Staff

Marketea Abbott

Post-Secondary Transition Coach

Marketea Abbott is the Post-Secondary Transition Coach at Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars. Since joining the team in 2020, Marketea works to engage with students throughout the college enrollment process by providing personalized outreach, coaching, and guidance. Marketea assists in coordinating senior-focused programming and experiences like FAFSA workshops, financial literacy training, comparing aid award letters, and more. As a proud alumni of the Next Level Scholars program herself, she brings highly relatable, first-hand knowledge and experience into her role. Currently, Marketea is a Junior at Hope College, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work.

Marissa D'Angelo

Next Level Scholars Program Manager

Marissa D’Angelo is the Next Level Scholars Program Manager at Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars. Marissa joined the team in 2019 to work alongside the Next Level Scholars Program Director in coordinating targeted experiences to support students as they prepare for life after high school. She is responsible for managing transportation logistics for events, creating event materials, and communicating with students, parents, advisers and other stakeholders. Prior to joining Dollars for Scholars, Marissa worked in higher education where she administered financial aid for students studying abroad, contributed to the First Generation Student Commission, and was a member of the Council for Non-Traditional Students. Marissa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University.

Christa Funk

Executive Director

Christa Funk is the Executive Director of Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS). Since Christa joined DRDFS in 2012 as the Academic Support Manager, she has expanded the college access program from 40 to over 350 students served annually, increased the organization’s high school partnerships by 70% and created a robust and holistic approach to how DRDFS prepares students for post-secondary success. Christa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language Arts and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Detroit Mercy. Christa is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and a National Officer and Character Lead Advocate for Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority.

Jill Marecki

Next Level Scholars Program Director

Jill Marecki is the Next Level Scholars Program Director at Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars. She is responsible for strategically planning all student programming and events for 10th through 12th grade students, as well as building strong partnerships and enhancing the organization’s data practices. Jill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Kalamazoo College and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Oakland University. Since 2010, Jill has dedicated her career to education and college access in Detroit. In 2018, Jill was recognized as Detroit 2020 Person of the Week by WXYZ Detroit Channel 7 for starting a scholarship fund and college success program to help her former students enroll and persist in college.

Lindsey Pavlov

Communications and Development Manager

Lindsey Pavlov joined the Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars team in 2019 as the Communications and Development Manager. She is responsible for implementing, coordinating, and supervising the development and communications operations of the organization. Prior to joining Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars, Lindsey worked as a Press Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., where she focused on constituent communications. She has held fundraising positions for congressional campaigns, and has coordinated federal government affairs and donations for a national trade association PAC. Lindsey is glad to be back in the Detroit area, and working with an organization where her work has a direct positive impact. Lindsey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Grand Valley State University.

Erin Talbot

Awards and Alumni Manager

Erin Vogel is the Awards and Alumni Manager at Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars. Erin joined the organization in 2017 as the Academic Support Coordinator, working to successfully execute the robust and holistic program Dollars for Scholars uses to prepare students for life after high school. Erin moved into the Awards and Alumni Manager role in 2018 with the goal to strategically engage program alumni throughout their post-secondary experiences and beyond. She has also navigated and implemented the organizations first donor-enhanced scholarship, manages half a million dollars in program scholarships each year, and has restructured the awards policy to provide individualized attention to incentivize post-secondary completion. Erin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration from Grand Valley State University.

Grace Verhines

Executive Assistant

Grace Verhines is the Executive Assistant at Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars. Grace joined Dollars for Scholars in 2016, primarily maintaining records, bookkeeping, and assisting the staff with events and communication. By creating and implementing both financial and record keeping processes, Grace has increased the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. Grace has worked in office and project management for 6 years, primarily in construction and medical offices. Grace holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute.