Founder & CEO of College Shortcuts | TEDx Speaker | Educational Entrepreneur | Transformational Leader
Neha Gupta is a visionary in the world of education, college admissions, and youth empowerment. A graduate of Rice University with dual degrees in Economics and Business, and a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, jointly developed with Wharton Business School, Neha blends Ivy League pedigree with real-world entrepreneurial impact. She and her team are members of NACAC, the largest global organization for independent educational consultants.
She is the founder of College Shortcuts, Dream Life Foundation, and Dream School TV, and was recognized as one of Houston Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Companies, placing in the Top 5 out of 100. With over 18 years of hands-on experience, Neha has helped thousands of students gain admission to the Ivy League and Top 20 colleges, and she continues to oversee every aspect of the College Shortcuts experience—from personally selecting mentors to guiding the innovation of its ed-tech platform and AI-powered tools.
As a Jacobs Fellow and recipient of the Wharton Innovation Fund, Neha has been invited to exclusive global think tanks including Richard Branson’s private island, Tony Robbins’ business mastermind retreats, and Mindvalley University, where she advises on reimagining education for the next generation.
Neha is also a three-time bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and media-recognized expert featured on Good Morning LA, FOX News, ABC News, Entrepreneur Magazine, Vanity Fair, and over 100 media outlets. Her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and passion has made her a sought-after speaker for organizations such as Rice University, KPMG, and hundreds of school districts nationwide.Education runs in Neha’s blood.
Raised in a family of educators, her parents—both IIT graduates—built schools in the U.S., founded a university in India, and brought international teachers to underserved American communities. That legacy fuels her drive to ignite passion, direction, and excellence in the next generation.
Neha’s approach fuses academic precision with emotional intelligence and personal development. Trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and deeply committed to her own growth, she has attended every Tony Robbins event, studied under Joe Dispenza, completed silent retreats, and integrates holistic practices like sound baths, meditation, and yoga into her life and leadership.
As the hands-on CEO of College Shortcuts, Neha knows every family who joins her program. She’s not just building college applications—she’s helping build legacies. High-performing families, industry leaders, and aspiring changemakers call on Neha to help their children unlock their potential, clarify their passions, and chart their path to a dream future.
To learn more about Neha personally, visit www.heyneha.com and her non-profit www.dreamlifefoundation.com.
College Shortcuts Is Powered By:
Senior Enrollment Director & Family Assessment Expert at College Shortcuts
Jeff Newman is the warm and knowledgeable first voice many families hear when they begin their journey with College Shortcuts — and for good reason. As the Director of Enrollment with over a decade of experience at the company, Jeff has helped guide thousands of families through the critical early stages of the college admissions process, ensuring that each family is matched with the right services, strategy, and support system.
With a calm demeanor and a data-driven mindset, Jeff leads the initial family assessment process, diving deep into each student’s academic profile, extracurricular background, and college goals. His job isn’t just to share information — it’s to truly understand the student behind the transcript and help families see what’s possible with the right mentorship. His thorough evaluations and honest, compassionate conversations are a cornerstone of what makes the College Shortcuts process so personalized and effective.
Jeff is also a parent who’s walked this journey himself — his two children currently attend Top 20 universities, and he brings both professional insight and personal empathy to every conversation he has with families. He knows firsthand how overwhelming and high-stakes the college admissions process can feel, and he’s passionate about making it more transparent, less stressful, and more empowering for parents and students alike.
Over the years, Jeff has developed a keen eye for what top-tier schools are truly looking for. He has assessed thousands of family applications, helping students from all academic backgrounds identify their strengths and unlock the mentorship support that will help them stand out. Whether a student is aiming for an Ivy League institution, a top STEM program, or a competitive liberal arts college, Jeff helps families clarify their goals and build a roadmap that feels achievable and inspiring.
Beyond assessments, Jeff plays a strategic role in shaping the enrollment experience at College Shortcuts. He partners closely with our founder and executive team to continually refine our family intake process, ensuring it’s responsive to admissions trends and tailored to the evolving needs of today’s students. His insights often inform how we position students for success — before the first mentor call even begins.
