The Marriott Foundation has been a major supporter of DC-CAP under Argelia’s leadership since the program’s inception. Argelia was the organization’s first President and CEO and I met her when I joined the board 20 years ago. Over the years I have been able to witness Argelia’s work and lasting impact on DC students, families and the city.

During her tenure, she was able to work with the changing school system leadership and staff, including 11 different DC Superintendents and Chancellors. During all the transitions, she was able to maintain the productivity of the organization and meet programmatic and student objectives.

Argelia is forward-thinking and innovative. Before it became a national topic, recognizing that males were lagging behind females in high school grad and college enrollment rates, she created the Alpha Leadership Project for Young Men of Color. She responded to the region’s growing demand for STEM skilled workers by creating the STEM Ready – a program designed to increase the number of students motivated and prepared to pursue STEM related degrees and careers.

She was also a pioneer in college retention work. Her strategies helped DC public and charter high school graduates, attending hundreds of institutions around the country, achieve unprecedented college graduation rates. Her university partnership model is helping even more students graduate sooner and without debt from college.

The bottom line is that through her leadership, design, and innovation, Argelia has helped improve the educational and career trajectory of thousands of DC students. If you are a school system, a college or corporation who is looking to build and expand the pipeline of talent, I strongly recommend Argelia. She will help you get it done!