Dear Thrive Scholars Community,
I am thrilled to share the highlights of another impactful year for Thrive Scholars, where we’ve continued to make significant strides in empowering the next generation of leaders. This year, we served 1,448 students, a remarkable increase from 1,007 last year, thanks to the continued support of our partners and donors.
Our Scholars are breaking barriers and excelling in their academic and professional journeys:
• In College Access, 87% of our students are now attending top 100 schools, with 33% enrolled at Ivy+ institutions.
• In College Success, 81% of our Scholars are persisting in STEM fields, and 90% are graduating within four years.
• In Career Development, our Scholars are seeing life-changing economic mobility—coming from families with an average household income of $45K and securing first jobs with starting salaries averaging $78K, effectively doubling their household income. With a job placement rate of 77% for the Class of 2024, these milestones demonstrate the transformative power of our 6-Year Program and the resilience of our Scholars.
As I step into this role, I am deeply honored to continue building on the strong foundation that Thrive Scholars has cultivated over the past 20+ years. Our mission remains as critical as ever: to break down the barriers to higher education and meaningful careers for students from under-resourced backgrounds.
In the year ahead, I am committed to maximizing our impact, ensuring we remain at the forefront of creating pathways to economic mobility and lasting change. Together, we will continue to provide every talented student with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey and for your continued belief in our mission.
Drew Martin Chief Executive Officer Thrive Scholars
1,448 Scholars served in FY24
First-generation college students 3.91
83%
Average high school GPA $45K
Race/Ethnicity
THRIVE SCHOLARS NATIONAL REACH
Scholar Spotlights
Journeying Toward a Brighter Future
Building a Future in Business & Law
College: University of Michigan Class of 2028
Major: International Business, Trade, and Tax Law
Career Pathway: Consulting
FUTURE GOALS
Aspiring corporate lawyer or in-house counsel. Looking forward to connecting with industry leaders who can help navigate the road to multiple degrees.
“As a dedicated student pursuing multiple degrees, my goal is to leverage my analytical, strategic, and cross-cultural expertise to drive impactful solutions in the consulting industry.”
Exploring Career Paths with Thrive Scholars
College: Northeastern University Class of 2026
Major: Marketing
Career Pathway: Business & Management
FUTURE GOALS
Embracing career opportunities with gratitude and support from the Thrive Scholars community.
“Thrive has so many relatable, inviting, and helpful staff at every turn and opportunities for students of all avenues of the job market. I’m grateful to the program, and to my fellow Thrive Scholars!”
Turning Passion Into Purpose
College: Harvard University Class of 2026
Major: Government
Career Pathway: Law
FUTURE GOALS
Exploring law and fellowships with the support of Thrive Scholars and a dedicated Career Coach.
“Becoming a Thrive Scholar changed my life in more ways than I can count, as it gave me a network of like-minded individuals from similar backgrounds and empowered me to pursue a career that can make a difference in my community.”
Deja
JACKSONVILLE
Joshua BOSTON Ariana
LOS ANGELES
Scholar Spotlights
Journeying Toward a Brighter Future
Preparing for College and Beyond
High School Senior
Currently in the College Access phase of Thrive’s 6-Year Program
FUTURE GOALS
Ready to take on college with confidence, backed by the support of Thrive Scholars.
“Thrive Scholars has provided me with the essential skills to excel in higher education while fostering lifelong connections. Through its supportive networks, I have received emotional, academic, and financial guidance that has been instrumental in shaping my journey.”
First-Gen Scholar with Big Dreams
College: Claremont McKenna College Class of 2028
Major: Pre-Law
Career Pathway: Law, Financial Services
FUTURE GOALS
Aiming for a J.D.-Ph.D. program, corporate law, and eventually public interest law.
“By introducing me to a network of ambitious Scholars and professionals who are intimately invested in my success, Thrive Scholars continuously bolsters my capacity to flourish as a student and explore my career interests.”