What families appreciate most about Jeff is his straightforward communication, grounded perspective, and genuine care. He isn’t here to sell a dream — he’s here to guide families toward a plan that works. His ability to make parents feel heard, informed, and confident is one of the many reasons College Shortcuts maintains such a high referral rate and trusted reputation among high-achieving families nationwide.
When you speak with Jeff, you’re not just talking to an enrollment director — you’re speaking with a seasoned guide, a proud parent, and a committed partner in your child’s success.
Marketing and Advertising Specialist
AI Engineer and Development
Operations & Social Media Management
Computer Engineer and Developer
Our team consists of professors, former admissions officers, Ivy graduates, and tens of years of experience.
Jaquala Lowery is a dedicated college access professional with over nine years of experience guiding students and families through the college admissions process. Her work is deeply rooted in advocacy, equity, and educational empowerment—but most of all, in passion and purpose.
Jaquala is a masters level consultant on the team and he also holds a Certificate in College Admissions Counseling from the University of California and is highly trained in the process.
Jaquala has held impactful roles at institutions such as The Pennsylvania State University, Carnegie Mellon University, City Charter High School, and with TRIO programs, where she has supported hundreds of students through complex admissions processes, financial aid systems, and academic transitions. She brings particular expertise in developing college and career readiness programming and advising exploratory and undecided students.
Throughout her career, she has served as an academic advisor, college and career counselor, and transition manager—building a well-rounded skill set in admissions strategy, financial aid guidance, and personalized academic planning. Her compassionate, student-centered approach creates a supportive environment where students can explore their goals, develop self-advocacy skills, and ultimately find the college that fits them best.
Sompa is an inspiring mentor, higher education advocate, and operations leader who brings a vibrant blend of cross-cultural experience, research-driven insight, and a passion for educational equity to her work with College Shortcuts. With a proven record of impact in student affairs, program development, and global education access, Sompa guides students to approach their college journeys with purpose and confidence.
Sompa is a Harvard-trained education specialist, pursuing her master’s in Human Development and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Studies from Kenyon College. Her academic foundation reflects her commitment to innovation, inclusion, and rigorous mentorship—values she weaves into every student interaction.
At College Shortcuts, Sompa empowers students to design applications that are both authentic and strategically outstanding. Whether she’s demystifying financial aid for first-generation applicants or helping a student build a compelling narrative that bridges cultures and identities, she meets every student where they are, supporting them to rise with clarity and self-assurance.
Beyond her work here, Sompa is the founder of Higher Education Dreamers, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to mentoring high-achieving, low-income Cambodian students through the complexities of college admissions. She has also served in impactful roles with the Chicago Public Education Fund and Aspire Institute, where she led initiatives to advance school leadership, build strategic partnerships, and strengthen alumni networks.
Sompa has worn many hats in higher education, from coordinating inclusive programming at the Harvard Graduate School of Design to co-chairing the Global Women’s Initiative and founding the Southeast Asian Identity Club. Across all her work, she has championed gender equity, cultural representation, and the power of community.
What families appreciate most about Sompa? Her warmth, her meticulous eye for detail, and her unwavering belief that education can change lives. When your child works with Sompa, they don’t just get college application support—they gain a thoughtful partner and dedicated advocate who will champion their growth every step of the way.
Alejandra is an energetic, caring, and motivating college admissions consultant. She has experience in tutoring, teaching, academic coaching, and college consulting. She enjoys working with students to help them reach their goals. She enjoys helping them find who they strive to be. She believes that every student deserves the opportunity to learn and fulfill all of their academic dreams. She has worked as a tutor for students from Kindergarten through High School. She approaches every student differently and thoughtfully. Every student learns different and has different needs and she strives to be the person they need her to be. She will be their number one fan and will show the “tough love” when students need that extra push. She enjoys this work because she is able to be a part of the journey where students achieve their educational goals.
