Diane Acevedo is a versatile leader and born problem-solver who has implemented and refined operational systems and processes for multiple entities, driving revenue and scalability. Her passion for and dedication to operational excellence has facilitated her meteoric rise from one sector to another.

Why Mentorship: A single mother of four, she’s passionate about empowering her children, supporting underrepresented communities, and mentoring those eager for growth.

Abby loves the arts, the outdoors, and a good book, with photography, concerts, kayaking, and rock climbing among her favorites. She’s raising three kids with her husband of 16 years and is always dreaming up their next family adventure.

Why Mentorship: I want to be part of the support that helps a parent finish school despite the challenges they face. I can relate because I graduated with 2.5 kids (i.e. I was pregnant with my third). It's possible!

Dan Atwood is a father of two aspiring multilinguals, and graduated from Utah Valley University in December 2023 with a B.S. in Business Management, concentrating in International Business, and a minor in Spanish and Mandarin. He has worked as a realtor, opened his own business, Globalingo Solutions LLC, and lived in Bulgaria and Beijing as a language and cultural student.

Why Mentorship: Amid becoming a dad to two handsome boys and learning to cope with mental health challenges, it took me eight years and three universities to finish my undergrad. Because I understand the challenges that come with being a parent while studying, I want to mentor others to help them reach their fullest potential, inspiring them to see the whole picture.

Melissa is a product designer focused on creating solutions for a kids' wearable product, balancing collaboration, data-driven decisions, technical constraints, and visual design. Outside of work, she’s a wife and mom of three who enjoys staying active by playing pickleball and chasing her kids.

Why Mentorship: I had a child during college; it was an experience that completely changed my perspective on finding a village. I couldn’t have finished my degree without my incredible friends, family and mentors. Getting an education ultimately made me a better parent. I’ve continued to make it a goal of mine to empower parents to keep going and working towards their educational and career pursuits!

Bob is a tech startup leader with 10 years of experience in IT, Product Management, and Customer Experience, dedicated to achieving outstanding results and building exceptional teams. A dad of two and UVU graduate, he enjoys coaching, caring for his French bulldogs, and working on his family’s fixer-upper home.

Why Mentorship: I had the best memories and great respect for my time at UVU, where I balanced a day job, 12 credits, and multiple grave shifts a week over seven years to finish my degree. I’m inspired by people overcoming real challenges to further their education and create better lives for themselves and their loved ones.

Austin Duran, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and father of two, graduated from Weber State University with a Computer Science degree in 2021. Now a Technical-Lead Android Developer at Gabb, he previously improved JobNimbus’s Android app rating from 2 to over 4 stars.

Why Mentorship: While balancing full-time work and studies, I was blessed with mentors who believed in me and opened doors I never thought I was qualified for. Now, I’m committed to paying it forward by mentoring and helping others find opportunities to succeed.

With a background in social work and three years in tech, Lida brings a people-first approach to her work while advocating for underrepresented voices and fostering community. A solo parent to a lively 6-year-old, she values creativity, mentors others, and enjoys concerts, rafting, art, and discovering new restaurants.

Why Mentorship: When I re-entered the workforce as a newly single parent, I felt lost trying to balance parenthood and building a career. Thanks to incredible mentors, I found my way, and now I’m passionate about providing the support I once needed to help others navigate similar challenges.

Emmie is a passionate advocate for protecting children and has worked at Gabb for over three years, leading the Influencer team to educate the public on the dangers of excessive tech use. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, boating, and skiing.

Why Mentorship: Having balanced full-time work and school, I know how challenging it can be, but with planning and prioritizing, it's possible to manage. After going through a tough divorce, I want to offer direction and support to students facing similar personal struggles while balancing school and work.

Lei is a passionate go-getter who loves connecting with people and making things happen. As the Senior Manager of Influencers at Gabb Wireless, she’s all about creativity, strategy, and lifting others up. A first-gen college grad, Lei tackled challenges head-on and graduated with honors—proving that hard work and determination pay off. With her faith, sense of humor, and a big heart for helping others, she’s on a mission to empower people to chase their dreams and live with purpose.

Lori is a seasoned leader in corporate philanthropy with two decades of experience, including work with the Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee, Huntsman Cancer Foundation, and Qualtrics' 5 For The Fight campaign. Now focused on safe tech for kids, she helps mobilize communities to navigate parenting in the digital age while enjoying Utah’s snow and sun with her teens. You can always count on Lori for a lively discussion about the good of the world, a great cookbook recommendation and thoughts on the benefits of digital detoxes.

Why Mentorship: I always want to lift up people and students, especially those who are caring for others while advancing their academic career. While I did not care for a child during college, I shared the caregiving responsibilities for my mom during her cancer experience while juggling two kids and a full-time job.

Melody, a passionate puzzle solver and storyteller, pursued a career in design, earning a BFA in graphic design from USU. With experience at agencies, biotech, and tech companies, she has spent the last three years as a product designer at Gabb, focusing on experiences for parents and kids.

Why Mentorship: As a new parent, I know how stressful and time-consuming parenthood can be and know that balancing a school schedule would make that much more difficult. I want to provide support in whatever way I can. I love opportunities to help others who are earlier in their professional journey than I am and share whatever experience I can.