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Executive Director
ANJULIE PONCE
Anjulie began with Journey Forward Mentoring in 2016 as a mentor to a student at Adamson High School. Profoundly impacted by the experience, Anjulie signed on as Executive Director of the Organization in 2018. “I saw what a ripple effect mentoring can have on the community around us. We can come together to make a difference and learn from each other. That is what makes this program so powerful.”
Anjulie graduated summa cum laude from Southern Methodist University in 2008 with her Bachelor of Science in Economics and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Spanish. In 2011, she graduated cum laude from Baylor Law School. Prior to becoming Executive Director, Anjulie practiced as a trial attorney in Dallas, advocating for those without a voice or the means of pursuing justice.
Anjulie lives in Oak Cliff, Dallas with her wonderful husband JJ and their bright-eyed kiddo Amaya.
Next Gen Program Manager
MAYRA CATTERALL
Mayra joined the team in early 2022. She serves as our Next Gen Program Manager, where she supports overseeing the high school mentoring program. She is set on spending her life and career helping students reach their dreams and empowering people to be civically engaged through volunteerism and mentoring.
Mayra graduated from Cal State University, Sacramento with a B.A. in Humanities and a minor in Teacher Education. While in school, she spent her free time volunteering at local elementary schools, museums, and her local library. She also completed two years of service as an AmeriCorps Member through Reading Partners.
After graduating, Mayra worked at other education nonprofits and gained a wealth of experience and knowledge around mentorship and programming for youth. It is very important to her to be a part of an organization that puts students and their communities first. It is also just as important for her to be a part of an organization that is committed to real change. This is why she is proud of being part of the Leadership Forward team.
Next Gen Student Advocate
& Program Coordinator
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ANDREA GALVAN
Andrea Galvan joined Journey Forward Mentoring in 2024 as the Next Gen Student Advocate, eager to draw from her personal and professional experiences to support students on their educational journeys. Born and raised in Dallas, Andrea has always been deeply connected to her community, with a passion for helping students and families thrive.
Andrea graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Human Development and a minor in Education. Her academic journey, combined with hands-on experience in program development and family engagement, has shaped her understanding of the complex needs of students and the critical role of education. During her time at Cornell, Andrea contributed to research on parenting education programs and helped design initiatives aimed at increasing parental involvement in education.
With a background in leadership, childcare, and mentorship, Andrea is excited to bring her skills and passion to Journey Forward Mentoring, where she is committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of students.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys crafting and learning new skills including crocheting, sewing, and painting.
Edge Postsecondary Advisor
EUNICE CERVANTES
Eunice joined the Journey Forward Mentoring team in 2023. She proudly shares the she was born and raised in Dallas, specifically Oak Cliff. She is very excited to use some of her firsthand challenges and victories as a first-generation college student in her role as Edge Advisor.
Eunice graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelors in International Studies with a focus on Latin America. She then became an AmeriCorps Member at the Cesar Chavez Foundation in Bakerfield, California, where she discovered her excitement for working with underserved students. Eventually, she moved back to Texas to complete her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of North Texas. While working for various educational non-profit organizations she
realized how important Social Emotional Development is to create a happy and healthy life. She even had the opportunity to serve on the Dallas Independent School District Social Emotional Learning Advisory Committee. She has taken all that she has learned in her personal and professional life and brought it to her next adventure with Journey Forward Mentoring.