Alejandra has a Masters of Educational Leadership and a Bachelors of Education from universities in Texas. She is on her way to pursuing her PhD in Higher Education Administration. She is also taking a writing course to better herself in helping her students.
At College Shortcuts Alejandra works with students on their college admissions journey. From finding where they want to apply to writing their essays. She will help with every step along the way. She has worked with students from around the world and different diversities. She believes every student has what it takes to go to college and receive an education to have their dream career.
She has worked with many students along her education journey. From a public school teacher, online tutor, online teacher, college admissions, academic coaching, and college consulting. She has worked with students around the world. She has worked with students pursuing different fields.
Alejandra enjoys running, hiking, reading, and running. She loves exploring nature and seeing all the beautiful features. She has run several marathons and enjoys trail marathons the most. She has hiked the Grand Canyon in Arizona. She plans to travel to different states to hike the different beautiful trails. She loves reading Thriller books and enjoys writing children's books on her spare time.
Alejandra believes in every student and will meet students where they are. She will help shape them into who they aspire to be and push them to be their very best.
As a senior consultant at College Shortcuts, Samir brings a wealth of experience and passion for helping high school students navigate the admissions process with confidence. He empowers students to express their unique stories with authenticity and clarity, ensuring their voices shine through in every application essay. Through thoughtful conversations and personalized feedback, he helps them capture their unique perspectives, experiences, and aspirations in a way that resonates with admissions committees.
He received his PhD from Princeton University, MA from Columbia University, and BS from University of Chicago. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship from the University of Pennsylvania.
Samir emphasizes the importance of holistic development, encouraging students to explore their interests and passions fully. He works with them to create a balanced portfolio that highlights not only academic achievements but also personal growth, leadership skills, and community involvement. By guiding students in selecting extracurricular activities that genuinely resonate with them, he helps them cultivate a sense of purpose and direction, which can be immensely beneficial during the application process and beyond.
Central to Samir’s philosophy is empowering students to engage in self-discovery. He facilitates reflective conversations that encourage students to think critically about their values, aspirations, and the impact they wish to have on the world. This introspection is crucial as it allows them to articulate their goals more clearly in their applications, making their essays more compelling and relatable to admissions committees.
Samir is committed to continuous professional development. He keeps abreast of the latest trends in college admissions, including changes in standardized testing policies, shifts in application requirements, and emerging best practices in counseling. By staying informed, he can offer the most current and relevant advice to his students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the ever evolving landscape of college admissions.
Prior to College Shortcuts, Samir served on the faculty for over 12 years at Dartmouth College and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill as an associate professor. He was a member of numerous admission committees and developed a keen understanding of what makes an application stand out. Samir was also an admissions interviewer for Princeton University.
Dhaya brings a rare and powerful mix of educator, operations leader, and admissions expert to her role at College Shortcuts. With over 15 years of experience in education — from classroom teaching and curriculum design to COO-level leadership in boutique test prep — Dhaya is the kind of mentor who sees both the big picture and the small details that make all the difference.
Dhaya is currently fully booked.
Dhaya is a Harvard-educated education specialist with a master’s in International Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a bachelor’s degree in English with a specialization in Education from Columbia University, where she graduated magna cum laude. Her academic foundation reflects her deep commitment to equity, intellectual rigor, and student voice — values she weaves into every session.
At College Shortcuts, Dhaya helps students design college applications that feel authentic, elevated, and strategically brilliant. Whether she’s guiding a student through a personal statement that reflects cultural identity, or helping a neurodivergent learner structure a passion project in STEM, she meets students exactly where they are and empowers them to rise with confidence.
For over a decade, Dhaya has served in the past as the Chief Operations Officer at another college prep company, where she oversaw everything from tutor recruitment and training to curriculum development, marketing, and tech implementation. Under her leadership, the company has produced industry-leading results, with students increasing their ACT scores by an average of +7 points and SAT scores by +226 points, and securing admissions to Ivy League and highly selective universities each year.
