Transforming Lives in Powerful Ways
The idea for First in Family began among friends in a weekly breakfast group, several of whom now serve on the board of trustees and advisory council. The original committee included Zach Hall, Julie Giacobassi, Joe Albright, Lety Liera, Mary Speyer, and Charlie Thomson. Over the past ten years, First in Family (FIF) has experienced remarkable growth.
Transforming Lives in Powerful Ways
The idea for First in Family began among friends in a weekly breakfast group, several of whom now serve on the board of trustees and advisory council. The original committee included Zach Hall, Julie Giacobassi, Joe Albright, Lety Liera, Mary Speyer, and Charlie Thomson. Over the past ten years, First in Family (FIF) has experienced remarkable growth.
Our Mission
First in Family Jackson Hole provides local first-generation students with essential advising and financial support to succeed in college and careers.
Our Vision
Expand educational opportunities so all first-generation students in our community have the skills and confidence to pursue their academic and professional goals.
SINCE 2018
First and Family has...
GRADUATION RATE,
3X THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
STUDENT
RECIPIENTS
in FIF scholarships awarded
SINCE 2018
First and Family has...
GRADUATION RATE,
3X THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
STUDENT
RECIPIENTS
in FIF scholarships awarded
SINCE 2018
First and Family has...
GRADUATION RATE,
3X THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
STUDENT
RECIPIENTS
in FIF scholarships awarded
Looking Ahead
We’ve completed a comprehensive four-year strategic plan that expands our impact and deepens our support for first-generation students. The board has approved a pilot Career and Technical Education pathway, launching in 2026, that will extend our scholarship and advising model to students pursuing associate degrees in high-demand technical fields. We have also broadened our career counseling and career readiness program.
2026 Goals
COLLEGE ACCESS
100%
of FIF scholars receive outside financial aid and matriculate at a college that meets their long-term goals. FIF will continue to help local first-generation scholars get into best-fit schools and earn external scholarships and grants to make college accessible.
COLLEGE SUCCESS
75%
of FIF scholars graduate within 6 years. FIF will support scholars as they adjust to college, make academic progress, and graduate—growing both as students and as individuals.
CAREER READINESS
75%
of FIF graduates will begin a job, internship, or graduate school within 12 months of graduation. FIF will prepare scholars for the transition into meaningful employment and independence, including through our new Career & Technical Education (CTE) program.
Looking Ahead
We’ve completed a comprehensive four-year strategic plan that expands our impact and deepens our support for first-generation students. The board has approved a pilot Career and Technical Education pathway, launching in 2026, that will extend our scholarship and advising model to students pursuing associate degrees in high-demand technical fields. We have also broadened our career counseling and career readiness program.
2026 Goals
COLLEGE ACCESS
100%
of FIF scholars receive outside financial aid and matriculate at a college that meets their long-term goals. FIF will continue to help local first-generation scholars get into best-fit schools and earn external scholarships and grants to make college accessible.
COLLEGE SUCCESS
75%
of FIF scholars graduate within 6 years. FIF will support scholars as they adjust to college, make academic progress, and graduate—growing both as students and as individuals.
CAREER READINESS
75%
of FIF graduates will begin a job, internship, or graduate school within 12 months of graduation. FIF will prepare scholars for the transition into meaningful employment and independence, including through our new Career & Technical Education (CTE) program.
Our Leadership
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Speyer (Co-Chair)
Cynthia Hogan (Co-Chair)
Zach Hall (Founder)
Ann-Marie Halsted
Bruce Tully
Chase Beninga
Kris Sebastian
Laura Yockey
Marshall Durston
ADVISORY MEMBERS
Barbara Trachtenberg
Beedee Ladd
Beth Eastman
Carmina Oaks
Charlie Thomson
Jim Mhaffie
Jim Rubin
Jim Speyer
Jean Anderson
Kristin Wilkerson
Liz Greenberger
Patty Jaquith
Rebecca Balyasny
Samuel Singer
Sue Critzer
Susie Rauch
STAFF
Charlotte Quesada Krugh, Executive Director
Mariana McFarlane, Student and Family Coordinator
Annie Putnam, Operations Manager
Lindy Sayers, College Counselor
Jackie Woolley, College Counselor
Laura Egerter, College Counselor
Our Leadership
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Speyer (Co-Chair)
Cynthia Hogan (Co-Chair)
Zach Hall (Founder)
Ann-Marie Halsted
Bruce Tully
Chase Beninga
Kris Sebastian
Laura Yockey
Marshall Durston
ADVISORY MEMBERS
Barbara Trachtenberg
Beedee Ladd
Beth Eastman
Carmina Oaks
Charlie Thomson
Jim Mhaffie
Jim Rubin
Jim Speyer
Jean Anderson
Kristin Wilkerson
Liz Greenberger
Patty Jaquith
Rebecca Balyasny
Samuel Singer
Sue Critzer
Susie Rauch
STAFF
Charlotte Quesada Krugh,
Executive Director
Mariana McFarlane,
Student and Family Coordinator
Annie Putnam,
Operations Manager
Lindy Sayers,
College Counselor
Jackie Woolley,
College Counselor
Laura Egerter,
College Counselor
Hear from our students
“First in Family has been the biggest thing that’s happened in my life. It gave me the chance to go to college when I wasn’t sure how I was going to afford it. Being a first-gen student can feel overwhelming, but this program made me feel supported and reminded me that I’m not alone. It helped me believe in myself more and feel like I actually belong here.”
-Angel
Hear from our students
“First in Family has been the biggest thing that’s happened in my life. It gave me the chance to go to college when I wasn’t sure how I was going to afford it. Being a first-gen student can feel overwhelming, but this program made me feel supported and reminded me that I’m not alone. It helped me believe in myself more and feel like I actually belong here.”
-Angel
