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.
Organizing, Advocacy, Power: My Experience with The Flossy
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.
Hardcover Passports: Bringing Literacy Resources to Children in the South Bronx
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.
The Seeds of Success: Breaking Barriers and Overcoming Education Inequality
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.