She has also personally coached hundreds of students through essay writing, college list building, and career-oriented mentorship, with a special focus on first-generation students and students of color. Her approach is gentle but effective, balancing high expectations with real emotional intelligence — and she’s especially gifted at helping students find their voice and tell their story in a way that feels both personal and powerful.
Prior to her executive leadership in test prep, Dhaya taught across disciplines — including English, history, social studies, biology, and chemistry — at a specialized private high school for students with learning differences. She also helped develop citywide curricula in NYC focused on intercultural learning, social-emotional development, and confronting bias in schools. Dhaya’s mentorship style is deeply inclusive, strategic, and joyful.
She’s fluent in Tamil, loves Bollywood dancing with her family, and knows firsthand what it takes to juggle big goals with a busy life.
What parents love most about Dhaya? Her ability to translate chaos into clarity, her unshakeable calm, and her brilliant mind for helping students present their most compelling selves. When your child works with Dhaya, they don’t just get application support — they get a strategic partner and deeply invested mentor who will advocate for them at every step.
Mackenzie brings a uniquely powerful blend of Wall Street experience, entrepreneurial grit, and educational leadership to her work at College Shortcuts. With a background that spans institutional fixed income, private wealth management, startup consulting, and even founding her own general contracting firm, Mackenzie offers students and families a perspective that is both worldly and deeply strategic.
Mackenzie is currently fully booked.
A graduate of Rice University, Mackenzie began her career during the height of the credit crisis on the asset-backed securities desk at Merrill Lynch, where she quickly became known for her analytical skill, client relationship acumen, and steady leadership under pressure. Over the years, she’s held roles in wealth advisory, capital markets strategy, and high-stakes fundraising consulting—giving her the rare ability to help students craft narratives that resonate with both rigor and relevance.
She is a trusted mentor to students interested in business, finance, economics, STEM, and entrepreneurship. In Fall 2025, she will begin teaching at her alma mater, Rice University, underscoring her deep commitment to educating and empowering the next generation.
Mackenzie is especially passionate about mentoring students who want to understand the real-world application of their studies—from STEM and economics to leadership and impact. Her coaching style blends structure, candor, and encouragement, helping students dig deep into their interests and articulate their goals with clarity and sophistication.
She has also mentored many students through essay development, college list planning, and career-focused exploration — particularly those with interests in economics, business, and engineering. Known for her strategic thinking and honest feedback, Mackenzie excels at helping students bridge their academic strengths with real-world application, building compelling narratives that stand out in competitive admissions.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mackenzie is an active member of her community. She has served on multiple nonprofit boards including a Montessori School, and previously served as a board member for the Rice Business Jones Partners. Her life reflects a deep commitment to service, family, and intellectual curiosity.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exploring the fine arts, and traveling with her family.
Sophia is a thoughtful, energetic, and deeply committed college admissions consultant who brings a strong foundation in education theory, test prep strategy, and student mentorship to her role at College Shortcuts. With years of hands-on experience tutoring students from elementary through high school, she understands how to meet learners where they are — and guide them toward meaningful academic and personal breakthroughs.
Sophia is currently fully booked.
Sophia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education Studies from New York University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Education, further deepening her understanding of instructional design, student development, and educational psychology. Her dual focus on academic growth and emotional support makes her an exceptional mentor for students navigating both coursework and the college application process.
Prior to joining College Shortcuts, Sophia worked at C2 Education, where she tutored students from 2nd to 12th grade in SAT/ACT preparation, reading comprehension, and writing. She was known for customizing curriculum to fit each student’s learning style, using data to track progress and fine-tune her approach. Her results-driven strategies consistently helped students boost their scores and build confidence.
In addition, Sophia has worked as an educator and mentor with the Living Classrooms Foundation, where she led creative, hands-on lessons and service projects, while also meeting one-on-one with students to support personal goal-setting and academic planning. These experiences sharpened her gift for engaging students of all ages and backgrounds in ways that are both motivating and meaningful.
