Episodes 32-34: The First Gen Stories of the Board
As part of our process of becoming a nonprofit organization (501c3), we have elected a board of directors to support our mission to democratize information for fellow first gens. Each of our board members are first generation college graduates whose inspiring stories are examples of the amazing things first gens can accomplish.
The role of the board is to assure our listeners and stakeholders that our organization is in good hands. They will support us in establishing broad goals, supporting executive duties, and ensuring the organization has adequate, well-managed resources to continue to bring you the opportunities, resources, and support to navigate the college journey and strive towards our vision of an equitable society where first generation college students can reach their full potential.
In these episodes you will hear from:
Episode 32: Board Member Ashley “Bird” Williams -
“Success is not the end result. Success is actually the process.”
In this episode, Norma chats with Bird Williams as she discusses the pressures of being the first one in her family to graduate from college, how her parents influenced her entrepreneurship mindset, and how she ended up as an investment banker analyst in New York but decided to risk it all to figure out what she was born to do and what her calling is in this world. She reminds us to continue to put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the process of the journey.
Resources:
Bird Williams Consulting: https://www.birdwilliams.com/
What is investment banking? : https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/investment-banking.asp
Episode 33: Board Member Dr. Roland Smith -
“There are teachable moments in the midst of chaos and conflict”
In this episode Luz chats with Dr. Smith who shares his first gen story and some life lessons. As we hear from Dr. Smith’s story, sometimes life throws you curveballs - from finding out you have a learning disability like dyslexia to being thrown in jail for advocating for student rights, life gives you lessons among the chaos. Dr. Smith truly has a fascinating story and with every step of the way he has learned to reevaluate and learn from others as well as help pave the way for future generations.
Resources:
Upward Bound - https://www2.ed.gov/programs/trioupbound/index.html
Episode 34: Board Member Irma Muñoz -
“We are part of a village: ask for help”
In this episode, Dan chats with Irma Munoz as she shares her life journey. While Irma faced several challenges early on, such as being an undocumented student as well as learning English as a second language, that did not stop Irma from pursuing her goals and proving all those who doubted her wrong. Irma reminds us of the importance of asking for help, and letting those around us in to help: sometimes it’s a teacher, a nonprofit organization, or your professor. Irma also raises the importance of being practical and remembering the importance of family as her and her husband made major career decisions. Irma’s story is truly inspiring and motivates us to do what we can to help others.
Resources:
Woodrow Wilson fellows
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