Join WayForward in welcoming four new members of our team: Astrid Agurcia (Service Navigation Manager), Alejandra Espejo (Reducing School Mobility Case Manager), Jim Mackman (Individual Giving Officer), and Stephanie Vidrio-Garcia (Intervention Case Manager). Two of these new hires filled existing positions, and two filled newly-created positions.

WayForward’s growth is a direct response to increased need in our community and made possible because of increased support from our donors and partners. Over the past several years we have experienced a huge rise in demand for our services, requiring greater investment in our programs to address those needs. Thanks to community support, we’ve been able to respond with thoughtful expansion. We believe these changes will help WayForward deepen our impact while using the dollars our community has entrusted to us in meaningful, lasting ways.

Astrid Agurcia joined the WayForward Resources team in a newly created role as Service Navigation Manager. She brings several years of experience working directly with individuals in face-to-face settings, including experience in homeless services and low-barrier shelter environments. Her background includes leadership roles supporting guests, staff, and volunteers through crisis response, resource navigation, and day-to-day shelter operations. Astrid is passionate about helping individuals navigate difficult situations with dignity, fairness, compassion, and respect. She values building meaningful connections and creating supportive environments where people feel heard and respected. Originally from Honduras, Astrid enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and learning from others’ experiences and perspectives. Outside of work, Astrid enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their two teenagers. She values family, support, lifelong learning, and creating a positive and welcoming home environment.

Alejandra Espejo joined WayForward as the Reducing School Mobility Case Manager. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Alejandra recently graduated from Keiser University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology—an achievement that reflects her commitment to professional growth and serving her community. For the past five and a half years, she has had the privilege of working with Hispanic families as a Resource Specialist, a role that allowed her to support families in accessing services and opportunities that strengthen their well-being. Alejandra is married, and mother to a teenage son. In her free time she enjoys spending time in nature and taking daily walks with her two Shih Tzu dogs. She is also passionate about the arts, listening to music, and cooking for her family.

Jim Mackman joined WayForward as the Individual Giving Officer. Jim brings decades of experience in nonprofit social services, with a strong background in development, program management and case management. For the past ten years, Jim served in a variety of leadership and development roles at Jewish Social Services of Madison, including Director of Philanthropy. Prior to that, he worked as a regional director for Attic Correctional Services and as a member of the Dane County Jail Mental Health Team at Journey Mental Health Center. Earlier in his career, Jim provided direct client services in case management roles with Tellurian UCAN and Soar Case Management Services. A graduate of University of Wisconsin–Madison, Jim is passionate about building community connections and supporting meaningful causes. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time in nature, gardening, and forestry.

Stephanie Vidrio-Garcia joined the WayForward team as the Intervention Case Manager. Stephanie is a recent social work graduate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her professional experiences through advocacy, Dane County Housing Program coordination and community support reflects her rooted passion for culturally responsive Human Service. Stephanie is committed to personal growth, building a secure future, and creating a life centered around connection, community and purpose. Outside of work, Stephanie values the simple things that make life meaningful. She is someone who cares deeply, feels deeply and is always reflecting. She enjoys spending time with loved ones and is looking forward to going on fishing trips this summer.