At College Shortcuts, Sophia has mentored a wide range of students — from aspiring engineers and doctors to student-athletes and first-generation applicants. She’s especially skilled at working with students from diverse backgrounds and guiding them through every step of the college admissions journey. Having supported hundreds of students, she’s developed a reputation for being both highly effective and genuinely caring.
In addition to her work with students, Sophia plays a leadership role in training our team and onboarding new consultants, ensuring the College Shortcuts experience is consistent, high-quality, and aligned with our mission of transformational mentorship. Her ability to translate big-picture strategy into day-to-day action makes her an invaluable asset to both students and staff.
She has also mentored many students through test prep, essay writing, and academic planning. Sophia’s style is patient, strategic, and highly personalized, empowering students to express their ideas clearly while developing strong self-advocacy and time management skills along the way.
At College Shortcuts, Sophia helps students craft compelling applications that reflect both their academic talents and personal growth. She’s especially passionate about helping students discover what makes them unique — and guiding them to tell their story with purpose, creativity, and confidence.
Dahlia is a passionate and seasoned college admissions consultant whose work bridges direct student mentorship with deep expertise in education policy and access equity. With over a decade of experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds, Dahlia brings both heart and strategy to the college application process.
Dahlia is currently fully booked and has only one opening for tutoring in Houston, TX.
Currently completing her Master of Public Administration with a Certificate in Public Policy at the University of Houston, Dahlia’s academic focus centers on educational equity, college access, and student persistence. Her capstone research, “Advancing Educational Equity Through Promise: Lessons and Prospects for a Texas-wide Implementation,” reflects her commitment to ensuring that all students — regardless of background — have the tools and opportunities to succeed in higher education.
She is a recipient of the MPA Public Official of the Year Scholarship and the Kathleen P. Rubinstein Best Short Paper Award, and she continues to apply her policy expertise to real-world impact through mentorship and programming.
At College Shortcuts, Dahlia serves as both a strategic guide and a student advocate — helping students uncover their voice, shape compelling personal narratives, and build college lists that align with their ambitions. Whether coaching a first-generation college applicant, an aspiring public health student, or a student exploring arts or athletics, Dahlia meets each student with empathy, direction, and practical tools for success.
Dahlia has worked with hundreds of students through her roles as a college counselor at KIPP Texas Public Schools, a Post-Secondary Success Coach at the Martha O’Bryan Center, and a mentor in various community programs across Houston, Nashville, and Washington D.C.
She’s advised students on college and career pathways, coordinated college access events, led financial aid workshops, and helped students prepare for standardized tests and scholarship opportunities. She is known for helping students build self-advocacy, problem-solving, and networking skills that extend far beyond the application process.
She has also coached many students through college list development, essay writing, and application strategy — particularly those from historically underrepresented communities and multilingual households. Dahlia brings warmth, focus, and a deep well of experience to every interaction. Her strength lies in helping students translate lived experiences into powerful, future-focused college applications that stand out.
In addition to her counseling expertise, Dahlia has held research, policy, and communications roles at organizations including the Legal Services Corporation, DC SCORES, and Duke University Athletics. She’s a talented communicator and workshop leader who understands how to connect with students across a range of learning styles and personality types.
Outside of her professional life, Dahlia is a dedicated volunteer, choreographer, and cultural ambassador who’s worked with youth soccer teams, refugee families, and mentoring programs across the country.
She’s fluent in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese, and brings a global perspective to everything she does — whether helping a student apply for a summer program abroad or connecting them to service opportunities that match their passions.
What families love most about Dahlia? Her relatable personality, tireless commitment, and ability to bring both inspiration and structure to the college admissions journey. When your student works with Dahlia, they gain more than a college coach — they gain a lifelong advocate, cheerleader, and guide.
Joanna brings a rare blend of elite academic training, aerospace innovation, and mission-driven mentorship to her work with students. A graduate of both MIT and Georgia Tech—two of the top aerospace programs in the world—Joanna has spent the past several years engineering the future of flight at Boeing, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and Northrop Grumman.
