Last weekend, Summer Search welcomed alumni from across the country to San Francisco for the 2025 Alumni Summit & Leadership Conference — a three-day gathering of connection, reflection, learning, and celebration. More than 250 alumni representing all five Summer Search regions came together alongside staff, board members, partners, and friends of the organization.

Throughout the weekend, we reconnected with one another, built personal and professional skills across dozens of workshops and conversations, and celebrated alumni whose lives demonstrate courage, impact, and service.

The Summit affirmed what we already know: once a Summer Searcher, always a Summer Searcher!

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE SESSION HIGHLIGHT: Opening Fireside Chat

The Summit opened with a grounding fireside chat between our founder, Linda Mornell, and current CEO Ursulina Ramirez. They reflected on the origins of Summer Search, from what began with sending 14 young people on summer experiences to now nearly 10,000, and their shared belief in the power of our alumni. Ursulina shared the legacy and work she is carrying forward:

“At Summer Search, we’re building a movement of leaders who work hard, who persevere through challenges—and who lead with purpose and integrity. Our model blends deep mentoring, transformative summer experiences, and career support. But this isn’t just about getting into college. It’s about thriving—economically and emotionally. 

When our students paddle through the Delaware Water Gap or backpack in the Sierras, they’re not just pitching tents. 

They’re building confidence.
They’re learning how to navigate chaos.
They’re building the kind of leadership muscle you don’t get in a classroom. 

That’s what Linda built 35 years ago. And that’s what I will carry forward—with all of you.” 

Other sessions included topics such as financial wellbeing and homebuying strategies, personal wellness and professional development, AI, and strategies to build a life of purpose.

Thank you to all of our amazing speakers!

ALUMNI AWARDS

At the Alumni Awards Celebration Brunch on Sunday, we honored alumni nominated by fellow Summer Searchers — recognizing leadership, innovation, service, and the many ways alumni continue to shape their worlds.

The #SummerSearcherMade Award: Celebrating alumni across the network, founding companies, launching new projects, doing innovative, powerful, healing, and otherwise exciting things.

• Saul Guzman created Sober Dating Club, the first alcohol-free queer dating series in Mexico City — building a joyful, affirming space for connection beyond nightlife and apps. What began as a personal experiment has expanded into a growing movement now preparing to launch in additional cities.
• Niles Lichtenstein is working on Nestment, a platform helping first-time homebuyers build pathways to homeownership through personalized planning, community, and education. His work has already helped Summer Searchers and working families access a more stable financial future.
• Lawrence Phillips built Green Book Global, a mobile travel platform supporting Black travelers through community-based destination ratings, trip-planning tools, and its new Impact Travel Rewards model. His work is changing who feels welcomed and safe in the world.

The Connect Award: Recognizing a deep and meaningful contribution to Summer Search, making Summer Search better, bolder, and more responsive.

• Marie Angeles fostered belonging across the Seattle alumni network as the Seattle Alumni Board Chair, creating welcoming spaces rooted in care and joy.
• Joel Falcón has been a Summer Search career coach for four years, as well as serving on the NYC Alumni Board, modeling generosity and steady leadership.
• Sam Hernandez is a dedicated ambassador for Summer Search Boston. She spoke at the Boston Business Leaders Breakfast and secured donations for the ongoing work of Summer Search!
• Sasha Kovriga helped shape the vision and structure of alumni engagement across the national network, ensuring alumni are seen and heard at every level of Summer Search.
• Eric Trinh Chu brought empathy, deep listening, and creative leadership to alumni community-building efforts.
• Melen Yemane has been a Summer On Call seasonal teammate as well as serving on a Summer Search Seattle focus group. She is an exceptional connector and always willing to pitch in to help make Summer Search stronger.

 

 

The Discover Award: Highlighting professional and educational achievements, including those that take an unexpected or unconventional path.

• Ti’esh Harper started her own consulting practice in 2018. Her nominator says: “One standout example of Ti’esh’s impact came during a multi-state initiative where she guided a network of nonprofits in reassessing their hiring and leadership pipelines. Her tailored workshops not only addressed systemic inequities but also equipped leaders with actionable tools to make lasting change. Months later, participating organizations reported more diverse applicant pools, improved workplace culture, and stronger community trust.”

The Ignite Award: Celebrating achievements in promoting the welfare of others.

• Yanet Gonzalez: “Since her time as a Summer Searcher, Yanet has been concerned about–and focused on–the welfare of her community. Yanet earned her Master’s in Public Administration and launched a career in public service, working for Napa and Sonoma Counties as a mental health worker and training specialist, respectively. Yanet is a compassionate, service leader who is a beacon of light and positive action in her community.”
• Lamar Hancock: “Lamar Hancock’s influence on the Oakland community is both wide and deeply personal. If you were to accompany him for even a single day in Oakland, you would quickly see his impact come to life. Former students, colleagues, and family members constantly stop him on the street, often shouting “Mr. Hancock!” with joy and pride, eager to share life updates and remind him of the role he played in their journey.”
• Nadiyah Young: “Nadiyah has influenced me and others to take our general health and wellness seriously, as many of us face generational health concerns. She does it in a fun and loving spirit, while also fostering accountability and partnership that is so needed and greatly appreciated.”

Every Alumni Summit is special, but as we celebrate 35 years since the founding of Summer Search, it’s incredible to see the journeys of our alumni continue to unfold.