Kelly SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
Alison NORTHEAST OHIO
Scholar Spotlights
Journeying Toward a Brighter Future
Advancing Finance with Equity & Ethics
College: Barnard College, Class of 2028
Major: Economics-Statistics
Career Pathway: Finance & Law
FUTURE GOALS
I want to build a career at the intersection of finance and corporate law by focusing on transactions that drive growth while ensuring ethical and responsible practices.
“ In the next 5–10 years, I hope to take on leadership roles where I can advocate for fair policies, improve financial accessibility, and mentor students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in the fields of finance and law. No matter where my career takes me, my goal is to create meaningful change by opening doors for others and helping shape a more inclusive financial industry.”
A Leader in the Making
High School Senior
Attending Pomona College in the Fall of 2025
Intended Major: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
FUTURE GOALS
Thriving at Pomona College and beyond, using leadership skills and confidence built through Thrive Scholars to make an impact.
“Thrive has had a significant impact on my life as a whole. Going through two summer academies as both an OnRamp Scholar and as well as a Thrive Scholar has taught me how to grow out of my comfort zone. I’ve been able to express myself a lot more in front of groups of people and it’s given me the confidence to take on more leadership roles.”
CHICAGO
6-Year Program
Refined over 20 years, our comprehensive, data-informed model works. Our Scholars go to better colleges. Earn better grades. And enjoy better careers. Those aren’t just brags. They’re proven outcomes of our 6-Year Program.
CORE ELEMENTS OF OUR 6-YEAR PROGRAM
Summer Academy
Recruitment
Thrive Academies
Seeing the impact of Summer Academy, we are broadening our impact by launching regional Thrive Academies, bringing our proven program to even more talented and deserving students nationwide.
OnRamp
OnRamp is a free pre-college program focused on ensuring young Black males have the opportunities and the preparation to excel.
Our residential program prepares Scholars for college with college-level Math and English— three hours each per week—while emphasizing industry exposure and career pathways. Summer Academy 1 spans six weeks, while Summer Academy 2 is a five-week experience.
College Access
Our College Access Managers guide Scholars through the application and financial aid process, focusing on attending top colleges with minimal or no-loan debt. They provide tailored support to help Scholars apply to, gain admission to, and attend the best-fit universities.
College Success
Our College Success Managers support Scholars’ transition to college with individualized guidance, helping with class schedules, specialized workshops, and access to campus resources to ensure academic success.
Career Pathways
Scholars choose from Career Pathways in Tech, Engineering, Law, Finance, Consulting, Life Sciences, or Business. They receive personalized industry training, mentorship, networking, career exposure, and support from a Thrive Scholars Career Coach, including internship and job opportunities.
Alumni Support
Thrive Scholars Alumni access a powerful network of professionals across diverse industries. Our support includes career assistance, networking opportunities, and resources for long-term development, along with ways to remain connected to Thrive.
Summer Academy 1 hosted at Amherst College Summer Academy 2 hosted at Northwestern University
22
29
WRITING SCORES In
23
28 Percentage Points Increase Percentage Points Increase Percentage Points Increase Percentage Points Increase at Summer Academy 1 at Summer Academy 1 at Summer Academy 2 at Summer Academy 2 MATH SCORES
ENROLLMENT RESULTS
Our Scholars have academic and personal success in college.
College Success Results
ACADEMIC OUTCOMES
In comparison, The average STEM persistence at top colleges is 56%.
81% STEM Persistence
COLLEGE GRADUATION
90% Within 4 years 3.4 Average GPA 99% Within 6 years
FEELING PREPARED
85% of Scholars felt prepared to navigate college with confidence after Summer Academy 2.
“Thrive gave me hope as I began navigating the college admissions process and learned crucial factors and application strategies to help me stand out as an applicant. I’m really interested in going to graduate school, specifically law school to earn my JD.”
–Gianni
ACADEMIC INTEREST
Law
“Thrive Scholars was an absolutely life-changing experience where I got to meet so many bright young minds from an array of diverse backgrounds. Being in a space where so many high achieving people of color thrived shaped my understanding of what it means to excel.”
