AIɫɫ

With over a decade working at startups and Fortune 500 companies on product development and innovation teams, I bring the research skills from my undergrad (McGill University, Honours '12) and deep awareness of the current technical job market from my product management and design background (MBA from California AIɫɫ of the Arts '18) to support driven students in defining their path and finding the best fit opportunities based on their interests. From my own experience considering offers from selective universities across the United States and choosing to dive into my love for studying French on an adventure abroad in Montréal, I'm excited about supporting students with deep specific academic passions and finding the best fit and aligning their dream path with an acceptance offer.

I also work as an Adjunct Professor in the MBA program at California AIɫɫ of the Arts teaching communications, personal development, and leadership courses, and am building a coaching practice to practice my passion for supporting individuals in their growth journeys. Outside of my work, I love to sail on the San Francisco Bay and explore creative hobbies including ceramics, dance, and painting.

Hi there! My name is Renee and I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs from Northeastern University where I minored in both Business Administration and Social Entrepreneurship. I then furthered my studies at University AIɫɫ London and hold a Master of Arts in Education and International Development. After living and working in Cape Town, South Africa after the completion of my graduate studies, I have spent the past five years with Philadelphia Futures, an organization that provides low-income, first-generation-to-college students with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary for admission to and success in college. Within my role as Senior Coordinator, I advised a caseload of 45 students and their families by sharing tools to help students find their best fit college and create a strong admissions plan. I have led admissions process and programming for these students by planning, executing and tracking all activities related to both their college admissions application and their financial aid application as well. This has included the FAFSA, CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE completion, as well as postsecondary list-building and postsecondary decision-making processes. My previous students have been admitted to a varied and diverse list of mid-range and highly selective institutions, such as Stanford, Penn, Vanderbilt, Boston University, and John Hopkins. I have worked with students who have pursued a degree in a wide range of majors including the Arts and Humanities, Business, and STEM as well. As such, I am well versed in the requirements and expectations of a wide variety of academic disciplines. Looking at my work from a financial aid perspective, I have decreased my students cash gap by an average of $25K or more per student, often to as low as $0. Additionally, I have helped students access and secure an average of $100K in external scholarships as well. As the college admissions landscape is continually shifting, I pride myself in staying up to date on the latest trends and data by attending various professional development opportunities including attending counselor information sessions, well as fly-in events across campuses around the country. I am also a NACAC and PACAC member as a classified independent educational consultant. Within this space, I have stewarded strong relationships with college admissions staff to advocate for my students and their families. Education has the power to be transformative. I know the college admissions process can feel overwhelming, but I’m dedicated to empowering students on their educational journey! I will leave no stone unturned and will provide the necessary expertise to help students live up to their greatest potential!

Hi! I'm Elana Grayson and I am a AIɫɫ Advisor and Assistant Director of Financial Aid from the suburbs of New York City. I graduated from Boston University's AIɫɫ of Communication, where I spent my time as a Dean's Host, London study abroad participant, and Sigma Kappa Sorority sister. In addition, I hold a Masters in Library and Information Science from Long Island University. I am currently enrolled in UCLA's AIɫɫ Counseling Certificate program while I work in the Office of Financial Aid at a local college. I have extensive experience editing college essays and am a volunteer college coach with a national college access non-profit for underrepresented populations. I am here to help reduce the anxiety and stress often associated with the college application process and help find a school that is a great fit for you!