College Possible welcomes leaders from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America and E3 Alliance to its national board of directors.
SAINT PAUL, MN. (July 10, 2025) – College Possible, a leading nonprofit organization that has helped nearly 100,000 students pursue and complete college degrees, announced the appointment of two new members to its national board of directors: Jasmine Jirele, president and CEO of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, and Richard Tagle, president and executive director of E3 Alliance. They bring decades of leadership and expertise across both the financial and education sectors, reinforcing College Possible’s commitment to helping more students access, afford, and complete college.
“Jasmine and Richard bring powerful leadership perspectives and a deep understanding of the systems that shape opportunity for students,” said Dr. Siva Kumari, CEO of College Possible. “At a time when the path to and through college is becoming more complex—due to evolving college admissions processes, changing expectations, and the increasing need for personalized guidance— their experience will help us grow thoughtfully. Their insights will help us further scale our impact and ensure students achieve long-term success.”
Jirele and Tagle bring decades of leadership and expertise across the financial services and education sectors, reinforcing College Possible’s commitment to helping more students access, afford, and complete college. Their appointments come at a pivotal moment, as concerns about college affordability are mounting: just 18% of American students without a degree believe four-year colleges charge a fair price, and yet a majority still believe a degree holds long-term value. At the same time, tuition sticker prices are increasing by four percent or more at many top-ranked institutions, placing further strain on students and their families, who are already navigating financial uncertainty and the complex college admissions process.
By bringing fresh perspectives and cross-sector insights, Jirele and Tagle help guide innovative strategies to ensure that all students have a clear, supported pathway to postsecondary success.
Jasmine Jirele has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and has served as president and CEO of Allianz Life since 2021. Allianz Life delivers innovative retirement solutions to financial professionals and their clients nationwide. The company has been recognized as a top workplace in the U.S. as well as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. In her role as a board member, she will bring her expertise in financial literacy, workforce development, and access to economic opportunity to align closely with College Possible’s mission to improve educational and career outcomes for students nationwide.
“Access to education is one of the most powerful drivers of economic mobility, but for too many students, the path to a college degree is becoming harder to navigate,” said Jirele. “Rising costs, limited guidance, and other barriers are making it increasingly difficult for young people to realize their full potential. I’m honored to contribute to efforts that not only expand access to higher education but also ensure students are supported every step of the way, from enrollment to graduation and beyond.”
Richard Tagle is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader with over three decades of experience driving student-focused strategies across philanthropy, public policy, and education systems. As president and executive director of E3 Alliance, he leads efforts to improve outcomes across the cradle-to-career pipeline, leveraging data-informed collaboration to tackle regional and statewide challenges. His deep commitment to post-secondary pathways is exemplified by his longtime involvement with College Possible Texas (formerly College Forward), where he served as board chair and key advocate. Through this work, Tagle has championed innovative approaches to expand college access and persistence for students.
“We’re at a critical juncture in education,” said Tagle. “Students today are facing a demanding and ever-changing environment, from new learning models and evolving expectations to increasingly complex admissions processes. We need bold, student-centered solutions with a proven track record of making a positive impact. I’ve seen firsthand how these approaches can break down barriers and open doors to lasting opportunity.”
Jirele and Tagle join a dedicated national board committed to advancing College Possible’s high-impact, personalized coaching model. The board, which includes leaders from Microsoft, Common App, Travelers, Hamline University, and Macalester College, brings a diverse range of expertise in technology, higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit management to guide College Possible’s strategic direction.
For more information about College Possible or to learn how you can support our mission, please visit collegepossible.org.
About College Possible:
As one of the largest and most successful college access and success programs in the country, College Possible has helped nearly 100,000 students achieve economic mobility by completing a college degree since its inception in 2000. With a proven coaching model, providing high-touch interventions that help students navigate college access, retention, and degree completion. Nationwide, College Possible students are three times more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree within six years than their peers from similar backgrounds. Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates regional sites in Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; and Austin, TX, and has established Catalyze partnerships in California, Minnesota, New York, and Tennessee. Learn more at CollegePossible.org