Currently a lead developer in Boeing’s cutting-edge Product Development division, Joanna designs advanced systems that help shape the next generation of aircraft. Her previous roles span everything from Mars rover instrumentation at JPL to spacecraft systems for NASA’s Artemis lunar missions. Whether developing zero-emission aviation models or integrating next-gen propulsion into Blackhawk helicopters, Joanna’s career reflects a deep commitment to bold, meaningful innovation.
But Joanna’s passion doesn’t stop at the engineering lab. She is equally committed to mentoring the next generation of STEM leaders. Known for her clarity, humility, and strategic mindset, she helps students translate their curiosity into high-impact projects, research papers, and passion-fueled portfolios that stand out to top universities.
Joanna is especially skilled at guiding students interested in STEM, engineering, aerospace, robotics, AI, and sustainability. Her mentorship emphasizes not just technical excellence, but the mindset that fuels it: intellectual resilience, systems thinking, and creative problem-solving.
Her mission? To help students see engineering not just as a subject—but as a superpower to design, build, and change the world.
Aman is a dedicated and results-driven academic tutor with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in Neuroscience from The University of Texas. With years of experience tutoring K-12 through college-level students, Aman brings a unique blend of academic rigor, personalized teaching strategies, and real-world research insight to every session.
During his time as a Team Leader in the University’s Peer Education Program, Aman directly supported over 1,500 students, helping them master complex concepts in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. His approach is both data-informed and heart-led — focusing on each student’s learning style while boosting performance by an average of 15+ points across key subjects.
What sets Aman apart is his passion for both education and science. He was a semifinalist in the prestigious Undergraduate Research Scholars Award, presenting innovative research on molecular dynamics and protein stability using cutting-edge tools like AlphaFold2, Python, and MATLAB. This depth of scientific expertise translates into high-quality tutoring for students preparing for AP exams, STEM majors, and competitive college programs.
Aman also tutors elementary and middle school students in math and science, making complex concepts feel clear, relevant, and even fun. Whether it's helping a fifth grader build confidence in math or guiding a pre-med student through organic chemistry, Aman is committed to helping students unlock their potential and build lasting academic skills.
When he’s not tutoring, Aman volunteers with free clinics and first responder teams, reinforcing his belief in service, empathy, and real-world impact — values that shape his teaching philosophy every day.
Zackary is a dynamic full-time educator whose deep expertise in academic subjects and standardized testing has helped students across the country achieve breakthrough results. With a decade of experience in both individual tutoring and classroom instruction, Zack specializes in simplifying complex material, building student confidence, and delivering measurable academic gains.
A graduate of Tufts University with a degree in Economics, Zack pairs analytical thinking with an approachable teaching style. He has worked with students of all levels—whether preparing for the SAT/ACT, mastering Algebra and AP Statistics, or improving reading comprehension and writing structure.
Zack’s students consistently achieve significant score jumps and grade improvements. Many of his test prep students have scored in the 95th percentile or higher. He is known for his ability to break down challenging concepts, motivate students with personalized strategies, and make learning feel empowering and even enjoyable.
At College Shortcuts, Zack offers tutoring in:
His approach blends content mastery with pacing strategies, time management, and test-taking confidence. Zack provides each family with session summaries, clear communication, and a results-driven curriculum tailored to the student’s goals.
In addition to his academic work, Zack brings a background in policy analysis and project management—skills he uses to keep tutoring sessions highly organized and goal-oriented. He’s an expert in helping students build not just skills, but habits that lead to long-term academic success.
What families love most about Zack? His calm demeanor, clarity of instruction, and ability to motivate students of all learning styles. He meets each learner where they are—and helps them rise.
As a senior mentor at College Shortcuts, Kevin brings visionary thinking and elite global experience to students ready to build real-world business acumen. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Kevin has advised and accelerated ventures through Techstars, Hub71, and other global innovation ecosystems, making him uniquely qualified to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.
With a background in Computer and Communication Engineering, Kevin specializes in AI, machine learning, immersive technology, and smart city innovation. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Eleven22, a leading PropTech firm pioneering hyper-realistic digital twins and automation tools that have reshaped how real estate and technology intersect across industries and borders.
