Inspiring Learning. Enriching Faith. Embracing Cultures.
Helping multicultural high school students see that they belong at BYU while honoring the cultural strengths they bring with them.
A place where culture, faith, and education unite to help students climb up and reach their full potential.
About Climb
Welcome to the CLIMB Program
"Go my son, go and climb the ladder..."
Our mission is to empower high school students, many of whom are first-generation college-bound, to see themselves at BYU and in higher education. By bringing together culture, faith and education, we foster belonging, strengthen academic and spiritual preparation, and help students recognize their divine potential.
Thank you to our first class, the class of 2026!
Speakers
Ronell Hugh, MBA
Ronell Hugh is the current president of The LDS Genesis Group, an official support organization and auxiliary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for Black members and their families. Ronell obtained his Bachelors and MBA from BYU.
Joshua Molina
Joshua Molina is a multicultural marketing expert, award-winning entrepreneur and former journalist at CNN, NBC, ABC, and CBS. As CMO of Palabra Media, he helps organizations build meaningful connections with multicultural communities. Joshua received his Bachelors in Broadcast journalism from BYU.
Dr. Crystal Kapua Hafoka
An award-winning scholar with a Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, Dr. Hafoka is passionate about promoting physical activity and improving the health and well-being of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
Saul Leal, MBA
Saul Leal, CEO of Onemeta, and leader of cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies. Saul is on a mission to harness the power of data and knowledge that drives effective decision-making. Saul received his MBA at Brigham Young University.
Dr. Kyle Reyes
Kyle Reyes, Ph.D., Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Utah Valley University. Kyle has been a stellar leader at the university for nearly two decades. Kyle received his Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and a Masters of Education from Brigham Young University.
Terry L. Goedel, M.Ed.
Terry L. Goedel is a member of the Yakama and Tulalip tribes and a 10-time World Hoop Dance Champion. He has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Education Administration from Chapman University. An educator of 30 years, Terry has taught high school and junior high math, and coached basketball, volleyball, and track.
Michele Reyes
Michele Reyes is a Master Certified Life Coach who helps women of faith move beyond reactionary living and into consciously creating a life of intention. As the creator of The Intentionality Method™, Michele blends nervous system support, mindset work, and faith-anchored practices to help women build resilience, clarity, and greater capacity for joy.
Steve K. Mutombo, MPA
Steve K. Mutombo is a Young Men General Advisory Council Member for The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. He earned his IT degree from École Supérieure d’Informatique Salama (ESIS) in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; a postgraduate diploma in business management from Regent Business School in South Africa; and an MPA with an emphasis in finance and information systems from Brigham Young University.
Abraham Thomas
Abraham Thomas was born in the small town of Riverton, Wyoming, and spent most of his life on the Wind River Reservation before moving to Utah in 2005. He is of Oglala Lakota (Sioux) and Tongan heritage. A singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker, Abraham uses music to share his love, spirit, and positivity with others. His dream is to sing before millions of people and inspire those searching for hope, love, and happiness.
Dr. Farina King
Dr. Farina King is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and serves as the Horizon Endowed Chair in Native American Ecology and Culture and Professor of Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma. She earned her Ph.D. in American history from Arizona State University, a Masters from the University of Wisconsin, and a Bachelors from BYU. An accomplished scholar, Dr. King has authored and co-authored multiple books.
Luis Velasco
Luis Enrique Velasco is a prominent spacecraft design engineer, inventor, and tech consultant with over 22 years of experience at NASA. He serves as the president of the BYU Management Society Latino Chapter and is an inspiring keynote speaker known for sharing his journey from a small town in southern Mexico to the country's most iconic space organization.
Luis "DJ Azuquita" Castro
Luis Castro, also known as "DJ Azuquita," is one of the masterminds behind the Latin music and dance culture in Provo. Castro is involved with music in many ways including DJing weddings, church dances, events and a bit of music production.
Sponsors and Partners
Donate to CLIMB
This is the first year that this event will be taking place and it is being organized entirely by volunteers. We appreciate your patience and grace as we do our very best to create a meaningful experience for all involved.
Climb Higher.
Belong Together.
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