–Gabriel
ACADEMIC INTEREST Law 86% 89
“Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied”
With their support from Thrive over the past term, up from 83% last year
Net Promoter Score
The overall NPS for the program is 80, which is a “World Class” score according to NPS creators. Up from 80 for College Class of 2023
“Thrive has helped me become more social and get out of my comfort zone. I have become more confident in my academic skills. As I grow up, I would like to major in business or finance, and eventually become an investment banker and from there a venture capitalist.”
–Victoria
ACADEMIC INTEREST
Finance
Agreed Relationship Managers are Valuable Scholar Satisfaction 90%
90% of Scholars agree that their Relationship Manager has been valuable to their success so far
Thrive Academies
Closing the Preparation Gap for Top Colleges
2024 marked a major step forward as we launched Thrive Academy programs in Los Angeles and New York, expanding our reach to impact students across the country. Thrive Academies equips students with the skills and confidence to excel in their first year at top colleges. Launched in response to data showing that even high-achieving students often face academic challenges due to gaps in preparation, Thrive Academy bridges the divide by focusing on math and writing proficiency. By addressing these critical areas before students begin college, the program ensures they are ready to thrive academically and pursue competitive degrees and careers.
Thrive Academies Successful Inaugural Year
BMO Thrive Academy— Los Angeles
25
Percentage Points Increase in Math
Thrive Academy—New York
25 20 12
Percentage Points Increase in Writing
THRIVE SCHOLAR TESTIMONIAL
This program helped me develop an open-mind about college pathways. Meeting and making connections with people from different careers really opened my mind.”
Percentage Points Increase in Math
Percentage Points Increase in Writing –Evelin
BMO Thrive Academy—Los Angeles Summer 2024
THRIVE SCHOLAR TESTIMONIAL
The program challenged me mentally, enhancing my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Thrive also offered workshops and equipped me with essential life skills like time management and effective communication.”
–Adama
Thrive Academy—New York Summer 2024
Thank you to our Sponsors
These milestones were made possible through the generous support of BMO, whose partnership helped bring BMO
Thrive Academy–Los Angeles to life. Thrive Academy–New York was also made possible through the support of committed partners, providing a transformative experience for our Scholars.
OnRamp Program
Preparing Young Black Males for Success
Black men continue to face significant barriers to success in top colleges, corporate leadership, and advanced career paths. To address this disparity, OnRamp empowers these students with the resources and preparation needed to excel. OnRamp delivers comprehensive support and leadership development, equipping high-achieving young Black males for college success. By applying the proven framework of our 6-Year Program, OnRamp fosters readiness for careers that drive economic mobility and create lasting impact.
OnRamp
OnRamp takes place between the spring term of the 10th and 11th grades. These students gain early access to our signature Summer Academy program, all while living on a college campus.
OnRamp prepares students for a seamless transition into our 6-Year Program.
28
93% Percentage points increase in Math Percentage points increase in Writing
15
OnRamp Results of Scholars feel prepared to pick high school courses
27
OnRamp students are preparing for top-tier colleges
10
OnRamp alumni in our 6-year program are actively applying to college
“OnRamp has been a transformative experience where I’ve been able to develop my skill set while working on the various aspects of myself and my well-being that’ll ensure my success in the future.”
–Vincent
2024 OnRamp Scholar
Current 6-Year Program Scholar
What’s Ahead
Growing Our Reach, Strengthening Our Mission
We’ve made great strides, and we’re not stopping here. As we continue to grow, our focus is on maximizing the impact and reach of our programs and ensuring that every Scholar benefits from an enriched experience. By enhancing and refining our existing programs, we are positioning ourselves to serve even more students with meaningful, high-quality opportunities.
YEAR 1
Laying the Foundation
• Secured a $3M commitment over three years to launch BMO Thrive Academy—Los Angeles and expand our impact in Chicago for deserving Scholars.
• Engaged with community-based organizations in NYC and LA to explore partnerships in recruitment, programming, and college access.
• Developed the Thrive Academy Playbook, outlining outcomes, policies, procedures, staffing, logistics, and intra-organization contributions.
