Five Staff Members Graduate Together — A First for Local Nonprofit
Team Milestone Reflects Seasons of Change Inc.’s Commitment to Growth and Community Impact
ARLINGTON & COMMERCE, TX, August 8, 2025 – This Saturday, Seasons of Change Inc. (SOC), a leading nonprofit organization based in Arlington, Texas, proudly celebrates a rare and meaningful milestone: five of its dedicated team members are graduating together— all from the same university.
This group achievement highlights the organization’s mission in action — cultivating growth not only in the community it serves, but within the hearts and lives of its team.
WHO: Five (5) Staff Members of Seasons of Change, Inc.
WHAT: Collective Graduation of Five Team Members
WHEN: Saturday, August 9th, 2025
WHERE: Texas A&M University at Commerce
WHY: To celebrate and encourage personal and professional growth
HOW: Through dedication to higher education, mentorship, and community support
Meet the Graduates:
(1) Tavian Harris, Executive Director
Graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Organizational Leadership, Tavian has served at the helm of Seasons of Change since 2001. Inspired by a young girl she once met who had one flip-flop and one tennis shoe, Tavian has dedicated her life to breaking generational cycles through advocacy, education, and empowerment. “Working with Seasons of Change has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life,” says Tavian Harris, Executive Director, “We don’t just serve the community — we uplift it. And that starts with our people.”
Tavian also recently completed her MBA, is currently enrolled in a Doctor of Business Administration program, and has re-enrolled at Texas A&M-Commerce to pursue a second bachelor’s in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management.
“This journey wasn’t just about finishing a degree — it was about growing into the leader I’ve always asked others to become,” she shares. She plans to launch a business incubator for nonprofit leaders
(2) Julie Quintero, Program Specialist for the Blessed to Give Program
Graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Human Resources Development, Julie began as a contractor and now leads outreach efforts, helping families transition into new lives. “It’s been a journey of growth, purpose, and gratitude,” Quintero says. Julie plans to pursue a master’s degree and continue expanding her role at SOC.
(3) La’Qwesha Lee, Program Director of B2G Houston
Graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management, La’Qwesha resumed her academic journey 15 years after stepping away to raise her first child. “Returning to school became a mission to lead by example,” Lee reflects. She plans to pursue her master’s degree while continuing to uplift families in Houston through her leadership.
(4) Yesenia Alvarez, Director
A first-generation college graduate earning a Bachelor of General Studies, Yesenia is on track to graduate cum laude. Balancing full-time work and motherhood, she credits SOC’s education stipend with helping make her degree possible. “This next chapter is about stepping into leadership in a way that’s both intentional and transformative,” Alvarez says. She will pursue a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.
(5) Jennifer Landers, Program Director
Graduating on time with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Basic Studies, Jennifer returned to school while managing major community projects and full-time nonprofit work. “It’s not just a job, it’s a calling,” Landers says. Jennifer plans to expand SOC programs and train the next generation of leaders serving vulnerable families.
About Seasons of Change Inc.
Seasons of Change Inc. is a leading non-profit organization based in Arlington, Texas, founded in 2001 to address the lack of community support for vulnerable and marginalized youth and dedicated to improving the lives of families in need. The organization provides support, resources, and advocacy to empower families and address critical areas, including healthcare, education, and basic needs. Through research-based programs, crisis intervention, transitional housing, counseling, and education, Seasons of Change Inc. aims to empower adolescents and families to make better decisions, healthier choices, and become self-sufficient leaders. The organization is committed to creating pathways out of poverty for those most vulnerable in the communities it serves.
