Emily Olick Llano

Emily is a master’s student from Cambridge, MA, studying Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies. Her academic interests exist at the intersection of immigration, post-secondary access, and policy. In 2022, she founded Avanza Education, a college access consulting initiative dedicated to the advancement of undocumented students. Before coming to Stanford, Emily worked in education consulting at Harvard’s Center for Education Policy Research, on a team that partnered with school districts to develop data-driven solutions to student achievement gaps. Previously, she worked as an Investment Analyst at Cambridge Associates where she specialized in socially responsible endowment management for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and mission-driven nonprofit foundation clients. Emily received her BA from Bowdoin College and is also a Fulbright award recipient.

About Avanza Education

Avanza Education is an EdTech venture that transforms postsecondary access for undocumented students. Undocumented individuals face unique financial, legal, and socio-cultural barriers to higher education that warrant targeted support. Avanza bridges these gaps through 25 bespoke products that cover each aspect of the college application process, equipping undocumented students with the information and resources needed to access postsecondary education and make empowered decisions regarding college choice.