Cory S. Powell- Associate Director
An alumnus of Texas Tech, Cory Powell cofounded The Lauro Cavazos & Ophelia Powell-Malone Mentoring Program, (Mentor Tech) in 2002. Since that time he has diligently worked to ensure that the program continues to provide mentors and protégés with support, opportunities, and relevant resources. Cory is very active in numerous community organizations including the American Diabetes Association, the Lubbock Area United Way, the Volunteer Center of Lubbock, and the African American Leadership Forum, amongst others. The recipient of several awards and accolades, Cory was most recently recognized for his contributions to the Lubbock community, as he was selected as one of Lubbock's "20 under 40" by the Young Professionals of Greater Lubbock in 2009.
Monica J. Williams- Unit Coordinator for Academic Success
West Texas native and Texas Tech alumna, Monica Williams is a recent addition to the Mentor Tech staff. Monica serves as the Unit Coordinator of Academic Success for the program. She is responsible for data collection and evaluation, but her most meaningful role is working with mentors to ensure they receive the support needed to assist their protégés. Prior to joining the Mentor Tech team, she resided in California where she designed, developed, and implemented afterschool high school academic and social enrichment programs for the Office of Extended Learning Opportunities. Monica acquired Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Sociology and a Masters degree in Exercise and Sports Science before earning a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix Online.
Marissa L. Bell- Unit Coordinator
Unit Coordinator Marissa Bell is also a West Texas native. Her responsibilities include oversight of all programming for Mentor Tech protégés, supervision of the Protégé Advisory Committee, and other duties related to student activities. Marissa is an advocate for several organizations within the community such as the Girl Scouts Texas Oklahoma Plains, the Hispanic Association of Women, the March of Dimes, Running to Rescue and others. Prior to joining the Mentor Tech staff, Marissa worked in the Cross-Cultural Academic Advancement Center where her role was to increase diversity enrollment and promote student success. Additionally she was responsible for several local, regional, and national diversity, equity and community engagement initiatives. Marissa received an Associate’s degree in Business, and is currently working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Community Family and Addictions Services.