At College Shortcuts, Kevin guides students through business accelerator programs that transform raw ideas into polished, pitch-ready ventures. He helps students identify market problems, map solutions, and develop business models, financial forecasts, and competitive strategy. His mentorship emphasizes hands-on learning through startup-style projects, empowering students to craft their first business pitch deck and gain exposure to real entrepreneurial frameworks.
What sets Kevin apart is his ability to make complex technical and strategic concepts accessible to ambitious high school students. His leadership style blends visionary insight with practical guidance—ensuring each student not only learns the language of business, but builds something they can proudly call their own.
With experience mentoring startups in AI, digital infrastructure, gaming, healthcare, and blockchain, Kevin helps students see business not as theory—but as opportunity.
Whether a student is interested in launching a venture, building a product, or exploring a career in business, Kevin provides the mentorship, structure, and strategic clarity to help them think—and build—like a founder.
Joshua is a standout mentor at College Shortcuts who specializes in supporting students on pre-med and BS/MD admissions tracks, combining his academic excellence with a strong background in research, leadership, and mentorship. A graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, and a current M.D. candidate at WashU School of Medicine, Joshua brings firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed in competitive STEM pathways.
At Cornell, Joshua served as a top-ranked teaching assistant in general and organic chemistry, and at WashU, he served as President of the AI in Medicine Group, combining interests in emerging technology with healthcare innovation. He has mentored dozens of students through WashU's Health Careers Collaborative and Saturday Scholars Program, and has extensive experience guiding students through essay development, personal narrative work, and interview prep.
Joshua’s internship programs at College Shortcuts include topics such as AI in Medicine, health equity research, science communication, and organ system deep dives. His structured yet supportive approach helps students build compelling, application-ready projects that reflect their unique academic interests.
What families love about Joshua is his balance of rigor and relatability. He brings the clarity of a medical student, the empathy of a mentor, and the strategic insight of someone who has helped students gain admission to top BS/MD and Ivy League schools.
Joanna brings a rare blend of elite academic training, aerospace innovation, and mission-driven mentorship to her work with students. A graduate of both MIT and Georgia Tech—two of the top aerospace programs in the world—Joanna has spent the past several years engineering the future of flight at Boeing, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and Northrop Grumman.
Currently a lead developer in Boeing’s cutting-edge Product Development division, Joanna designs advanced systems that help shape the next generation of aircraft. Her previous roles span everything from Mars rover instrumentation at JPL to spacecraft systems for NASA’s Artemis lunar missions. Whether developing zero-emission aviation models or integrating next-gen propulsion into Blackhawk helicopters, Joanna’s career reflects a deep commitment to bold, meaningful innovation.
But Joanna’s passion doesn’t stop at the engineering lab. She is equally committed to mentoring the next generation of STEM leaders. Known for her clarity, humility, and strategic mindset, she helps students translate their curiosity into high-impact projects, research papers, and passion-fueled portfolios that stand out to top universities.
Joanna is especially skilled at guiding students interested in STEM, engineering, aerospace, robotics, AI, and sustainability. Her mentorship emphasizes not just technical excellence, but the mindset that fuels it: intellectual resilience, systems thinking, and creative problem-solving.
Her mission? To help students see engineering not just as a subject—but as a superpower to design, build, and change the world.
Shana's mission is to end the student debt crisis, one family at a time. Shanna guides parents and students through the complex financial aid landscape so families can make smart, informed decisions without sacrificing retirement plans or limiting a student’s future with unnecessary debt. She brings clarity, confidence, and strategy to one of the biggest financial decisions a family will make.
As a former fee-only financial planner, Shana has long helped families align their capital—time, money, attention, and energy—with their values. She brings that same intentional, approach to college planning, working solely in the best interest of each family.
Shana is deeply committed to service. She has served as a board member, advisor, seminar leader, and coach to hundreds of individuals ranging from teens to retirees. Her work centers on helping people use their resources to live with purpose and make a meaningful impact.
