20 Years of Angels: Updates from Recipients and Friends

Over the past 20 years, Alisa’s Angels has awarded scholarships to remarkable high school seniors who not only excel academically but also make a meaningful difference in their communities.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re especially grateful to hear from many of our former recipients and friends, who have shared heartfelt updates and photos with us.

Read Updates:

Jonacarl Vilchez

Jonacarl Vilchez, a 2016 Alisa’s Angels scholarship recipient, is continuing his commitment to service through his work with the City of Phoenix Fire Department Technical Services team. He is currently part of the CAD modernization project, a vital initiative that enhances 911 dispatch systems and supports firefighters on the front lines.

The City of Phoenix manages fire department dispatch operations for multiple cities across the Valley, and Jonacarl’s work developing new software for Mobile Computer Terminals (MCTs) plays a crucial role in improving response times and saving lives.

Elisa Loya

Captain Mickey McCullough-Cruz

Captain Mickey McCullough-Cruz, Alisa’s Angel #391 and a 2016 scholarship recipient, is proudly serving in the United States Air Force and currently stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

For the past year, Captain McCullough-Cruz has served as the Flight Commander of the Air Freight Port, overseeing critical logistics operations that support missions around the world. Recently, he received a lateral move to the combat side of the Aerial Port, a transition he was thrilled about. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing all combat movements in and out of Ramstein Air Base.

Noelle Kerr

Noelle Kerr, a 2017 Alisa’s Angels scholarship recipient, has continued to exemplify compassion and dedication through her career in healthcare. She earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, graduating in 2023.

Since then, Noelle has been working as an occupational therapist at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she serves on the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) team. In her role, she works with individuals of all ages — from young adults to older adults — helping them regain independence and safely return to their daily lives following strokes, TBIs, and other brain injuries. Through her work, Noelle supports her patients in rebuilding essential life skills such as dressing, cooking, and engaging in meaningful hobbies.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Noelle recently celebrated a joyful personal milestone — she got engaged in July and is planning to be married in August 2026.

Nadira Mitchell  Diné (Navajo) 

Nadira Mitchell Diné (Navajo) is currently the Restoration Ecology Coordinator with Watershed Management Group, a water stewardship non-profit in Tucson Arizona. Nadira assists with River Run Network restoration projects, the Annual Bi-national Beaver Monitoring, and coordination with the Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative. She is helping initiate and coordinate a statewide beaver working group within the state of Arizona.  

Nadira graduated Magna Cum Laude with Honors from the University of Arizona in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Wildlife Conservation and Management, and a minor in American Indian Studies. After graduating, Nadira participated in the USDA Forest Service and The Wildlife Society’s Native American Research Assistantship Program (NARA) and assisted with tribal wildlife research and management needs.  She is a Board Member, Native Peoples Wildlife Management Working Group (NPWMWG), The Wildlife Society, elected for a 2-year term. She is Chair, External Affairs Committee and board member, Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF), 2020-current.

MiMi Harris

MiMi Harris, a 2022 Alisa’s Angels scholarship recipient, was honored with the prestigious award to help bridge the financial gap and make her college education possible. Since receiving the scholarship, MiMi has flourished in every aspect of her college journey — excelling academically, embracing leadership opportunities, and dedicating herself to service.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Albany State University, MiMi is on track to graduate in May 2026. Throughout her college years, she has demonstrated remarkable commitment to personal growth, academic excellence, and community impact.

MiMi’s dedication has earned national recognition — she was acknowledged by President Joe Biden with the Spirit of Community Award for completing hundreds of hours of community service, and she was also featured on Fox National News by President George W. Bush for her exceptional ethics in athletics.

Sean Beal