Natalee Deaette Benzing

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT NATALEE DEAETTE BENZING

My journey began in rural northern Vermont, where I knew that higher education could be a pathway to opportunity but had no clue how to get there. I was privileged to have access to a local TRIO Upward Bound program to show me the way and connect me to a community of other ambitious young people just like me. After graduating from the program, I found my professional calling as a staff member. My service with Upward Bound ultimately led to my selection as a Truman Scholar in 2018, a competitive national scholarship for public service leaders. I now serve as the Executive Director at Access Opportunity, a college access and career development program serving high-potential students from low-income households in the Denver metro area. In this role, I lead strategy, operations, and partnerships with a focus on expanding students\' access to postsecondary and career pathways. While our focus is education, we know that this work is about more than just academics. As such, we ground our work in social-emotional well-being, financial literacy, leadership development, and a sense of belonging so that students can navigate their journeys with confidence.I envision a future where every young person thrives, and I know I won’t get there alone. If there’s a way for us to collaborate, please reach out!1w2 | INTJ | Strategic, Achiever, Futuristic, Intellection, Arranger