, I fostered relationships with elected officials, corporations, political parties, and unions. I played a significant role in the organization's fundraising efforts and growth. Before my journey with Generation Hope, I also led business development for a nonpartisan public opinion polling startup.

After ten years in political fundraising and activism, I made the decision to join Generation Hope to make change instead of working to elect others to do so. Leveraging my diverse background, I contribute to the growth and expansion of Generation Hope by building meaningful relationships with our donors. My commitment lies in ensuring that those who support Generation Hope comprehend the tangible impact of their contributions on the real world. I live in the Lamond-Riggs neighborhood of DC with my wife and our dog, Lemon.

Leana Travis
Summer Intern — Operations and Policy & Research

Hi! My name is Leana Travis, and I am an Operations and Policy & Research intern at Generation Hope! I am a student at William & Mary pursuing a degree in Government, with a specific interest in making a difference in underserved communities. In my time at Generation Hope, I am excited to be a part of the incredible work that the organization does to support student parents, and I am greatly looking forward to learning more about the workings of a nonprofit organization. In my free time, I love exploring new places with my friends, watching movies, singing, and writing music!

Ariel Ventura-Lazo
Communications Coordinator

I am honored to serve as Generation Hope’s Communications Coordinator. As a dedicated advocate to the student parent voice, I am joining the team with six years of experience in higher education serving in multiple roles to increase student success at Northern Virginia Community College and two years as a fatherhood coach and case manager where I worked directly with fathers to build essential skills and competencies valuable to children, families, and communities.

I’m a father of two, and a first-generation American who was the first in my family to graduate from college. Born and raised in Alexandria, VA, I embarked on my postsecondary journey for a second time in the Fall of 2014 after a five-year hiatus. I was incepted into the Generation Hope scholar program as one of the first of three fathers, and I made a promise to finish school for my children. I began fiercely advocating for student parents and first-generation students locally and nationally serving as a Parent Advisor with Ascend at the Aspen Institute and participating in multiple think-tanks, policy forums, and initiatives to advance student parent success. I twice had the opportunity of working with former First Lady, Michelle Obama to elevate the student parent voice and was selected as a 2022 Top 50 Chegg.org Global Student Prize finalist for my work on campus and in the community.

As a Generation Hope Alumni and recent graduate of George Mason University, I have demonstrated continued success as a leader among my peers and as a student father. I am excited to continue making a difference for parenting students with Generation Hope.

Audrey White
Director of Development

Born on the Navajo Indian reservation in Northern Arizona, over 50 years ago, I was the only African-American family in the town where I grew up (Page, Arizona). I recognized at the tender age of 8 years old that I had a talent for building and nurturing relationships. It was at that time, that my “gift” found me! I began educating local teachers, friends and their parents to embrace cultural diversity. I worked diligently to dispel stereotypes and to make myself available to the Mormon community where my family lived to become an approachable source of information and a role model for diversity, inclusion and cultural understanding.

I graduated from Page High School at the age of 16 to attend the University of Arizona (Tucson) on a full academic scholarship. During my time at the University of Arizona, I enthusiastically supported the betterment of my community by joining the Iota Tau chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I was often called upon to guide my sorors, friends and loved ones through the journey of growth and development that occurs during the college experience. It was also during my sophomore year in college, at the age of 18 that I became pregnant with my first child.

If only there had been a Generation Hope program at that time! Due to a major lack of resources for student parents. I made the painful decision to leave school and move to Washington, DC to begin my new life as a wife and mother. 

Following my passion, I accepted the calling to work for charitable organizations in DC whose focus is the betterment of the human condition.

For more than 20 years, I have continued to serve others using my gift to build strategic  partnerships. I continue to follow the path of my younger self - embracing and celebrating diversity. Standing firmly rooted within my passion and my purpose,  I continue to build strategic partnerships with the belief that: "Real superheroes don't leap tall buildings, they build bridges that bring people together to heal wounded minds, bodies, and spirits."