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ALAN H. ROWE
Founder- Chief Executive Officer
Founder Alan Rowe, native of Sacramento, California, grew up in the community of Del Paso Heights and attended Grant Union High School from which he graduated, and later Alan served for 13 years on the Board of Trustees of the then- Grant Joint High School District, now Twin Rivers Unified School District.
A lifelong activist, Alan was a member of the Black Student Union at then- Sacramento State College, now California State University at Sacramento, where he participated in student activities that resulted in the formation of the Black Studies Department at Sacramento State. Alan is a graduate of Sacramento State University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
During 36 years in public service for the State of California, Alan continued to be active in numerous community boards, committees and organizing groups, including Black Advocates in State Services, a statewide advocacy group for state workers; the Coalition of California Black School Board Members, the National Caucus of Black School Board Members, and many other community and service organizations.
Alan’s work, commitment, and long-term support of historically black colleges and universities and fostering and encouragement of academic achievement of young African American students has been well-documented by numerous awards, proclamations, and recognition from community groups, elected officials, and various professional organizations, most notably in 2013 the opening and dedication of the Alan Rowe College Prep Academy, a Fortune School, for elementary students in Elk Grove, California.
DONNA ROWE
Founder - CAO
Founder Donna Rowe, native of Sacramento, California, grew up in the community of Del Paso Heights and attended Grant Union High School from which she graduated. Donna has received numerous awards for her years of service in the community such as the Women of Excellence award which was given to her by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.
“The wind beneath his wings”, Alan’s wife of 44 years, Donna retired after working 34-years as an employee of the State of California where she served as Chief of Administrative Services for 20 years. Often working behind the scenes, using her professional skills to provide invaluable support to U-CAN in the areas of human resources and office development, and organizational structure and procedures, currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer of U-CAN.
BARBARA EVANS
Organizational Consultant
Barbara Evans joined UCAN in 2013 as an organizational consultant after coming out of retirement. She has over 40 years of experience in education with Elk Grove USD, Inglewood USD, and in North Carolina. During her career in education, she has served as a teacher, counselor, federal project coordinator, assistant principal (elementary, middle and high school), interim principal, District office administrator and university instructor.
Barbara is most proud of her work as an Educational Equity and Diversity Coach/Trainer, as well as her work in site instructional leadership, assisting and coaching dozens of teachers and administrators now successfully managing schools and districts. She holds a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Education; with California credentials for Administrative Services, Pupil Personnel Services, Multiple Subjects Teaching, and CLAD.
ROANNA KRISKO
Office Manager
Roanna Krisko came to U-CAN via AARP in 2009. She has a strong passion for the work U-CAN accomplishes and enjoys sharing her wealth of experience in customer service and office management. After her tenure with AARP ended, she continued to volunteer for the organization. When U-CAN moved to its current office in the new Alan Rowe College Prep School, Roanna returned as an employee of the organization and she proudly states, “I have never regretted a day here.”
ANGELICE FERRELL
Program Coordinator
Angelice Ferrell joined UCAN in August, 2016 as a College Guidance Specialist. Previously, she worked with the California Black Chamber of Commerce as an Intern coordinator, project manager of the Chamber’s annual Youth Entrepreneurial and Scholarship Summit, and Marketing Director for the Chamber Foundation’s community radio station, 97.5 KDEE-FM.
Angelice is a California State University, Sacramento graduate, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies, American Sign Language. Angelice hopes to one day work with young Deaf Children that are in the Foster Care System to help them find placement in homes with Deaf guardians, who are able to offer them a sense of equality and the ability to experience their cultural heritage.
Angelice is proud to have stayed in Sacramento after high school to go to college, so that she could play the role as “sister-mom” to her brother Keith, and sisters, Jasmine and Jordyn.
MUNYIGA LUMUMBA
College Guidance Specialist- Academic Athlete Coordinator, H.A.A.M.S. Counselor
Mr. Munyiga Lumumba is a graduate of McClymonds High School in Oakland, CA. A gifted athlete lettering for three years in football and track and field and a youthful intellectual who loved reading and researching, skills that have served him well in effectively conquering the challenges facing today's student/athlete.
Munyiga spent a brief stint on the UC Berkeley’s football team where he learned more than a few life lessons and completed his Bachelor of Arts program at UC Berkeley in 1977. He immediately began teaching school in the low-income communities of Oakland. His early travel experiences have taken him to many parts of the world including, Libya, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, Malta, Italy, etc.
Mr. Lumumba is the newest member to join the UCAN staff. He currently serves as a College and Career Specialist and Athletic Advisor. He has a wealth of experience as a professional in college advising and services supporting student’s academic success. He has served as Associate Director of the Upward Bound Program at UC Berkeley where he was Coordinator of the Mathematics and Science Regional Center for 20 years, Assistant Director of Upward Bound Programs at Mills College in Oakland and Program Coordinator and Assistant Director of TRIO/Upward Bound Programs at Nevada State College in Henderson, NV. Despite a powerful urge to continue serving the students in Clark County, NV, he yielded to the pleas of family
members and close friends to return to California and finally enjoy the retirement experience.
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