college, career & beyond
college & career support
At I Know I Can, we know how difficult the transition from high school to the professional and higher education world can be. That’s why we have our retention team ready to support you on your college and career journey!
Whether you’re an incoming college freshman needing assistance with enrollment tasks, or a high school graduate looking to head straight into a career, our retention team is here for you! We provide guidance with post-high school educational options toward meaningful careers, in addition to helping you stay on track with your academic goals.
Michael Miranda, Assistant Director of Retention
I am originally from Clayton, Ohio and moved to Columbus to attend Ohio State for college and graduate school where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus on Education and a Master’s degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs. I have been with IKIC since 2015 when I started as a College Advising Manager (CAM) at Whetstone High School. In 2018, I transitioned to the role of Assistant Director of College Retention where I oversee our college and career programming for high school graduates. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and son and our three dogs on our small farm.
Sarah Carnes, College Resource Specialist
I am Sarah, the College Resource Specialist at I Know I Can. I graduated from Otterbein in 2018 with a B.A. My background is in psychology, nonprofit work, and service. As a first generation college student and Columbus City graduate, I heavily worked with the I Know I Can advisor assigned to my high school at the time. I know how important it is for students to have a guiding figure as they step into their future, and I am so happy to give back to my community in this way. I began my time with I Know I Can as an AmeriCorps College Guide in January of 2019. After completing two years of service, I transitioned to a College Readiness Advisor here, implementing an Early Awareness College Access Program for Rosemore Middle School. This will now be my second year as the College Resource Specialist, advising three cohorts who receive the Dream Big Scholarship and supporting the IKIC Retention Team.
Riley Cochran, College & Career Navigator
I’m Riley, the IKIC College & Career Navigator at Capital University, Ohio Dominican University, Central State University, Wilberforce University, University of Akron, and Ohio Wesleyan University! I graduated from Capital University back in 2020 with a degree in International Studies, French, and Spanish, and I began working with I Know I Can in 2021 when I completed a year of service as an AmeriCorps College Guide. As a College Guide, I spent time working with students in Columbus City School high schools and middle schools to encourage college and career readiness. I’m so excited to continue this work at the college level as a College and Career Navigator. Education is very important to me, and I’m passionate about helping students navigate the path to college and/or a career.
Lyra Gray, College & Career Navigator
I’m Lyra, the IKIC College & Career Navigator at Otterbein University, Ohio University, University of Dayton, Wittenberg University, and Wright State University! I am from Youngstown, Ohio and have called Columbus my home for the past 17 years. I attended college at Ohio University and majored in Anthropology and attended graduate school at Antioch University Midwest, where I earned my MEd. I have worked in both Columbus City and Westerville High Schools and love working with young adults as they transition from high school to college. I am so excited to be a College and Career Navigator at I Know I Can, so that I can help students achieve their dreams as they move through the next big chapter of their lives
Sam Knight, College & Career Navigator
I’m Sam, the IKIC College & Career Navigator at Columbus State Community College, Kent State University, Bowling Green State University, and University of Toledo! I attended Capital University from 2016-2020 where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and held an internship with their career development department for two years. Post-graduation, I started my time at I Know I Can as a College Guide/AmeriCorps where I led service projects, assisted college students with financial aid and connected them to college resources. After completing my 11 month service term, I started working at Columbus State Community College as a College Transition Specialist. During this time, I helped students prepare to begin classes by sharing campus resources and giving them first semester course recommendations. After about a year, I am back at I Know I Can as a College & Career Navigator and am very excited to start helping students learn the ins and outs of colleges and careers!
