In her blog, Sofia Perez, a first-generation Latina-American whose commitment to addressing racial and income disparities has guided her toward a career in public administration. This dedication has led her to her current fellowship with FLIA partner Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT), where she has contributed to improving operational processes and supporting key educational initiatives. Looking ahead, Sofia is poised to continue making a meaningful impact, driven by her vision for a more inclusive and equitable future.

In their blog, Summer 2024 Fellow Parnita Basnet explores their experiences as a first-generation South Asian and the lessons they have learned about accessibility and inclusivity. Highlighting their work with the Whitney Museum and South Queens Women’s March, Parnita discusses the significance of creating supportive environments that empower individuals and communities. Their reflections underscore the value of understanding and addressing the challenges faced by marginalized groups.

In his blog, Daniel Mesa-Buitrago, a Summer 2024 Fellow working with AdmissionSquad, explores the troubling history of standardized testing and its impact on cultural competence. He sheds light on how the SAT’s origins in racist ideology persistently affect test outcomes and advocates for culturally relevant SAT prep to support equitable educational opportunities for Black and Brown communities.

In her blog, Kimberly Bravo shares her journey from a first-year student at St. Lawrence University to a Summer 2024 Fellow at South Bronx United. Through the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), student government, and various mentorship roles, Kimberly's experiences highlight her passion for advocacy, public policy, and the transformative power of educational support programs in creating lasting social change.

In his blog, Summer 2024 Fellow Sam Daponte highlights the essential elements of community advocacy: organizing, advocacy, and power, as embodied by The Flossy Organization's grassroots efforts in Brooklyn. Through direct action on issues like gun violence, transit equity, and housing justice, The Flossy empowers residents, especially youth, to become changemakers, fostering a dynamic movement for systemic transformation. By uniting diverse community members and building collective power, The Flossy exemplifies how grassroots advocacy can drive significant social change.

In this blog, Fall 2023 Fellow Jessica Harrington describes the transformative impact of Camp Fire Heart of Iowa over a century, fostering youth development, leadership, and social change. From inclusivity to creating safe spaces, discover Jessica’s discusses how she supports Camp Fire’s mission to turn campers into future leaders.

In this blog, Fall 2023 Fellow Kayla Santiago discusses her transformative journey from uncertain college years to becoming an advocate for youth. From internships at a nursing home to discovering a passion for nonprofits through unexpected opportunities, she describes the evolution that led to her meaningful role as a Fellow with South Bronx United.

Embarking on a personal journey of self-discovery and resilience, Fall 2023 Fellow Kimberly Paredes shares her experience navigating a gap year. From the initial disappointment of LSAT results to unexpected opportunities at our partner, Fiver Children’s Foundation, her blog explores the transformative power of turning setbacks into moments of growth.

In her blog, Summer 2023 Fellow Jenna Picciano highlights the powerful work of her partner placement organization, Start Lighthouse, whose mission is to provide literacy resources through a social justice lens in the South Bronx. As Jenna explains, her fellowship experience helped illuminate educational disparities that she had been previously unaware of.

In her article, Summer 2023 Fellow Nicole Moncada describes her unique positionality, providing insights into the complex challenges of first-generation students attending elite high schools and universities. As she warns, there are no easy solutions and much work left to do to support such students.