Dr. E. M. Nuñez and Malik Harouna—Supporting first-generation student success through entrepreneurship, learning from positive failure
Our guests, Dr. E. M. Nuñez and Malik Harouna, are Assistant Director for Scholar Support & Educational Access at San FrancisBay University (SFBU) (SFBU Scholars Program) and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) for Aline, respectively.
Dr. Nuñez (they/them) is a higher education and nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience advancing equity-driven programs for first-generation, low-income, and historicallyunderrepresented students. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University Long Beach, their work centers on decolonizing educational practices and building culturally relevant pathways to college access and student success. Their mission is to motivate others through collaboration and authenticity to build communities grounded in humility and reciprocity, where people, regardless of background or zip code, feel empowered to live fully and overcome systemic barriers. Dr. Nuñez has led cross-functional teams, managed large-scale programs and budgets, and directed initiatives in college access,undergraduate research, and student affairs at institutions and nonprofits across the country. They bring a holistic, student-centered, and justice-focused lens to every space they serve.
Malik Harouna is a Startup Scholar at San Francisco Bay University and Co-founder and CTO of ALINE a professional networking app that finds you the hidden connections in your direct proximity 24/7.
Your Host: Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP
Sponsor NAESP. National School Leaders Conference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals and assistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, andthe newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15,2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.
Resources:
Greeting: Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez
Research Assistant: Emma Worthington
#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #Startup #XEListeningTour
Nuñez
E. M. Nuñez, Ed.D. (they/them) is a higher education and nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience advancing equity-driven programs for first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University Long Beach, their work centers on decolonizing educational practices and building culturally relevant pathways to college access and student success. Their mission is to motivate others through collaboration and authenticity to build communities grounded in humility and reciprocity, where people, regardless of background or zip code, feel empowered to live fully and overcome systemic barriers. Dr. Nuñez has led cross-functional teams, managed large-scale programs and budgets, and directed initiatives in college access, undergraduate research, and student affairs at institutions and nonprofits across the country. They bring a holistic, student-centered, and justice-focused lens to every space they serve.