Leadership

LEADERSHIP

Dr. Michael Olguín, Executive Director

Pronouns: he/him

Michael Olguín joined Tucson Youth Development in 2017 as the Academic Interventionist for ACE and YouthWorks Charter High Schools, quickly advancing to the roles of College and Career Readiness Advisor and later, Interim Principal.

In 2019 he was named Principal of YouthWorks and served in that capacity until being named Executive Director in January 2021. It is the honor of his professional career to work for and with TYD. During his tenure as ED, he has placed an emphasis on upgrading the facilities for staff and youth while also ensuring the organization operates in a fiscally-conservative manner.

Prior to his time with TYD, Dr. Olguín spent 14 years as a Teacher and Academic Interventionist with the Sunnyside Unified School District, with the majority of these years spent in alternative education at STAR Academic Center (now Star Academic High School).

As a high school senior, his first employment opportunity occurred through TYD's youth programs. Dr. Olguín holds Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Secondary Education (History) and Religious Studies, a Master of Science in Mexican American and Raza Studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching and Teacher Education, all from the University of Arizona. Dr. Olguín's dissertation, Discussing Nuance: Teacher Phenotype and US-Born Mexican Origin Youth, explores how US-Born Mexican Origin/Chicanx/Latinx youth perceive teacher phenotype.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jose Arias, President

Jose is a Vice President at the First Citizens Business Banking division with over 16 years of experience focusing on Southern Arizona. He specializes in industries like Manufacturing, Commercial, Industrial, Professional Services, Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Veterinary), Wholesale, Distribution, and Transportation. Jose helps Southern Arizona business owners grow by offering financial solutions like providing access to financing towards working capital, commercial real estate, equipment, business acquisitions, treasury management, and other business banking services.

Jose started his banking career in 2006 after graduating from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. His community involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors for Tucson Youth Development, ACE & YouthWorks Charter High Schools, Greater Tucson Leadership, as well as serving as an Honorary Commander for the 924th Fighter Group at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Julie Kudrna, Vice President

Julie supports organizations to achieve their goals through program and strategic planning, evaluation, and performance management. She has led such efforts at the Pima County Health Department and Pima County Juvenile Court. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic Julie was called upon to manage the Health Department's county-wide testing program and call center. Her background also includes needs assessment, grant writing and reporting, staff training, and case management with people experiencing homelessness. Originally from northern Idaho, Julie moved to Tucson following two years as a full-time volunteer with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in which she managed a soup kitchen and outreach and communications at a juvenile justice advocacy organization. She holds a Bachelor's in Biology from Gonzaga University and a Master's in Public Administration from The University of Arizona. Julie enjoys outdoor activities and gardening and also mentors young people who are serving in the Tucson Jesuit Volunteer Corps community.

Karly Meza, Treasurer

Karly joined the Board of Directors in August 2022. Prior to her service with Tucson Youth Development, Karly served on other boards, recently and notably for Children’s Museum Tucson.

Karly is a lifelong Tucsonan who is a shareholder at R&A CPAs, P.C., where she heads the firm’s Assurance Division. She joined R&A fourteen years ago, specializing in financial reporting and auditing of non-profit organizations, construction entities, charter schools, and employee benefit plans. In addition to advising clients, Karly is responsible for staff recruitment, retention, engagement, and training.

Karly holds a BS in business administration with an emphasis in accounting and a master of accounting degree from the University of Arizona. She is licensed in Arizona.

Karly is drawn to organizations that serve youth and prioritize education. She especially values those that can leverage her aptitude for the interpretation of rules and regulations, her attention to detail, and ability to understand complex issues and articulate them in plain language. Karly’s career and volunteer work allow her to work closely with a broad range of people and add value to her clients.

In her spare time, she loves to travel with her family and indulges in karaoke sessions from time to time.

Larry Lucero -Secretary

Larry Lucero retired as Senior Director of Government and External Affairs for Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and UniSource Energy Services (UES), whose influence spans throughout the state of Arizona. His professional responsibilities included developing the company’s legislative agenda and priorities; influencing local, state and federal policy, government relations; directing state-wide business recruitment and retention, and directing a staff of government relations and economic development professionals.

Bonnie Leko-Shapiro

Pronouns: she/her

Bonnie joined the Board of Directors in August 2023. A communications strategist with 15+ years of experience in nonprofits, small businesses, and local government, Bonnie connects people to resources, information, and each other.

She started her career with Catholic Social Services of Southern Arizona then spent years in Denver and Washington, D.C. before returning to Tucson. After 4+ years in the public sector - as a Communications Specialist for the Pima County Health Department, acting as deputy Public Information Officer during the initial response phases of the COVID-19 pandemic - Bonnie joined the Aging Life Care Association, a national professional membership organization, as the Manager of Marketing and Communications.

She holds a M.A. from the University of Denver in International Development as well as a B.A. from Gonzaga University in International Relations and French.

Emily Bressler

Pronouns: she/her

Emily is an accomplished Program and Grants Manager with over a decade of experience in public health, grants management, and compliance. She has successfully led high-profile initiatives, including projects funded by the MacArthur Foundation and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Throughout her career, Emily has championed health equity and evidence-based strategies, ensuring that programs maximize their impact and meet rigorous compliance standards. She holds a Master of Public Health from Georgia Southern University and a Bachelor of Health Science with a minor in Psychology from Armstrong State University. Her professional certifications include Wrike, Six Sigma, and Project Management.

Emily's expertise in project management, public health, and grants has been recognized through several honors, including being named to Georgia Southern University's 40 Under 40 list. She brings a collaborative and strategic mindset to every organization she works with, striving to align resources and mission-driven goals.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Emily can be found at Tucson Improv Movement, embracing her love for improvisational comedy or passionately following all things Lady Gaga.

View Board of Director Governance requirements
as required by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools

• • • JOIN THE BOARD • • •

If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors, or to access Board Policies,
contact TYD's administrative office at (520) 623-5843 or by email.