Almost 8 years ago I decided to donate my own savings to start a non-profit organization that empowered students like me to be the leaders of their own community. Cohort 1 started in 2012 with 20 students. Today LIT empowers over 160 student members in eight cohorts from 9th graders to college graduates all with the shared vision of being the solution-makers for East & North Las Vegas-- their homes.
Tomorrow I embark on a short trip back to Boston University where I myself experienced the trials and tribulations of being a first-generation college student. Whether it was taking a red-eye flight by myself to move in or working multiple jobs to pay for tuition and keep up with my grades, I learned just getting into college would be the "easy" part-- actually graduating without losing my cultural identity-- would be the real test. I am honored to be the recipient of the 2019 BU Young Alumni Award for the impact of Leaders in Training in the Las Vegas community. Thank YOU, because of your support, our grassroots college access & community empowerment organization is gaining external recognition.
I'm most excited to share my story during my speech. Sometimes when I share LIT's gargantuan vision of being a diverse leadership pipeline that fills the bench of local talent from the community, for the community, some find it hard to believe students will engage with us 4 years in high school, 4 years postsecondary and as LIT alumni. My own story I'll share in Boston will highlight how for so many of our students staying for the end goal of diverse leadership is the reason they persist in college and choose to attend in the first place.
Though you'll miss my story, I invite you to save the date on Saturday November 16 to experience student stories and voices at The Space. Additionally, since so many of us are doing the work as diverse leaders because of our own lived experiences, we are excited our 2nd Storytelling Showcase will also highlight 2 speakers from community partner Futuro Academy who will share their lived experiences as first-generation college graduates & school founders. Looking forward to seing you there & buy your tickets here today. In gratitude,
