The Upward Bound Program at The George Washington University Medical Center (GWUMC) continues to move forward with its current Director, Mrs. Ivy DeShield, who joined the GWUMC staff in 2004. A resident of the metropolitan area for over 20 years, Mrs. DeShield is a graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where she received a Masters in English - The Teaching of Writing and Literature, as well as her Bachelors in Twentieth Century American Literature. She got an early start working with supplemental education programs during her Mason graduate career, where she worked exclusively from 2000-2002 with the Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA) (formally known as the Virginia Student Recruitment and Retention Program (VSRRP)) in the Office of Diversity Programs & Services. During this period, she also worked in her major field as an assistant instructor of English Comp during two summer semesters at GMU. Mrs. DeShield left Mason as the interim Director of SEA to continue her work in student services as the Head Supervisor of General Books at the Howard University Bookstore. Before arriving at GW, she had already dedicated the majority of her academic talents and endeavors to aiding young students in their own academic and professional pursuits through meticulous instruction and careful guidance inside and outside of the classroom.
As this young woman continues to excel in her field of choice as the Director of Upward Bound, she is excited that she still finds excitement and purpose in executing her regular duties and maintains the enthusiasm and joy of an individual who has found a perfect niche for herself among today's learners and tomorrow's leaders. With this active lady heading this initiative, Upward Bound at GWUMC will continue to unlock minds through education and culture.
In her spare time, DeShield can be found cruising the downtown shops, dining with friends and family, or writing the next “big novel”.
 

Tomas C. Varela Jr., currently serves in the role of Academic Advisor with the Upward Bound program. However, he is very familiar with the program from his role of tutor/counselor during the 2005 Summer Residential Institute. In addition, he served as Office Manager for the Upward Bound program from June 2006 until his recent promotion in January 2008.
Academically, he has earned his B.S. degree from Temple University, majoring in Kinesiology/minor in Public Health. In addition, he has obtained a Masters in Public Health from The George Washington University.

During his matriculation through undergraduate and graduate school, Tomas has served in many leadership roles, which include President of the academic organization, Parliamentarian of the student government, along with serving as a Resident Assistant for three years. Tomas feels that this experience in particular as a residential assistant will be of importance to the Upward Bound program as he can ensure that student are prepared with the resources to enter and matriculate through college.
A native of Providence, Rhode Island, he is the eldest of three children raised by Cape Verdean immigrants. As a first-generation college graduate, his opportunity to work with students who share similar experiences and challenges will only benefit the program. Seeing that he is someone who took advantage of the opportunities presented to him, he will make that a primary goal of the students. Carpe Diem…Seize the Day and Seize the Opportunity!!!


Diahna A. Brown, currently serving in her newposition as the Office Manager/Senior Secretary for the GWUMC Upward Bound Program, is not a new face at the University. Since the summer of 2004, she served as the Upward Bound College Intern, handling various duties around the office and inspiring young participants to continue to pursue their education after high school graduation. Diahna currently attends Prince Georges Community College and is looking forward to acquiring a degree in Nursing. Her most prized collegiate experiences so far have been working with Upward Bound and her Psychology 101.
A New Mexico native, this young woman is a valued member of the Upward Bound Program and looks forward to continuing her commitment to student education in her new position.
Diahna, a true Virgo spirit, enjoys shopping at MAC, riding roller coasters, planning annual Halloween parties, reading, and dining out in her free time.