THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MISSION
Built on Belief. Driven by Urgency.
We believe in students’ potential and act when financial barriers threaten their progress. Our team brings experience across education, technology, research, and operations to help more students finish their degrees and build their futures.
Meet the Last Mile Team
Many of us share the lived experiences of the students we serve. That understanding shapes how we listen, how we work, and how we deliver support with dignity, flexibility, and care.
RUTHE FARMER
Founder & CEO
CAROLINE ESMURDOC
COO
TAKESHIA ROBERTS
Director of Technology
SARAH A. OUTLAND, PhD
Director of Research & Evaluation
AURIELA TACZALA
Director of Finance
MICHELE LEONARD
Senior Partnerships Manager
RICA ORTIZ
Senior Operations Manager
ASHLEIGH JOHNSON
Student Awards Manager
PALOMA MARTIN-BLASIO
Student Awards Associate
ANDREA SANDERS
Financial Awards Specialist
CASEY KOPPELSON
Associate Director, Outreach & Engagement
JAMES BEDFORD
Education Fellow
SABRINA CARTAN
Content Strategist
ISABELLA TEA
System Analyst
SKYLAR PAPE
Student Awards Interviewer
EMILY OBERLENDER
Student Awards Interviewer
MAKE POSSIBILITY POSSIBLE
Invest in More Students Crossing the Finish Line
Join us in turning financial support into completed degrees, new careers, and lasting opportunity.