Toni Marie O’Daniel
College & Scholarship Manager
Hmong College Prep Academy (MN)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
I was a substitute teacher and was pulled into the counseling office to help with sending out grades. I guess I must have impressed someone since they asked if I could stay and be their assistant to the college counselors. I started working with students when they brought in their applications and at that time, I would process all of the parts of the applications and mail them off to the colleges. Working with the counselors, I was able to see the dedication and care that they took with each student helping them navigate the college process and finding their fit. I decided to go back to school and get my certificate in college counseling from UCLA and attended the summer institute and never looked back.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is watching students start to believe in themselves and seeing them realize that they have a future that they may not have thought was possible. I work at one of the largest charter schools in Minnesota and many of our students are underrepresented and first-generation. Their families came to the United States to give them opportunities and a strong education. Watching them realize that they have a purpose in life and that their future is in the palm of their hand is extremely gratifying.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
When I was taking my courses at UCLA, we were told that it would be a good idea to join NACAC and start networking. So, I did. I also joined our local ACAC and was able to start doing professional development. To be honest, I didn’t do much with the opportunities that our local ACAC or NACAC offered until I moved to the job that I am at now. Suddenly, I needed to introduce our community to other constituents and give them opportunities to see what an amazing place it is. I started to go to the national conferences when I was able and took advantage of the many great resources that NACAC has. I even did an online presentation with some others about our community at NACAC 2020! I have been on the member relations committee of my local ACAC and am now a tri-chair and board of director for the Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
College admission is changing by the minute. I think the biggest thing we are facing as a group is helping students realize that college is worth the cost. With some colleges cracking the $100,000 mark now, how do we at the high school level and how do the colleges show that the cost is worth the outcome? We all need to be able to pivot how we are doing things to make sure that the students we are helping can make a future for themselves that is both fulfilling and not financially draining. Does that mean we need to change it up a bit? I think so.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I love to do things with my husband of 37 years and our three children and seven grandchildren. I also love animals and enjoying showing my two Arabian horses, my boxer dog, and my Burmese cats. I enjoy working in my gardens and updating things around our house.
What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Genuine, passionate, ambitious, practical, and open-minded.
Published Jan. 19, 2026