ORIGIN STORY
Mo-saiQ was built from a pattern our founders had lived and refused to accept: talented students weren’t being overlooked because of ability. They were navigating opportunity without a roadmap.
A roadmap for which opportunities are worth pursuing. For the decisions that actually move the needle. For relationships that open doors. For knowing with evidence that the futures they imagined were within reach.
We built Mo-saiQ to change that.
Not simply as a roadmap, but as a navigator for what comes next—combining community, guidance, and pathways that help students turn brilliance into opportunity.
ORIGIN STORY
Mo-saiQ was built from a pattern our founders had lived and refused to accept: talented students weren’t being overlooked because of ability. They were navigating opportunity without a roadmap.
A roadmap for which opportunities are worth pursuing. For the decisions that actually move the needle. For relationships that open doors. For knowing with evidence that the futures they imagined were within reach.
We built Mo-saiQ to change that.
Not simply as a roadmap, but as a navigator for what comes next—combining community, guidance, and pathways that help students turn brilliance into opportunity.
The Mosaic Metaphor
A mosaic is made of distinct, irreplaceable pieces—each contributing something essential to the whole.
That is how we see our scholars. As individuals each with unique strengths, perspectives, and ambitions. And because no two journeys are the same, no single pathway should be either.
The “Q” in Mo-saiQ reflects the spark within every scholar—curiosity, intellect, and the brilliance that fuels questions, possibility, and innovation.
That belief shapes how Mo-saiQ is different. We do not offer one-size-fits-all support. We provide navigation that honors identity, amplifies brilliance, and helps each scholar chart a path aligned to who they are and where they want to go.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
- The problem is not a lack of talent. It’s a lack of navigation.
- Students thrive when they feel seen, valued, and connected — not just informed.
- Guidance that honors identity isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s the difference between going through the motions and actually belonging.
- Community is infrastructure. Mentorship is infrastructure. Belonging is infrastructure.
- Every scholar who reaches their potential makes the whole future better. That is why this work matters.
OUR Values
Brilliance Is Not Rare. Access Is.
Every scholar who walks through our doors has already proven they belong. We exist to tear down the walls that said otherwise and build pathways worthy of the talent that was always there.
Excellence with Identity Intact.
We don’t ask scholars to shrink, code-switch, or leave themselves at the door to succeed. The fullness of who they are, their culture, their story, their perspective, is the competitive advantage. We build scholars who lead as themselves, not in spite of themselves.
Empowered to Disrupt.
We aren’t developing scholars to fit into the future. We’re developing scholars to build it. Every skill, every connection, every breakthrough moment inside Mo-saiQ is preparation for a scholar who doesn’t just enter rooms. They reshape them.
Talent Deserves Access.
Talent without opportunity is invisible. Opportunity without navigation is wasted. Mo-saiQ closes both gaps, ensuring every scholar has the knowledge, the network, and the confidence to compete and win on any stage.
Liberation Is the Goal. Innovation Is How We Get There.
We believe the most powerful innovations come from people who have lived the problems the world refuses to solve. Our scholars don’t just pursue careers — they pursue freedom. Freedom to build, to lead, to redefine what’s possible, and to bring their communities with them.
our founders & board
CEO & Co-Founder
Nikole collins-puri
Nikole brings 25+ years of experience at the intersection of technology, philanthropy, and education equity. She designed Mo-saiQ’s current model after working directly with nearly 100 scholars across 19 states, listening closely to where students got stuck and what they actually needed to move forward.
Board chair & Co-Founder
shawna young
Treasurer & Co-Founder
dr. tammy stevens
secretary & Co-Founder
dr. paris andrew
Dr. Andrew is a workforce and education strategist with a track record of building pathway programs that actually move the needle. Her prior work at Duke University and across education and workforce sectors informs Mo-saiQ’s approach to connecting students with real, actionable next steps.
board member
dr. ashley huderson
Dr. Ashley Huderson is a nationally recognized STEM leader with over 15 years of experience advancing equitable access to STEM education. Her work spans program design, workforce development, and policy, with a focus on building inclusive pathways from K–12 through early career.
our program advisors
Student Development
Elaine Atherton
An education leader and philanthropist focused on expanding opportunity for underserved students. She has worked across philanthropy and the nonprofit sector to support organizations advancing equity in education, with a particular emphasis on access, student success, and systems-level change. Atherton is known for her commitment to investing in innovative models that help students navigate and thrive in high-opportunity pathways.
College Success & Education
Roystone Martinez
With 25+ years of selective college counseling, Martinez has guided students from every background into colleges that match not just their qualifications, but their goals, values, and identities. He brings that depth of knowledge to every Mo-saiQ scholar.
our advisory council
- Dedric Carter, Vice Chancellor, UNC-Chapel Hill — Higher education leader advancing innovation, strategic partnerships, and pathways that expand opportunity for emerging talent.
- Eboney Hearn, Executive Director MIT — Education and innovation leader connecting students to transformative opportunities at the intersection of STEM, access, and leadership.
- Lynn Rivenburgh, Managing Director, Accenture — Global executive bringing expertise in strategy, talent development, and innovation to strengthen pathways for future leaders.
- Eunice Sanders, Associate Superintendent Durham Public Schools — Education leader driving equity-centered systems change and expanding access to high-quality opportunities for students.
- Robert Carr, Technical Advisor — Business and technology executive advancing innovation, connectivity, and strategic growth across emerging markets.
- Rob Zangara, Director IT International School Services — Global education leader with deep expertise in international learning, leadership development, and institutional strategy.
- York Eggleston, Ceo Semantic Labs, LLC — Entrepreneur and technology strategist focused on innovation, emerging technologies, and building solutions for social impact.
- Keith Machen, Principal/Private Investor Zenerji, LLC — Entrepreneur and energy sector leader bringing expertise in business growth, innovation, and sustainable solutions.
our partners
We believe pathways are built through partnership, not isolation. Our partners strengthen the connected support scholars need to navigate and thrive.
NC State Jenkins Management Program
Blueprint For Future Innovators (National Collective of STEM and Tech Non-Profit Leaders)
