As the Chief Executive Officer, Lynn McBee is dedicated to empowering underserved girls in Texas and guiding them toward successful college pathways. Hailing from Freeport, Texas, Lynn’s journey, beginning with a quality secondary and post-secondary public education, is a testament to the power of education. Her trajectory in STEM fields and community leadership roles fuels her passion to teach and lead other young women on similar paths of achievement.

After graduating with a biochemistry degree from the University of Texas in the early 90s, Lynn embarked on her career journey as an early recruit at New England Biolabs (NEB). Her role as a research scientist evolved into cultivating partnerships pivotal for NEB’s growth into a global leader in genomic research, now employing over 600 individuals.

With over nine years as CEO of YWPN, Lynn champions STEM-focused all-girls PUBLIC schools through public-private partnerships. Under her leadership, YWPN boasts a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduates, most of whom are first-generation college students. Lynn’s tenure has witnessed a remarkable 300% revenue growth and a profound understanding of collaborating with school districts to elevate student achievement.

Renowned for her leadership and philanthropy, Lynn also holds prominent roles across numerous organizations. She serves as Co-Chair of For Oak Cliff, Chair of The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, Chairman Emeritus, and Life Member of the Board of the Visiting Nurse Association. She holds executive positions on boards like AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas College Foundation, and many more.

Lynn has devoted more than 45,000 hours to service across 30 nonprofit organizations. Her unwavering commitment has significantly impacted critical societal issues, from enhancing education and supporting people experiencing homelessness to safeguarding children and combating domestic violence. Her track record encompasses past chairmanships and board memberships across entities such as The Dallas Opera, TACA, EarthX, and the Dallas Historical Society. Lynn’s dedication has been recognized through numerous state and local awards, including the 2021 Juanita Craft Humanitarian Visionary Award, the 2022 Maura Award from the Texas Women’s Foundation, and the 2023 VolunteerNow Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2022, Lynn was appointed by Mayor Eric Johnson as Workforce Development Czar.

As Chief Academic and Accountability Officer, Berta collaborates closely with teachers and campus leaders across nine YWPN schools. Her focus extends beyond academics, encompassing mentorship for administrators, professional development for educators, curriculum support, and strategies to reinforce the YWPN School Model’s core values of college readiness, leadership, and personal wellness.

Berta embodies a lifelong commitment to empowering young women, especially those pioneering their families’ journeys toward higher education. Her career path and personal journey underscore the pivotal role of education in shaping future female leaders and advocates.

Berta is a first-generation college graduate who navigated her own path, starting as a non-English speaker and becoming the trailblazer in her family by completing high school and graduating from college. Drawing from her experiences, she prioritizes instilling confidence and leadership skills in young women, guiding them toward higher education. Her mantra echoes the belief that embracing one’s identity and forging ahead confidently can pave the way for achieving any dream.

Berta holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Texas Tech University. Her 38-year career in public education encompassed roles as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Her most cherished accomplishment was steering the Margaret Talkington School for Young Women Leaders in Lubbock, a YWPN school, to receive the National Blue-Ribbon School designation. Her outstanding leadership was nationally recognized when she received the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership from the Department of Education, among only eight principals honored nationwide.

Driven by the conviction that higher education is the catalyst to position more females to take their place as future leaders and community advocates, Berta’s passion and dedication resonate in her work with YWPN. Her commitment is a beacon, empowering young women to embrace education as a transformative force in their lives and communities.

Claire Manigold has over seven years of service as the Chief Financial Officer. Claire oversees budget preparation and monitoring for the Network and its schools, manages the general ledger, liaises with investment managers, and supports the development team in grant requests and reporting.

With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Mississippi, Claire’s finance journey spans diverse roles. She served as a Senior Accountant at Arthur Andersen & Co. and as a Division Controller at Trammell Crow Company, overseeing pivotal divisions in Houston and Austin. Her was an executive recruiter at Aylward, Wright and Associates, before joining the Crystal Charity Ball as controller, where she adeptly managed the financial aspects of a $10 million Dallas nonprofit.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Claire serves on the Exodus Ministries Women’s Council board and the City Missions team at Park Cities Presbyterian Church. Her commitment to educational empowerment led her to serve as President, and she is currently on the Advisory Council for Educational Opportunities. Claire’s multifaceted experiences and dedicated service underscore her commitment to financial stewardship and community impact.

