 Brittany Bolden, MSW, M.Ed.
Brittany is originally from Covington, GA, and relocated to Dallas, TX, in 2020. She
is an alumna of Clayton State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in
Psychology and Human Services. She holds a Master of Social Work and a Master of Education
in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with an emphasis in Higher Education,
from The University of Texas at Arlington.
With over seven years of experience in the social services and mental health fields,
along with three years in higher education, Brittany brings a strong background in
student success, resource connection, barrier reduction, and empowering students to
reach their full potential.
Favorite Coaching Tip:
Reading and taking notes before attending a lecture can make a significant difference
in how well you learn the material. I also encourage students to write down three
to five questions based on the readings. This gives you the opportunity to ask your
professor questions and deepen your understanding of the material. If you are not
comfortable speaking in class, attend office hours.
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
I would say playing the drums and the guitar. Sometimes I imagine myself performing
on stage with Panic at the Disco!
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 Laura Gomez Villegas, M.Ed.
Laura is originally from the DFW area. She is a double alumna from Texas Woman’s University
where she earned a bachelor's in education and her M.Ed. with a focus on Teaching,
Leadership and Collaboration. With 5 years of experience in higher education, she
brings a strong background in student success, mentorship initiatives, student programming,
and supporting first-generation students.
What inspired you to become a Student Success Coach?
As a first-generation student, finding a guiding hand, mentor, and cheerleader made
my journey all the better. I strive to empower my students and the broader community,
contributing to a more equitable(?) and sustainable future.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and finding new hobbies every couple of weeks!
You can find me painting, building puzzles, or going for a run.
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 Liliana Franco Lara, B.A.
Lili was born in Coahuila, Mexico, but raised in Dallas, Texas. She is a University
of North Texas at Dallas alumna where she earned her bachelor's in psychology. She has dedicated her career to supporting students across a wide range of educational
settings, including elementary, middle, high school, and now higher education. Her
experience spans both school-based roles and works with nonprofit organizations focused
on mentoring and student support. Throughout these roles, she has been committed to helping students navigate academic and personal challenges
while fostering their growth and success. She also brings experience working with
TRIO programs, where she has supported first-generation students in accessing and
thriving in postsecondary education.
Favorite Coaching Topic: Personal Growth & Self Discovery and Career Exploration and Future planning.
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you? I love adrenaline-inducing activities! I’ve gone shark-cage diving before and would
love to sky dive in the future. However, I do draw the line at watching scary movies,
Chucky gives me nightmares.
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 Guadalupe M. Robles, B.A.
Lupe is a Dallas native. She is trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and financial
aid fluently. Her parents are from Mexico and visiting family as a child opened her
eyes to the magic that is alive in the Mexican culture. These experiences inspired
her to earn her Bachelor's of Arts in Ethnic Studies from the University of Texas
at Austin. She found beauty in her bi-cultural upbringing and discovered the importance
of deliberately creating spaces for everyone to thrive. Lupe has worked in higher
education for over 16 years. She has worked with high school, transfer, and non-traditional
students. Meeting students and their families where they are at and helping them understand
their options when it comes to earning a higher education, applying for financial
aid and scholarships are Lupe’s passion.
Favorite Coaching Topic: Community, Connection & Belonging, Career Exploration & Future Planning, Personal
Growth & Self-Discovery
What is one piece of advice you always give your students? To add “icing and sprinkles” to their college experience. Having good grades and earning
your degree bakes a plain cupcake, but to find a job after you graduate, you need
to add icing and sprinkles. The icing and sprinkles are the opportunities to build
skills and have meaningful experiences that will open doors for you. Become a leader
on campus, join a research project, study abroad, apply for internships, and volunteer. Don’t be
a plain cupcake.
What’s your favorite quote, motto, or saying you live by? When I feel down or frustrated, I ask myself, “What is one thing I can do today that
will bring me joy?” Even if it is a small thing, small things over time add up to
be big things. I want to look back at my life and know I intentionally brought joy
to myself.
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 Taneisha Kinsey Valenzuela, BAAS, CFLE
Taneisha is an Alumna of the University of North Texas at Dallas where she earned
her Bachelors degree with concentrations in Child Development and Sociology. With
a strong foundation in the social sciences and a passion for helping others, Taneisha
brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Student Success Coach. Her commitment
to fostering growth and development in students is evident in her work, as she provides
guidance and support to help them navigate their academic and professional journeys.
She is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Family Studies.
Favorite Coaching Topic: My favorite coaching topics include Work-Life Balance & Wellness as well as Building
Self-Confidence
What is one piece of advice you always give your students?
Communication is key. It is a vital life skill that should be continuously developed,
upgraded, and exercised.
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Dr. Lee Francine Juarez