YEAR 2
Bringing Thrive Academies to Life
• Launched the first two Regional Thrive Academies in Los Angeles (USC) and New York City (Mercy University, Manhattan Campus).
• Finalized impact measurement, student selection criteria, success metrics, and data collection for nonresidential summer academies.
• Established a funding strategy to support the long-term sustainability of Thrive Academies, with ongoing efforts to secure additional resources.
YEAR 3
Scaling Impact
• Delivering high-quality summer experiences through impactful programming that prepares Scholars for the next stage in their college and career journeys.
• Expanding Academies access by partnering with residential and commuter host sites in five cities to provide safe, accessible, and effective learning environments.
• Enhancing career readiness with a comprehensive career curriculum, aiming for at least 80% of Scholars to report increased career clarity upon completion.
YEARS 4 & 5
Strengthening Impact & Sustainability
• Refining program effectiveness by assessing and enhancing curriculum, mentorship, and student support based on outcomes data.
• Expanding strategic partnerships to deepen career pathways, alumni engagement, and resource-sharing opportunities.
• Ensuring long-term sustainability through multi-year funding strategies and diversified revenue sources.
• Evaluating long-term outcomes to measure Scholar success and refine best practices for future growth.
Corporate Partnership Investments
Thrive Scholars celebrates the generosity of the following companies who committed gifts at the following levels between September 1, 2023–August 31, 2024.
$ 1M– $ 1.99M
Anonymous
BMO
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
$ 250K– $ 999K
General Motors
Houlihan Lokey
STERIS
Takeda
$ 100K– $ 249K
Datadog
Howmet Aerospace Foundation
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw
Pittman LLP
TJX Companies
Zenith Insurance Company
$ 50K– $ 99K
BNY Mellon
The Davis Companies
FIS
GEI Consultants, Inc.
The Haskell Company
Honigman LLP
Latham & Watkins
Nespresso USA
Nordson Corporation
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
The PLAYERS Championship
PNC
RS&H
Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham LLP
State Street Foundation
Wellington Management Foundation
$ 10K–$49K
American Greetings
American Realty Advisors
B. Braun
Ballentine Partners, LLC
BlackRock Foundation
California LIfe Sciences
Capital Group Companies
Channing Capital
Citi
DRW Foundation
Florida Blue
Income Research + Management
Liberty Mutual Foundation, Inc.
McMaster-Carr Supply Company
Mesirow
Motorola Solutions Foundation
NAIOP Massachusetts
Neuberger Berman
Nuance Communications, Inc.
Peoples Gas Community Fund
Plymouth Rock Assurance Foundation
Sarepta Therapeutics
TransUnion
VyStar Credit Union
Individual, Family, and Foundation Donors
Thrive Scholars celebrates the generosity of the following donors who committed gifts at the following levels between September 1, 2023–August 31, 2024.
$ 1M OR MORE
Anonymous
Ceres Foundation
$ 500K– $ 999K
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous Ballmer Group
Deloitte Foundation
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
$ 250K– $ 499K
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
$ 100K– $ 249K
Ahmanson Foundation
Alison and Max Hall
Anonymous
Bill and Helen Hoffman
Charles W. and Patricia S. Bidwill Foundation
The Chicago Community Trust
Henry Luce Foundation
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Larry and Beth Greenberg
London Family Foundation
The Lynch Foundation
Mabel Louise Riley Foundation
Martin and Akieva Jacobs
MIT FIJI Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity
Pamela and Jeffrey Choney
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Schultz Family Foundation
Walt and Carol Rosebrough
$ 50K– $ 99K
Alice P. Chase Charitable Trust
Anonymous
Anonymous - Cradle to Career Initiative
Anonymous
Bruce and Jina Veaco Foundation
Charles Hayden Foundation
The Community Foundation for Northeast
Florida
Cummings Foundation
David C. Miller Family Fund
Dori and Bill Walton
Erin and Matthew Murphy
Gary and Nancy Chartrand Advised Fund
Jerry Hausman
Jim and Kathleen Collins
John Baker
John and Vicky Whitley
Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
Michael Ward and Jennifer Glock Foundation
Norcross Foundation
Robert and Pam Funari
Sally Currier and Saul Pannell
Paul Dooley and Winnie Holzman
Tom Russell Charitable Foundation
$ 25K– $ 49K
Peters Pharis Foundation
Callum Henderson
Calvin Allsop
Chuck and Jessica Myers
Clarence Otis and Jacqueline Bradley
Diane and Steve Halverson
Dwight Stuart Youth Fund
Edward A And Ai O Shay Foundation
Eric, Anne, Ryan and Kylie Harrison
Eric Silberstein and Frances Liu
Finnegan Family Foundation
Frieze Family Foundation
George H. and Jane A. Mifflin Memorial Fund
Gratis Foundation
The Green Foundation
Hestia Fund
JHM Foundation
Joe Blackstone and Jamie Mohn
The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation
Kiera and James Carlisle
Lia and William Poorvu
Mary Alice Fortin Foundation, Inc.