Cindy Ryan, Chief Development Officer, is a seasoned fundraising leader with over two decades of experience spearheading non-profit organizations’ development efforts. With a rich skill set encompassing grant writing, relationship building, corporate fundraising, event management, and communication strategies, Cindy brings invaluable expertise to her role.

Cindy’s 13-year tenure at YWPN as Senior Development Officer and now as Chief Development Officer highlights her proficiency in engaging and nurturing corporate partnerships, cultivating relationships with foundations and individual donors, and managing a successful fundraising department.

As a first-generation college graduate herself, Cindy is passionate about assisting other girls in achieving their dreams of earning a college degree. Cindy’s journey to her BA in Communications from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, navigating college without proper guidance or financial resources, drives her dedication to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to quality higher education advising.

Cindy’s dedication extends beyond her professional sphere. She is a former member of the Junior League of Dallas and served as the Event Chair for the American Red Cross Mardi Gras Ball. She cherishes family time with her husband, Joe, and son, Kyle. They love to travel, hike, and go “glamping.”

Janna Burn’s 20-year commitment to student service has been a journey of unexpected opportunities. Initially uncertain about teaching middle school, she found immense fulfillment at Arnold Middle School in Grand Prairie for a decade. Transitioning from the classroom to an Instructional Coaching role was another turning point, guiding educators to enhance their impact.

Her trajectory unexpectedly led to administrative roles, including Dean of Instruction and later as principal at Young Women’s Leadership Academy at Arnold in Grand Prairie. In 2023, Janna joined our team as the Executive Director of Teacher Development and School Support, leveraging her experience to elevate student opportunities.

Throughout her career, Janna has learned the benefits of overcoming limitations and embracing challenges and changes. Every ‘never’ became a chance to grow. Now, she shares this mindset with the teachers, students, and administrators she supports. In her newest role, Janna draws on her extensive experience as an educator and provides customized support to campuses as she partners with them to elevate student opportunities and success.

When she’s not serving campuses with YPWN, Janna and her husband, Rod, love to travel, hike mountains, and have as many adventures as possible.

Jeremy Cortez has spent the past decade in single-gender college advising within the Young Women’s Preparatory Network. He served ten years as the College Success Advisor at the Talkington School for Young Women Leaders and is currently the Executive Director of College Success for the entire YWPN network of schools. Jeremy has empowered thousands of students in these roles, guiding them through college enrollment and graduation. Jeremy spearheaded the College Success Initiative (CSI), which was implemented across our network of schools. His passion for college readiness, coupled with YWPN’s “To and Through” model, has remarkably propelled college graduation rates, nearly tripling the national average for similar student populations within six years.

Jeremy’s daily mission addresses the challenges YWPN students face—navigating unfamiliar higher education landscapes, challenging low expectations in underperforming schools and overcoming financial obstacles. His journey fuels his dedication: “I was just like them. I saw how hard my mom worked, but I didn’t know how to help her. I want girls to understand that we can and will help them and their families.” As YWPN’s Executive Director of College Success, Jeremy’s unwavering commitment, rooted in personal experience, epitomizes the transformative power of genuine care and support for students navigating the complexities of education.

Before joining the single-gender education sector, Jeremy contributed to higher education by supporting underrepresented students at Texas Tech University, significantly aiding the institution in achieving Hispanic Serving Institute status. Armed with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech University and currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at Baylor University, Jeremy seamlessly merges academic expertise with steadfast dedication in his impactful roles.

Brad Harlan brings over a decade of extensive administrative experience to his role as Office Manager at YWPN, where he has skillfully managed daily operations and brought invaluable cohesion to our team for more than two years. Brad also ensures seamless executive support as Executive Assistant to CEO Lynn McBee.

His motivation stems from witnessing girls’ success at YWPN, from high school graduation to college achievements, nurturing his commitment to making a meaningful difference in their lives. “Knowing I am a part of their success is the best feeling in the world.”

