Meet the Founding Team

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Angelica Merel, Ed.D., is a proud first-generation Latina college graduate and the first in her family to earn both a master’s degree and a doctorate. As the daughter of immigrant parents and granddaughter of migrant workers, Dr. Merel understands the systemic barriers faced by underrepresented communities. With over 25 years in education, she has dedicated her career to empowering at-promise youth and fostering equitable opportunities for success. Now as Executive Director of ROADS Academy, she is building a transformative school focused on financial literacy, business acumen, and AI readiness, creating pathways for Pomona students to break cycles of poverty and thrive. Dr. Merel’s vision reflects her unwavering commitment to inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

Karla Elyse Luevano, a proud product of the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD), brings a lifelong commitment to education and advocacy to her role as a founding member of ROADS Academy. Inspired by her parents' 40 years in education, Karla began her journey as an AVID tutor and instructional aide in PUSD, where she witnessed gaps in special education services. These experiences shaped her mission as a school psychologist to bridge divides between schools and families and empower parents to navigate the system. Now serving as Director of Student Services, Karla is dedicated to ensuring every student has the resources and support to thrive, giving back to the community that shaped her with passion and purpose.

Willie Merel, a proud first-generation Latino from South Central Los Angeles, has dedicated his life to leadership, mentorship, and overcoming adversity. Growing up in a single-parent household, he witnessed firsthand the financial challenges faced by underserved families, shaping his strong work ethic and passion for creating opportunities for others. With over 15 years of experience in business operations, Willie has successfully scaled organizations, restructured operations, and led high-performing teams, driving revenues beyond $8 million annually while fostering inclusive, growth-oriented environments.

Willie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. As the Director of School Business and Operations and a founding member of ROADS Academy, he leverages his professional expertise and personal resilience to ensure students in Pomona have access to the resources, guidance, and support they need to thrive.