Kevin McDonald

Founder/Executive Director

Kevin is a ski instructor in Aspen, Colorado. Over the past 25 years of instructing, McDonald has found that teaching skiing to his kids yields benefits far beyond the sport. It teaches them to let go, gives them confidence, and builds character. When he is not on the slopes, Kevin is traveling the world experiencing various cultures and endless adventures such as the thermal springs in Iceland to bungie jumping over the Zambezi River in Africa. McDonald founded UPportunity Inc. to share his passion for life and travel with those that need it most, but do not have the opportunity. 

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R. Anthony Japzon

Director of Educational Services 

Anthony is humbled and proud to be a part of UPportunity, since January, 2015 as the Director of Educational Services.  Japzon has 14 years experience as a teacher and principal in urban school districts in New York City, Baltimore, and currently New Orleans.  As an elementary educator and former college roommate of Kevin McDonald, he is keenly aware of the same challenges in school settings that inspired the creation of UPportunity.  He shares the same passion and belief in the benefits of travel adventures that result when students from lower socio-economic backgrounds participate in the UPportunity experience.

Marcelo Pier

AWARDS

  • Todd Tenholder Award

  • President’s Award for Educational Excellence

  • Christian Athlete Award

  • Principal's Honor Roll

  • Freshman Retreat Leader

  • Sophomore Retreat Leader

  • Jesuit Ambassador

  • 24/7 community service group

  • Key Club community service group

  • Varsity tennis team

  • Engineering Club

  • Honor Society

Marcelo Pier

Director of Development | Dallas

We are very happy to have Marcelo as a part of UPportunity. Kevin McDonald taught Marcelo skiing since he was 8 years old. Marcelo was a fast learner and always willing to help out. So when UPportunity partnered with Hope Farm (a local mentorship) in Marcelo's home town of Dallas TX, Marcelo offered to help raise funds for the adventures.

Marcelo Pier is a junior at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas. The motto for his school is “Men for Others” and “For the Greater Glory of God”.  Marcelo has always strived to excel in academics and athletics.  In middle school, at Christ the King School, he was the recipient of the Todd Tenholder Award.  This award is given every year to one male student of the graduation class as a recognition of ¨outstanding character combined with scholastic achievement¨. Marcelo was also the recipient of the President´s Award for Education Excellence, the Christian Athlete Award and graduated middle school in the Honors program. In addition, he graduated with two years as a member of the National Junior Honor Society. In high school, Marcelo was a freshman retreat leader, a sophomore retreat leader and a Jesuit Ambassador. Ambassadorship is given to those who represent the values and beliefs of Jesuit.  Marcelo is also part of the 24/7 Community Service Group and the Key Club Community Service Group, both essentially dedicated to serving others.  Marcelo is an active member of the Engineering Club and plays tennis for the varsity team. He is currently a three year member of the National Honor Society.