Brad’s professional journey has been shaped by working for Crow Family, Inc. and EarthX, where he developed expertise in HR management, office administration, and overseeing diverse responsibilities spanning both personal and business realms. His background also includes pivotal roles at Lila McCann Music, Jenna von Oy Entertainment, Jennifer Peña, Inc., and LeAnn Rimes Entertainment, Inc., refining his skills in personal assistance, staff supervision, travel coordination, and high-profile event management.

Brad balances his professional life with personal passions, running a thriving side business, Evolve Scents, and sharing his huge heart with rescue dogs, Cali, Carter, Cooper & Ari.

Mariza, a native of Lubbock, graduated from Talkington School for Young Women Leaders, a YWPN network school. As a first-generation student, she recognized education’s transformative power and aimed to break generational barriers. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a master’s in Marketing Research and Analytics at Texas Tech University.

Relocating to Dallas, Mariza found purpose as the Coordinator of Programs and Partnerships at Young Women’s Preparatory Network. Her journey, which mirrors many YWPN students, allows her to connect deeply with them. Mariza spearheads student enrichment initiatives, including mentoring programs, internships, summer activities, career exploration, and leadership conferences, enriching the educational experiences of YWPN students.

Born into a family marked by the injustices of Japanese American internment post-Pearl Harbor, Jeanne Goka’s upbringing is a testament to fortitude amidst discrimination. Relocating to Houston after the war, her family faced hostility, with neighbors hurling garbage onto their lawn and petitions seeking to expel them.

Her teaching career began in Southeast Houston, a tumultuous setting where she witnessed student riots and societal upheavals. Yet, she found solace in a supportive principal, reaffirming her belief in education’s power against racial bias. Later, in East Texas, amidst a thriving Ku Klux Klan chapter, she remained resolute, convinced that education could counter deep-seated racism.

Decades later, Jeanne became the founding principal of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders in 2007. Every graduate found a place in college, validating her belief in education as a vehicle out of poverty. Post-retirement, she continued championing equity and diversity within the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, ensuring inclusivity in reading materials and addressing microaggressions.

Jeanne was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Girls Scouts of America of Central Texas, received the Corazon Community Award from Con Mi Madre, and the DIVA (Daring. Ingenious. Victorious. Altruistic.) award from DIVA Con, named the Principal of the Year by Austin’s Boys and Girls Club and inducted into the City of Austin’s Women Hall of Fame. She was the first representative of a public all-girls school on the National Coalition of Girl Schools board, where she was recently honored with the International Coalition of Girls Schools’ Ransome Prize.

Settled in Kauai, Hawaii, Jeanne lives with her husband, writer Lou Dubose. She is proud of her children, Michael, a musician in Austin, and Emiko, a psychologist with a doctorate in counseling in Bend, Oregon. Her life embodies resilience, advocacy, and an unwavering belief in education’s transformative power—an inspirational narrative that continues to leave an indelible mark on generations of young women.

Kate Kettles discovered her inner strength during an all-girls program called Texas Girls State. Encouraged by influential and loving women leaders, the first-gen college graduate was inspired to empower other young women to succeed. For 20 years, Kate worked in and around the Texas Legislature, ultimately becoming the Director of Governmental and Community Relations at The University of Texas at Arlington. In this role, she worked with lawmakers to increase the university’s strength as a leader in STEM research. Later, Kate became a fundraiser, working to advance educational opportunities for students. She began at her children’s school and eventually worked with other schools.

Kate has been YWPN’s Director of Development, focusing on grant writing, since 2020. Writing the story of YWPN to help others love these young women is her dream job. “I have a profound belief in their boundless potential. Writing a well-told story about and for them makes me feel powerful too.”

Kate resides in Dallas with her husband, Jon, their children, Cam and Max. Her ideal day would be spent with them, soaking in fresh air and sunshine, on a long hike.

Jennifer Long, YWPN Director of Outreach and Engagement, works to create long-term sustainability for YWPN schools through fundraising, communications, and community engagement. She partners with school leadership and cultivates volunteer advisory councils to engage their communities and achieve greater impact. Jennifer is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) with 25+ years of experience in communications and development, nonprofit management, executive leadership, and Board service.

