Summer Spark 2025 unites alumni in celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment. 

On June 21, EMERGE alumni, staff, and supporters gathered at Historic Fire Station No. 2 in Houston for the inaugural Summer Spark—a new signature event designed to celebrate community, strengthen connections, and spark continued engagement in the EMERGE mission.

Hosted by the EMERGE Alumni Board, Summer Spark brought together  EMERGE alumni, supporters, and staff for an afternoon of reconnection, storytelling, and shared purpose. With drinks in hand and plates full of food from James Beard semifinalist Cochinita & Co., alumni reflected on their college journeys and looked ahead to how they could support future generations of Scholars.

A Welcome from the Board 

Jonathan Trujillo, an EMERGE alum and member of the EMERGE Alumni Board, kicked off the event with words of gratitude and inspiration. He thanked the Alumni Board and key staff—including Senior Director of Donor Engagement Delaney Navarro, who played a pivotal role in bringing the event to life—and reminded the crowd just how powerful their presence was. 

Reflecting on EMERGE’s founding, Trujillo shared, “Rick Cruz was just 25 when he left a  law firm job to become a teacher and then start EMERGE. Some of you were even his students. That kind of impact shows us how much we’re all capable of. I encourage you to stay involved—join the board, volunteer your time, donate if you can. Houston needs what EMERGE alumni have to offer.” 

Reflections on the EMERGE Journey 

Cierra Duckworth, EMERGE’s Senior Director of College Access—and an alum herself—shared her story of transformation and resilience. 

“Before I ever held this title, I was just a high school kid in Houston trying to figure out how to make college happen,” she said. “Many of us in this room were the first in our families to go to college. And now, here we are: navigating careers, finding our voices, and making moves. That is no small thing. It’s a testament to our grit, our talent.” 

Cierra reminded attendees that EMERGE has grown from serving just 14 students in 2010 to supporting more than 3,300 students across Houston today. She encouraged the crowd to embrace their power to pay it forward—whether by mentoring, opening doors, or simply showing up for one another.

Program Updates and New Innovations 

Vice President of Programs Tarah Burris provided a snapshot of how EMERGE is continuing to evolve to meet the needs of its Scholars. This year, the organization partnered with five school districts—Aldine, HISD, Spring, Spring Branch, and Klein—to serve its largest class ever. 

She highlighted EMERGE’s six core program focus areas: 

• Recruitment 
• 11th Grade Programming 
• 12th Grade Programming 
• Major Events & Summer Programming 
• College Success 
• Early Outreach 

Two recent innovations stood out. First, EMERGE launched a 9th-grade early outreach pilot in Aldine ISD, helping students develop college-going identities and build strong academic foundations. That pilot will expand to Spring ISD next year. Second, EMERGE is building a new non-district, predominantly virtual cohort to serve students in areas without direct district partnerships—expanding access and reach across Houston. 

“These innovations reflect our commitment to holding onto what works while pushing ourselves to grow,” Burris shared. “And alumni like you continue to inspire that growth.” 

Alumni Voices: Why We Show Up

Throughout the event, alumni reflected on what EMERGE means to them—and why they’re committed to giving back. 

“EMERGE led me to become the first person in my family to graduate college. Now, I want to support others in their goals of becoming the first, too.”
— Katherine Umana, alum 

“EMERGE helped me see the potential I had within myself. I wouldn’t have left the state—or experienced many amazing programs—without it.”
— Nathaly Martinez, alum 

“I hope to be part of the planning committee and give back to the community that gave me so much.”
— Rebekah Hodge, Texas A&M graduate 

“EMERGE is a village—a family that supports one another to reach our goals. Now, I want to help build that village for others.”
— Ryan Martinez, Alumni Board Treasurer and Yale graduate 

“It’s community. It’s purpose. And it’s our responsibility to help the next wave of grads feel seen and supported.”
— Ivanna Raudales, Alumni Board member and University of Houston graduate 

Looking Ahead 

As EMERGE continues to grow and adapt, its alumni remain a vital part of the mission. Summer Spark didn’t just bring old friends together—it reignited a shared belief in what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose. 

“Let’s keep showing up,” Cierra said. “For each other, and for the students coming up behind us.” 

Summer Spark is just the beginning. 

Want to get involved? 

If you’re an EMERGE alum ready to reconnect, mentor, or support the next generation, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to Delaney Navarro, point person for the EMERGE Alumni Association, at delaney@emergescholars.org, and follow us on Instagram at @emergealumni to stay in the loop.