Martha Lee, school counselor, Glasgow High School (Delaware)

Martha Lee is in year three of her school counseling career at Glasgow High School. Growing up in Asheville, North Carolina, Martha loved going to school so much that her parents teased her that if she could figure out a way to stay in school forever, she would. So she did! As a school counselor at Glasgow High School, Martha serves as the AP coordinator, senior recognition coordinator, and college coordinator and maintains her own caseload. 

Martha graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s in criminal justice summa cum laude. After graduation Martha decided she wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem. Martha then pursued a master's degree in school counseling at Capella University.  

While all parts of school counseling are rewarding, Martha particularly loves the college and career portion of things. Since Glasgow High School is a school whose population faces many challenges, most students assume that college is for other students. One of the most fulfilling parts of being a school counselor has been changing the school culture from a culture that assumes college is out of reach to having a “Million Dollar Club,” which showcases the students who have earned over one million dollars in scholarships.  

Martha lives in Delaware with her fiancé James, their three cats (Harper, Charlie, and Pigwidgeon), and two Labradoodles (Wallace and Willow). She is a huge Swiftie and Arsenal Football Club supporter. 

Kylie Lucas, academic advisor/teacher, Parsons High School (Kansas)

Kylie Lucas is an academic advisor and teacher at Parsons High School in Parsons, Kansas, where she supports upperclassmen in preparing for their futures through college and career readiness courses and public speaking instruction. With over 15 years of experience in higher education at Labette Community College, she brings a deep understanding of academic pathways and student development to the high school setting. Since transitioning to secondary education in 2022, she has continued to empower students with the skills and confidence needed for life beyond graduation. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and indulging in a bit of shopping—Besides "teacher," her favorite title will always be "mom" to her four children.  

Richard Ramirez, higher education coordinator, Dominguez High School (California) 

Richard Ramirez is a dedicated higher ed coordinator with over 10 years of experience supporting high school students from Compton, California. His work centers on expanding college access and promoting dual enrollment opportunities to help students unlock their full academic potential. Passionate about equity in education, Richard is committed to guiding students through every step of their college journey and creating pathways to success beyond high school.

Facilitator - Lisa King, director, ACT’s American College Application Campaign

Lisa has worked for the American College Application Campaign since 2016 as senior communications specialist and was named director in 2020. Prior to joining the Campaign, King served local, state, and national nonprofits and education institutions through her communications consultancy, Lisa King Consulting, LLC. Some of the clients include the Michigan College Access Network, the National College Attainment Network, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, and Michigan AfterSchool Association. King holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in Integrative Public Relations and Public Affairs and a master’s degree in strategic communication from Michigan State University. She resides in East Lansing, Michigan with her three sons and two cats.