Molly Shannon
Russell Stein
Sheila and Jason Lawrence
Steven and Ellen Segal
$ 10K– $ 24,999K
Anonymous
Beth and Michael Stonebraker
Brad Lundy
Brian Lenihan
Carl Bailey
Danny Sharp and Cecil Booth
Davidson and Debby Pattiz
DuBow Family Foundation
Ellen and James Wiss Family Fund
Eirene Kontopoulos and Anthony Philippakis
Gregory Nathan
Harold and Stephanie Bronson
Joan Herman and Richard Rasiej
Jodie and Eric Leach
Jon and Jane Outcalt
Karen and Steven Sisselman
Kari and James Van Gundy
Kehl Family Fund
Kwasi and Lynn Dadzie-Yeboah
Maria Rodriguez
Michael Goldstein and Jennifer Rapaport
Move the World Foundation
Neil and Lisa Wallack
Niki Decker
Norman F. Sprague Jr. Foundation
Paul Gaffney
Perry and Robin Traquina
Rhonda S. Zinner Foundation
Ruth and Bill Weinstein
Ryan Kilstein
The Shapiro Foundation
Shashi and Anu Yadavalli
Spector Fund
Stanley E. Hanson Foundation
Stephen and Nancy Paul
Terry Family Foundation
Tiffanie Boyd
The Scheidel Foundation
Multiyear Donors
Thrive Scholars celebrates the generosity of the following donors who committed gifts at the following levels between September 1, 2023–August 31, 2024.
$ 5M OR MORE
Anonymous
Anonymous
Ceres Foundation
$ 2.5M– $ 4.9M
Ballmer Group
BMO
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
Takeda
$ 1M– $ 2.49M
Anonymous
Anonymous
Deloitte Foundation
Larry and Beth Greenberg
London Family Foundation
$ 500K– $ 999K
The Lynch Foundation
Martin and Akieva Jacobs
Riordan Foundation
Samantha and Jack Woodruff
$ 250K– $ 499K
The Davis Companies
STERIS
$ 100K– $ 249K
American Realty Advisors
Anonymous Anonymous
Beth and Michael Stonebraker
Callum Henderson
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
Cummings Foundation
David C. Miller Family Fund
Dori and Bill Walton
Eric, Anne, Ryan and Kylie Harrison
Erin and Matthew Murphy
FIS
Gary and Nancy Chartrand Advised Fund
The Haskell Company
Income Research + Management
Kiera and James Carlisle
Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
Molly Shannon
Michael Ward and Jennifer Glock Foundation
Norcross Foundation
RS&H
The PLAYERS Championship
The Shapiro Foundation
VyStar Credit Union
$ 50K– $ 99K
Edward A And Ai O Shay Foundation
Ellen and James Wiss Family Fund
Karen and Steven Sisselman
Liberty Mutual Foundation, Inc.
Neil and Lisa Wallack
Ruth and William Weinstein
Sheila and Jason Lawrence
Steven and Ellen Segal
We apologize for any omissions or misspellings in recognizing our generous supporters.
National Board & Trustees
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our National Board of Directors is our governing board, guiding our strategic decision-making and ensuring our financial sustainability.