Jennifer previously served as Executive Director of the Ann Richards School Foundation, where she secured funding and partnerships to support student enrichment programs. She also spent more than a decade with the Livestrong Foundation during significant growth and challenges, serving on the leadership team and leading marketing strategy and operations. She was a board member, treasurer, and president of Generation Serve. She also led the development committee at Mainspring Schools, a nonprofit preschool for economically disadvantaged families.

Jennifer is a two-time graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her master’s in public affairs degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs and her undergraduate degree in advertising. She lives with her husband and their two daughters in Austin.

Alyssa is the Program and Data Specialist at YWPN. She has been at the Network for three years and was previously the Coordinator of Programs and Partnerships.

Alyssa is an alum of YWPN, having attended the Talkington School for Young Women Leaders in Lubbock. After graduating from Talkington, she moved to Denton to attend the University of North Texas, where she obtained her bachelor’s in journalism with a concentration in advertising and double minored in photography and sociology. She continued her education at UNT and received her master’s in digital communication analytics.

Being the eldest among four siblings, Alyssa understood the significance of attending and completing college, setting a precedent for her younger brothers and sisters. Her mother obtained her college degree during Alyssa’s high school years, reinforcing the family’s emphasis on the importance of higher education.

Alyssa is dedicated to creating opportunities for YWPN alums, supporting them in navigating their college and post-college journey challenges.

What motivates Kristina “Kris” Waugh, Director of Guidance and Social Emotional Learning, is the belief that education empowers women to flourish economically and make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Teaching girls that their voices matter and can positively impact entire communities fuels Kris’s dedication to this transformative work.

Kris is an accomplished educator with over 33 years of experience in teaching, counseling, and school administration. Retiring as the Principal of our Austin school, the Ann Richards School for Young Women, Kris’s leadership was instrumental in designing the school’s STEM curriculum, pioneering innovative pathways, and promoting the health and wellness of students.

Believing fervently in the benefits of single-gender education, Kris has dedicated herself to leveling the playing field for underserved girls, ensuring they receive academic excellence. Her understanding of teaching and learning priorities underscores her commitment to designing programs centered around student empowerment and wellness.

Kris spent her early years in Wisconsin and graduated from South Dakota State University. Kris, the first in her family to graduate from college, recognizes the transformative power of education in altering life trajectories. She and her husband, John, have raised two children—Kelsey, a 3rd-grade teacher, and Ryan, currently pursuing an MBA at Stephen F. Austin University.

Maggie Wilson is the Development Associate for the Young Women’s Preparatory Network and the Community Liaison at Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School. Maggie is originally from Houston, Texas, but has been in Dallas for the past six years after completing her BA in English at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

Since graduation, Maggie has worked in publishing and for nonprofits in marketing, development, and community outreach positions. She brings a knowledge of the Dallas nonprofit world. Maggie is also a member of the Dallas Junior League and spends time volunteering around the city. In her free time, Maggie enjoys walking her pug and reading.

“I’ve seen how a quality education can change a person’s life and trajectory. Quality education is a fundamental right and a pathway to empowerment. It is important that girls, early on, understand that their voices and opinions matter, and we can help provide leadership opportunities and experiences that help cement this belief in our students.  Understanding the transformative impact education can have on a girl’s life, including enhanced opportunities, personal development, and future success, is my leading motivation.”

Driven by a commitment to community impact and inspired by the strength of women supporting each other, Olivia Sanden joined the Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN) as Director of Corporate & Individual Giving in September 2024. She brings extensive experience from the oil and gas industry, where her work spanned charitable giving, corporate sponsorships, community engagement, and building partnerships across the Dallas Metroplex. Olivia is passionate about leveraging her corporate experience to support YWPN’s mission and create lasting change.

Originally from Midland, Texas, Olivia has called Dallas home for the past four years. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2015 and lived in Bogota, Colombia, before starting her career in 2016. Throughout her journey, she has remained grounded by the strong female mentors who inspired her to reach new heights.

