Board Of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Leadership & Governance

Leadership & Governance Open Doors Higher Education Alliance is guided by a committed Board of Directors whose collective expertise, integrity, and passion for educational equity ensure strong governance and mission-driven impact.

Fredericka Mack

Executive Director & Founder

Dr. Fredericka Mack is the founder and Executive Director of Open Doors Higher Education Alliance. Raised on the west side of Chicago by a single mother, her lived experience navigating poverty, housing instability, and limited access to higher education directly informs the mission of the organization. Dr. Mack is a passionate educational leader committed to eliminating financial barriers and creating equitable pathways to postsecondary success for under-resourced students.

Dr. Marina Whaley

Board Member

Dr. Marina Whaley brings a global and research-driven perspective to the work of Open Doors Higher Education Alliance. With over 20 years of experience in education and scientific research, Dr. Whaley has contributed to and studied school systems both domestically and internationally, including educational contexts in Russia and Dubai, providing her with a broad, comparative view of instructional models, curriculum design, and systemic equity.

She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Research in Curriculum, with deep expertise in curriculum development, instructional alignment, and data-informed decision-making. Her professional background includes significant experience in alternative education settings, where she has supported diverse learners through innovative, student-centered approaches.

Dr. Whaley’s commitment to educational excellence, global awareness, and evidence-based practice strengthens the organization’s mission to expand access and opportunity for under-resourced students pursuing postsecondary pathways.

Alyssa Alvarado

Board Member

Board Member Mrs. Alyssa Alvarado is an experienced bilingual educator and student advocate with a career rooted in service to inner-city and under-resourced communities. She has worked extensively as a classroom teacher, where she supported linguistically diverse learners and championed equitable access to academic opportunities for students and families.

In addition to her teaching experience, Mrs. Alvarado has served as a school counselor within alternative education settings, providing academic guidance, social-emotional support, and postsecondary planning for students navigating complex life circumstances. Her work in alternative education reflects a deep commitment to meeting students where they are and ensuring they are supported holistically.

Beyond her professional role in education, Mrs. Alvarado regularly volunteers within her community, assisting individuals and families with basic living needs and essential resources. Her dedication to service, advocacy, and educational equity strengthens Open Doors Higher Education Alliance’s mission to remove barriers and create meaningful pathways to opportunity for all students.

Margaret Koehler

Board Member

Ms. Margaret Koehler is a dedicated champion for youth and a strong advocate for educational equity and inclusion. She regularly serves as a mentor and parent liaison for students and families from under-resourced communities, working closely with schools to ensure students receive the academic and social supports they need to thrive.

Ms. Koehler is deeply committed to promoting educational excellence, diversity, and family engagement within school communities. Her work centers on building trusting relationships between schools and families, empowering parents to advocate effectively for their children, and supporting students as they navigate educational systems that often present barriers to access and success.

Her passion for service, mentorship, and inclusive education strengthens Open Doors Higher Education Alliance’s mission to create equitable pathways to postsecondary opportunity for all students.

Janoah Rhodes

Board Member

Ms. Janoah Rhodes is a devoted advocate for students with special needs, families, and equitable educational practices. As a mother of four, she brings both personal insight and professional commitment to ensuring that students with diverse learning needs receive fair, inclusive, and appropriate support within educational systems.

Ms. Rhodes has professional experience working in social services, where she assisted families in navigating critical benefits related to housing, food security, and community-based supports. Her work has centered on helping families access resources that promote stability, dignity, and opportunity—particularly for those facing economic hardship.

An active member of her church and community, Ms. Rhodes is deeply committed to service and outreach, regularly supporting efforts that uplift less fortunate families. She is especially passionate about expanding access to higher education for all students, including those who have historically been marginalized or overlooked.

Board Commitment

The Board of Directors is responsible for: