UMass Boston

Upward Bound

Meet the Staff

Suamy Ventura, Director of Programs

headshot of Suamy Ventura

Suamy.Ventura@umb.edu

Suamy’s connection to UMass Boston's Pre-Collegiate Programs is both professional and personal. She first engaged with these initiatives as an undergraduate student, and now, over a decade later, serves as the Director of Programs.
Her career has been defined by a mission to open doors for talented, low-income students from local Boston Public Schools. Having navigated her own academic journey as a first-generation graduate, Suamy possesses an innate understanding of the challenges and milestones on the road to college success.
This lived experience, combined with her academic training, a BA in Psychology and an MEd in School Counseling from UMass Boston, informs her compassionate and effective leadership. She is deeply driven by a belief in the potential of every student she serves.

 

Lei Douglas, College Access Coordinator

headshot of Lei Douglas

Leisel.Douglas@umb.edu

Lei is a student success advocate and has been in the education field for over 10 years. Her experience includes student support via Student Affairs (Residential Life), college advising, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging (DEIB), as well as program management. Her passions include mentoring, advocacy, and providing quality care and support to students and the campus community by eliminating barriers and systems that hinder student success and persistence. She enjoys community-building with students and colleagues alike to foster genuine relationships that promote achievement and advancement both inside and outside of higher education. 

 

Carlene Tavares, Student Counselor and Recruiter

headshot of Carlene Tavares

Carlene.Tavares@umb.edu

Carlene, a first-generation Cape Verdean immigrant, has lived in the United States for ten years. She speaks four languages fluently, including verbal and written Cape Verdean Kriolú and Portuguese. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from UMass Boston and is now looking to pursue her education further to become a community counselor. Since 2013, Carlene has been a part of the Urban Scholars program, initially joining as a high school student and later becoming a formal program alumna. During her time with the program, she has worked as a teaching assistant and tutor, using her growth experience to give back. After five years, Carlene joined Upward Bound as a recruiter and student counselor, driven by her love and determination to help youth and the community.