Kathryn Owens

Mayra Vazquez

Cara Hawkins

Cara Hawkins serves as Assistant Director of Compliance within Financial Aid and Scholarships at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). In her role, she oversees compliance for multiple federal and state financial aid programs, working closely with campus leadership and external partners to ensure integrity, regulatory adherence, and responsible stewardship of public funds.

Cara began her financial aid career as a Financial Counselor, where she worked directly with students and families navigating complex financial circumstances. That experience continues to shape her approach to compliance and leadership, grounded in equity, accountability, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.

She currently serves as VASFAA State Relations Chair (2025–2026) and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at VCU. Cara is passionate about thoughtful financial management, transparency, and supporting the professional community that helps Virginia students access and afford higher education. As Treasurer, she is committed to safeguarding VASFAA’s resources while advancing its mission to serve members and students across the Commonwealth.

John Michael Scott

Currently, I am the Assistant Director for Grants at my alma mater, James Madison University. Additionally, I serve on the VASFAA Conference Committee and have previously served as a POD leader for VASFAA, as well as on the Equity, Inclusion, and Global Issues committee for SASFAA.

Over the 19 years of my career in financial aid, I have worked with grant programs, study abroad, and federal loans for both students and parents. I view my work as my calling. Moreover, it is a great feeling to give back to those who helped me by assisting others pursue their educational goals.

Serving as the Representative-at-Large will allow me to help you help others.

Beth Koroleski

Beth Koroleski serves as the Assistant Vice President for Student Financial Planning at Virginia Wesleyan University, where she leads the financial aid team and oversees the strategic administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs. With over 15 years of progressive experience in higher education financial aid, Beth has held leadership roles ranging from Financial Aid Officer to Director of Financial Aid before stepping into executive leadership.

Throughout her career, Beth has demonstrated deep expertise in regulatory compliance, loan administration, reconciliation, strategic planning, staff development, and student advocacy. She has worked across a variety of institutional types, including private nonprofit universities, medical schools, public institutions, and specialized programs such as Prison Education Programs. She is particularly passionate about leveraging financial aid systems and policy to improve student retention and access.

Beth has been an active member of the Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA), since 2022 serving on the Conference, Newsletter, and Training Committees. She previously served as a member of the Oregon Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) from 2011–2017 and maintains membership with the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). Through her association involvement, Beth is committed to professional development, collaboration, and strengthening the financial aid community.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Stony Brook University and has presented at professional conferences, including Alliance 2024 on leveraging financial aid systems to improve student retention.

Brooklyn Kier

Thank you sincerely for the nomination for Representative at Large. I am truly excited for the opportunity to represent and support our community.

My journey in financial aid began seven years ago when, as a first-generation freshman, I joined the James Madison University Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships as a federal work-study student and peer counselor. From day one, I was driven to understand the complexities of financial aid so I could help fellow students navigate a process that often feels overwhelming.

Throughout my time in the field, I have valued the meaningful connections I’ve built across campus and within the community. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with departments such as the First-Generation Center, the Center for Multicultural Student Services, the Graduate School, the College of Business, Harrisonburg High School, the Valley Scholars Office, and many more. I’ve also cherished the relationships formed with students and families throughout their entire academic journeys.

My experience as both a former student navigating financial aid and now as a financial aid professional gives me a unique perspective on the challenges students face. This insight fuels my commitment to continuously learning, growing, and finding new ways to make the financial aid process clearer, more accessible, and more supportive for the students we serve.

After graduation, my passion for this work led me to stay in the field. I now serve as the Customer Service Supervisor, overseeing peer counselors, delivering presentations, collaborating with our private loan team, coordinating office events, and leading campus-wide and community training sessions. Like many of us in financial aid, I wear many hats, but I love the variety and purpose that come with each one.

This year, I am proud to serve on the VASFAA Training Committee, where I’ve enjoyed creating meaningful training opportunities that empower financial aid officers to better support their students. I am also a member of the James Madison University Core Leadership Cohort, where I am developing stronger leadership skills to better support, uplift, and guide my team. Additionally, I serve on the JMU Accessibility Committee, helping to develop ideas and initiatives to ensure the university remains accessible and welcoming to all students.

I graduated from James Madison University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Individualized Studies, focusing on advocacy for children with disabilities within social systems. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Communication and Advocacy and plan to complete the program in 2027.

A native of Staunton and Norfolk, Virginia, I am the oldest of seven siblings and a devoted cat mom to Topaz. In my free time, I enjoy baking, hiking, singing, and caring for my plants.

If elected as a VASFAA Representative at Large, I will bring my passion, curiosity, experience, and eagerness to learn and serve. I am committed to contributing to a supportive, informed, and collaborative VASFAA community.