Meet the Team
Naomi Brown Jones is an educator and passionate advocate for educational equity. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Student Affairs, she is a first generation college graduate and has spent over a decade working for college access and success programs. As the Director of Brandeis Upward Bound, she is dedicated to empowering underserved youth through academic support, mentorship, and community engagement. Naomi's leadership and commitment to breaking down barriers to higher education have transformed the lives of countless students, guiding them towards success and inspiring positive change in their communities.
Arianna's professional trajectory has been deeply intertwined with her commitment to education, particularly through her involvement with the Upward Bound Program. From her early days as a teacher at Kennedy Middle School to her current role as the Out of School Time Program Manager for Waltham Public Schools, Arianna's dedication to uplifting students has remained unwavering. Her connection to Upward Bound, fostered during her undergraduate years at UMASS Dartmouth, has become a defining aspect of her career. Now serving as the Target School Coordinator with Brandeis Upward Bound, Arianna plays a pivotal role in linking the program with Waltham Public Schools, facilitating student recruitment, organizing tutoring sessions, and enhancing family communication. Her passion for guiding former students through their college journeys underscores the transformative impact of Upward Bound and serves as a testament to Arianna's enduring dedication to educational equity and empowerment.
Mariama Darboe is a driven graduate assistant and a trailblazing advocate for human rights. Currently pursuing dual Master's degrees in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence, as well as Human Rights and International Law at Brandeis University, Mariama brings a unique perspective as a first-generation student and her six years of working experience with low-income eligible students. With a passionate commitment to addressing critical issues, her research centers on topics including Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, the impact of conflict on women, and Conflict Resolution Mechanisms aimed at preventing microaggressions and bullying in high schools. Through her academic pursuits and advocacy work, Mariama is dedicated to fostering positive change and promoting social justice on both local and global scales.