Mary Fugate (she/her/hers) serves as the assistant vice president of data analytics with FirstGen Forward. Mary joined FGF in 2020 from NASPA Advisory Services where she served as assistant director. Prior to joining NASPA, Mary served as the assistant director of Institutional Research at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. A data and research enthusiast, Mary is passionate about empowering others to proficiently interpret and utilize data and research for continuous improvement and promotion of student success, and contributing to the field through research.

Mary earned a B.A. in sociology from Hofstra University, an M.S. in sociology from Utah State University, and a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Toledo.

Nancy Stalowski (she/her/hers) serves as director of diagnostics and data analytics with FirstGen Forward. Nancy brings more than a decade of experience working in higher education and leadership development. For most of her career, she has worked with underrepresented students including first-generation, minority, and DACA students. Prior to joining FGF, Nancy was the executive director of The Public Leadership Education Network, and prior to that she managed the Southern Management Leadership Program at the University of Maryland. Nancy is a highly motivated individual with a real passion for helping students who face additional barriers to success and promoting data-driven decision making.

Nancy received her Ed.D. in higher education administration at The George Washington University. She also received an M.A. in history and B.A. in government and politics from the University of Maryland. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, and fishing. Nancy lives in Maryland with her husband and dog.

Dr. Melinda Mechur Karp is a nationally recognized expert on improving students’ transitions to college and supporting them once there. She founded Phase Two Advisory after nearly twenty years conducting research and working with colleges on education reform as Assistant Director at the Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University. The proud granddaughter of refugees, Melinda works with national and institutional leaders, campus-based faculty and staff, and philanthropists to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to realize the intergenerational mobility higher education provides. She frequently writes, speaks, and comments on education reform at professional meetings, in the media, and in academic forums.

Melinda holds a BS in human development and family studies from Cornell University; and both an MA and a PhD in sociology and education from Columbia University. She chairs the Effective Advising Practice Guide Panel for the Institute on Education Science’s What Works Clearinghouse, and she is a member of the inaugural editorial team for the Journal of Postsecondary Student Success.