An outdoor enthusiast, Olivia enjoys hiking, camping, biking, and volleyball. A graduate of a pastry program in Paris, she has a deep love for baking. She is also an active member of Park Cities Presbyterian Church and an avid traveler, having explored 27 countries thus far.

Rod Burns currently serves as the Director of Instructional Technology and School Support at YWPN, where he leads the development and implementation of technology-driven strategies to enhance student learning outcomes across multiple campuses. He strongly believes that teacher success is directly tied to student achievement and is dedicated to providing educators with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s classrooms.

“It’s a great opportunity to support teachers with best practices and technology in a meaningful way. By working closely with teachers to help them navigate challenges and introduce innovative teaching methods, this role really allows me to have a direct impact on how students learn and grow.

With best practices and technology being such a key part of education today, the chance to help integrate them into classrooms is huge. It not only enhances the learning experience but also ensures that students are gaining the skills they need to succeed academically and beyond. It’s a role where you get to be part of something bigger—helping both teachers and students.”

With 24 years of experience in education, Rod’s career began in middle and high school science classrooms, teaching subjects such as UT OnRamps Geoscience. His focus on creating engaging, inclusive learning environments laid the foundation for his passion for educational leadership.

Rod’s leadership roles grew over time. He became a NIET (TAP) Mentor, coaching fellow educators to improve their instructional practices. He also served as a Digital Ambassador, guiding teachers and students in seamlessly integrating technology into their learning experiences.

Outside of work, Rod enjoys traveling with his wife and playing golf. He finds these activities a great way to recharge and stay connected to what matters most.

Tiphany Burrell is the Houston Area Development Manager for Young Women’s Preparatory Network. She has served in executive leadership, program management, and fund development in the social services and education arena for over 20 years, focusing on empowering girls through education, rebuilding communities, and activating the potential in every young person.

In her role as Development Manager, Tiphany currently supports campuses in Houston ISD and Aldine ISD, where she is committed to connecting people to resources and resources to sustainable programming that supports girls and young women in the Greater Houston area.

“From academics to life skills, our students, alum, and families leave YWPN better than they arrived. And as a Black woman, I am keenly aware of the difference that education, access, and opportunity can make in the lives of young people. I often say that this is what bridges the “haves” and “have-nots.” And, knowing that what I do at YWPN supports work like this, makes me a bridge builder… of which I am both honored and proud to be.”

Tiphany has been married to her college sweetheart, Charles Burrell, since 1995. Tiphany is the proud mother of Xavier and Jasmine, who both graduated from the Houston ISD single-gender academies.

Kate Williamson, Development Manager for Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Midland, boasts a two-decade career spanning political advocacy, fundraising, and communication. Her professional journey includes pivotal roles in federal offices, notably supporting Congressmen Mac Thornberry and Randy Neugebauer, alongside consulting for Thornberry’s campaign until his retirement in 2020. Her passion for public policy ignited during a college internship with Speaker Pete Laney in 2001.

Active in the Midland community, Kate served as Chair of the Midland Chamber of Commerce Board and was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas OneStar National Service Commission Board. Her philanthropic involvement spans leadership roles in organizations like High Sky Children’s Ranch, Junior League of Midland, and the March of Dimes Tour De Vine event.

Hailing from Vernon, TX, Kate graduated with honors from Texas Tech University, majoring in Spanish with a minor in Political Science. She resides in Midland with her husband, Clint, and their two teenage children, showcasing an unwavering commitment to community enrichment, education, and philanthropy in the Permian Basin.

Jill Brewster serves as the El Paso Area Development Manager for the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, bringing a rich background in education and a strong commitment to empowering students. After fifteen years in the classroom, Jill transitioned to fundraising to help address the resource gaps she saw in schools. Her experience as an educator uniquely equips her to understand school needs and craft fundraising and grant proposals that effectively support their priorities.

In her role, Jill works to build community support for the Young Women’s STEAM Academy in El Paso ISD and the Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Ysleta ISD. She is dedicated to securing the resources and opportunities that help students thrive academically and prepare for their future careers. Jill’s passion for educational equity and her advocacy for young women drive her efforts to create a lasting impact. She is also a proud military spouse and mother to a high school daughter who attends a single-gender academy in El Paso.