Congratulations to our December 2024 Member of the Month (MeMo) Brendan Williams! National College Attainment Network (NCAN) staff asked him both professional and personal questions so you can get to know him and the
work he does better.
Name: Brendan Williams
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Alma Mater: SUNY Binghamton
Title and Organization: Vice President of Knowledge at uAspire
Professional Questions
Q: What brought you to the college access and success field initially? A: When making my college decision, I realized I wasn't fully informed
about the costs and future implications, which stuck with me during my college journey. After discovering the price and how much debt I would have after spending four or more years at my first college, I dropped out. I took some time and worked
at Chipotle full-time as I figured out what was right for me. I transferred to SUNY Binghamton with a plan and approach to my education - laying out what I would need to do for the next three years. After graduating, I realized that my choices changed
what I could do in the future. I wanted to give students access to information and the necessary support to help them make more informed decisions about their postsecondary journey.
Q: What do you love most about your role or organization? A: I have been at uAspire for 13 years and have seen the organization change in many ways; we've expanded the number of sites, added impact models,
embraced a remote workforce, and undergone a name change. Through all of this change, I hold dear two constants within the organization. First, we are a student-centered organization, and supporting and doing right by students remains at the core
of the organization. Second, my present and past colleagues have been genuinely excellent people who care about each other, push each other, and want to do what is best for students.
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an NCAN member? A: My favorite part of being an NCAN member is the community they have formed. Finding time to build connections and see what others are doing nationwide
to support college access and success can be challenging. NCAN makes it easier by elevating best practices, highlighting great community-based organizations, and connecting people and ideas.
Personality Questions
Every month, our MeMos will be answering some fun questions to help us get to know their “out of office” side!
Q: If you were dropped into any movie or TV show as a new main character, what movie or TV show would you pick and why? A: Bluey. As I thought about all the TV shows I watch, most would be horrifying to
be a character in. I decided to take the safe route and go where the best dog family on television could appreciate my light banter, sarcasm, and jokes. I love watching Bluey with my daughter on the weekends, where I find myself begging for one more
episode before we have to watch Frozen 2. Also, I love dogs.
Q: What's one thing you'd like to cross off your personal bucket list? Is there one thing you've crossed off already that you're really proud of? A: One thing on my bucket list is to hike the Dolomites in Northern
Italy. It was supposed to be my honeymoon destination, but once we delayed it, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and five years later, we are still waiting to go. My bucket list is mostly a list of skills I want to learn versus places I want to go. I took
time a few years ago to attend a neon sign-making class and learn how neon signs work. It was fantastic, and I am now the proud owner (and creator) of a neon lobster sign!
Q: Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now and why? A: Honestly, flying with a toddler is so stressful that I'd probably just teleport to New York City for the holidays to avoid the
airport.
Q: What's your favorite food, and one food you don't like? A: I love bagels—specifically, salt and everything bagels with pretty much any topping. Foods I don't like was a pretty tricky question. Oddly enough,
the 3 Musketeers candy bar kept coming to mind.
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