Martin Jacobs
Equity Portfolio Manager
Capital Group
Thrive Scholars National Board Chair
Phillip Aubrey
CEO & Founder
Yunit
Thrive Scholars Alum
Brian Baron
Vice President, Data & Analytics
Electronic Arts (EA)
Tiffanie Boyd
Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer
McDonald’s USA, LLC
Miriam Daniel
Vice President & General Manager
Google Maps
Callum Henderson
Portfolio Manager
Fidelity Investments
Joan Herman
President & CEO
Herman and Associates LLC
Rick Hess
Founder & Managing Partner
Cobalt Capital
Pat Kirby
Executive Vice President & Chief Growth Officer
The Institute for Nonprofit Practice
Brian Lenihan
Business Department Co-Chair Choate, Hall, & Stewart
Sean Logan
Dean of College Counseling
Phillips Academy Andover
Jessica Perez
Advisory Partner
Deloitte
Eva De La Rosa
Managing Director, Head of iShares
Marketing for the Americas BlackRock
Vincent Shorter
Senior VP, CIO, Medical Segment Cardinal Health
Russell Stein Of Counsel Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP
Greg Willis
VP, Global Sales for LinkedIn Marketing
Solutions
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Our National Board of Trustees serve as long-term investors in our success and ambassadors for our vital work.
Paul & Amy Blavin
Bob Funari
Melvin D. Lindsey
Cindy & Sheldon Stone
Jeff Weiss
Jack & Samantha Woodruff
Regional Boards
BOSTON BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Darryn J. Lee
Head of Private Equity Channel
Phreesia
Thrive Scholars Boston Board Chair
Thrive Scholar Alum
Sheila Lawrence
Partner
Ballentine Partners LLC
Thrive Scholars Boston Board Vice Chair
Théry Badin
MBA & MS Design Innovation (MMM) Candidate
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
Thrive Scholars Alum
Kwasi Dadzie-Yeboah
Portfolio Manager
Fidelity Investments
Alison Eggers
Attorney
Michael Goldstein, MD, MBA
President & Chief Medical Officer
Aurion Biotech
Physician-Ophthalmology, Co-Director Cornea Service
Tufts University School of Medicine, New England Eye Center
Larry Greenberg
Private Investor
Dr. Adrian B. Mims
Founder & CEO
The Calculus Project Inc.
Joy St. John
Director of Admissions
Harvard College
Ihsan Speede
Chief Compliance Officer and Global Head of Funds Compliance
Wellington Management
Chinweike Ukomadu
SVP and Head, GI and Inflammation Therapeutic Area
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Becky Vogel
Lead Project Manager, Breakthrough Results
District Management Group
CHICAGO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Craig Slack
Chief Investment Officer
City of Chicago
Thrive Scholars Chicago Board Chair
Olevia Mitchell
Technology Strategy Manager
Accenture
Thrive Scholars Alum
Kevin Adkisson
Chief Revenue Officer
Poppulo
Michelle Agunloye
Vice President, Community Relations Market Manager
Citi
Jared Banner
Assistant General Manager
Chicago Cubs
Teedra Bernard
Senior Vice President, Chief Talent and Diversity Officer
TransUnion
Leo Harmon
Senior Managing Director Chief Investment Officer
Mesirow Equity Management
Michael Henry
Senior Director of IT Senior Business Advisor
UL Solutions
Sedhu Krishnamurthy
GM Data & AI, US Retail and Consumer Goods
Microsoft
Peter Opoku
Director of Business Development
Qloo
Danny Sharp
Head of Alternatives, The Client Group
Wellington Management Company
Michael B. Slade
Partner
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
NORTHEAST OHIO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shashi Yadavalli
Principal, M&A Services
Deloitte
Thrive Scholars Northeast Ohio Board Chair
Nicole F. Decker
Senior Vice President, Global Growth and Development
Fortune Brands Water Innovations
MC Fraser
Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
STERIS Corporation
Ellis Jones
Independent Director
TimkenSteel and TPC Group
Samuel Pierre-Louis
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Amicus Therapeutics
Kelly Ricker
Chief Product Officer
American Greetings
Regional Boards
LOS ANGELES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Greg Nathan
CEO
Ajax Asset Management
