A Generation of Impact: A Recap of the 2026 Empowering Youth Luncheon
An afternoon of storytelling from CSF alumni and generosity from our supporters filled the room at College Success Foundation’s 2026 Empowering Youth Luncheon as guests came together in support of CSF Scholars.
Hosted by CSF alumni, the program was a vivid reminder of what makes this community so special. CSF Scholars becoming graduates, graduates becoming leaders, and leaders returning to lift up the next generation. Throughout the program, guests heard personal stories of perseverance, mentorship and transformation, all underscoring the powerful impact of having someone in your corner. It was wonderful to see guests connecting before and after the event.
Demonstrating Generational Change
Throughout the luncheon, several alumni stories brought CSF’s generational impact to life.
Michael Tuon opened the program by sharing how CSF helped him build his college path. As a proud CSF alum and University of Washington graduate, he reflected on the way CSF helped shape his journey and how that foundation ultimately led him back home to build a business alongside fellow CSF alum Elwis Johnson.
Zach McKinlay, Director of Westside Programs for CSF, shared his own story of growing up in Tacoma, where college once felt out of reach. With scholarships, advising and encouragement from CSF, Zach enrolled at the University of Washington, a moment that changed the trajectory of his life. Today, he is helping lead the very work that once supported him, ensuring the next generation of students has access to the same mentorship, opportunity and belief.
The room then took a moment to recognize CSF alum Nick Arthur, who traveled from Texas to attend with his Leadership 1000 Scholarship benefactor, Valerie Newman. Their ongoing connection since his time as a scholar and graduation from Western Washington University is a powerful reminder that CSF’s impact extends far beyond college.
Kassandra Mendez, who is a CSF college coach, shared how her own college journey informs the work she does today. As the daughter of immigrants and agricultural workers, she believed in the power of education but didn’t have a clear roadmap to college. With support from CSF, she enrolled at Washington State University and became the first in her family to graduate. Today, she uses that experience to guide students navigating similar paths, reminding them they belong and helping them stay on track to college graduation.
Guests also heard from CSF alum Andres Moreno Benito, whose story offered a powerful example of generational impact. As the eldest of six children from a hardworking Yakima family, Andres did not initially see college as realistic. But with support from CSF, he enrolled at Central Washington University and began building a future that would ripple far beyond his own life. Today, he serves as CWU’s Associate Director of Admissions, and nearly all six Moreno siblings have now graduated from college or are on track to do so. His youngest brother, Fernando, is currently a junior at CWU and is set to graduate next year. His story was a moving reminder that when one student is supported, entire families and communities can be transformed.
A Story of Persistence and Purpose
CSF President and CEO Mike Cheever, shared his own long and winding journey to earning a college degree.
With humor and honesty, Mike reflected on growing up in a small town in California, navigating young adulthood without a clear roadmap to college, and taking a path that stretched across military service, multiple jobs and years of college classes. Nineteen years and 14 institutions later, he completed his degree.
But his story was about much more than perseverance. It was a reminder that no one succeeds alone.
Mike spoke about the people who stepped in along the way, those who challenged him, encouraged him, and kept him moving forward. He also offered a clear picture of the challenges students face today, from rising costs and shrinking supports to systems that are often difficult to navigate, especially for first-gen and low-income students.
Messages That Students Will Carry Forward
Another meaningful highlight of the afternoon invited guests to do something personal by writing messages of encouragement to CSF’s Leadership 1000 Scholars.
Led by CSF alum Keisha Jackson, a graduate of Western Washington University and Seattle University, this moment highlighted the lasting impact of mentorship and affirmation. Now the Education Community GTM Lead for Microsoft Elevate, Keisha reflected on the trusted adults who shaped her journey, echoing Maya Angelou’s reminder that people may forget what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
These handwritten cards will be shared with students graduating this spring or completing their first year of college. Each note serves as a reminder that they are seen, supported, and believed in.
In Gratitude
The luncheon concluded with CSF alum and Board Member Nick Hailey sharing that without CSF, he would not be where he is today. His remarks were followed by a powerful call to support College Success Foundation from CSF Board Chair George Bridges, who reminded the room that while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not, and that CSF is helping close that gap for thousands of students each year.
As guests stayed to connect and reflect on the stories shared throughout the afternoon, it was evident that when a community shows up for young people, the impact will carry forward to the next generation.
If you were unable to make a gift during the luncheon, there is still time to help us reach our stretch goal of $400,000 and ensure even more students have access to the support they need to succeed.
Thank you to our Empowering Youth luncheon sponsors:
Regent’s Sponsor
Costco Wholesale
Provost’s Sponsors
Rebecca Benaroya, Dorsey & Whitney, Seattle Mariners Care Foundation, and Microsoft
Summa Cum Laude Sponsors
BECU, The Brettler Family Foundation, Fulcrum Capital, Google, Seattle Bank, and University of Washington
Magna Cum Laude Sponsors
Allen Institute, Tulalip Tribes, Washington State University
Cum Laude Sponsors
ISOutsource, Seattle Children’s, Seattle University, Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, and Western Washington University