Thrive Scholars Los Angeles Board Chair
Ashley Terrell Smithey
Senior Director of New Ventures
Copper
Thrive Scholars Alum
Itanza Lawrence
Self-Employed
Thrive Scholars Alum
Amanda Armour
Chief People Officer
Versus Systems
Holland Campbell
Associate General Counsel–
Intellectual Property
Amazon MGM Studios
Dr. John Diaz
Plastic Surgeon
Jared Goldstein
Senior Vice President & Deputy General
Counsel
Zenith Insurance Company
Lauro Gonzalez
CEO
SATMEX, Retired
Chris Hart
Partner, Co-Head of Talent
United Talent Agency
Ryan Kilstein
Analyst
Southpoint Capital
Brad Lundy
Portfolio Manager
Butler Hall Capital
Joshua Markman
Investment Advisor
Bel Air Investment Advisors
Davidson Pattiz
CEO Zenith Insurance
Tate Rider
Vice President DaVita Division
Maria C. Rodriguez
Partner
McDermott Will & Emery
Arlene Withers
Certified Professional Coach
JACKSONVILLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James London
Co-founder
Thrive Scholars
Patricia London
Co-founder Thrive Scholars
David Sweeney
President and Chief Executive Officer
RS&H
Thrive Scholars Jacksonville Board Chair
Carl Bailey
Healthcare Actuary and Mentor
Emily Bellock
Senior Director of Community Outreach PGA TOUR
Jim O’Leary
CEO
Haskell
Patricia McElroy
Sr. VP of VyStar Credit Union and President VyStar Foundation
Nina Waters
Retired President
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
Floyd Willis
Medical Director of the Wilson Scholars Program and Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Mayo Clinic
NEW YORK BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Edward Flanders
Managing Partner, NY Office
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Thrive Scholars New York Board Chair
Meeka Kortmulder
Executive Administrator & Houlihan Black Alliance (HBA)
ERG Founder and Chairperson
Houlihan Lokey
Geline Midouin
Co-Executive Director, Chief Operations Officer
A&O Shearman
Cesar Ruiz
GM of Education
Microsoft
Tieisha Smith
Head of Tech Partnerships, Acceleration & Culture
Transformation
TIAA
Sandy Thoyer
Chief Operating Officer Infraclear
Revenue (GAAP) Expenses
Cultivating a Culture of Belonging at Thrive
At Thrive, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture where every staff member feels a sense of belonging. With a remote team of 70 staff members spread across 21 states, it’s essential that we nurture our community norms, especially our commitment to valuing both people and measurable impact.
We are proud of our Employee Resource Groups that amplify the voices and experiences of our team. We take time to celebrate the rich cultures and communities that make up our staff and Scholars, knowing that this strengthens our collective mission to empower high-achieving and under-resourced students.
Though we’re a remote team, we value every opportunity to connect in person—strengthening collaboration, deepening our shared commitment, and aligning on the best ways to support our talented Scholars. These moments remind us that while we work across different locations, we are united by a common mission: empowering the next generation to thrive.
Employee Resource Groups
At Thrive Scholars, we are deeply committed to fostering a Scholar-centric culture that empowers both our Scholars and our staff. These groups provide a space for staff to connect, advocate, and share experiences, reinforcing our commitment to staff empowerment and a shared vision of impact.
Through these ERGs, we are able to advance opportunities for growth, both for our team and for the Scholars we serve, ensuring they have the tools to achieve economic mobility. Together, we are shaping a culture that aligns with our core values and supports our mission of empowering high-achieving, under-resourced students. These groups are pivotal in advancing our mission and making a meaningful impact—ensuring that the Scholars we serve have the opportunities to thrive and succeed.
OUR CURRENT ERGS INCLUDE
• Asian / Asian American / Pacific Islander ERG
• BIPOC ERG
• Black / African American ERG
• Latin American ERG
• LGBTQ ERG
• White Ally ERG