The Young Women’s Leadership School of East Harlem Class of 2006 ● Gettysburg College Class of 2010 ● Senior Manager, College Access at SL Network
My parents always told us the greatest gift they could give us was education, as they could only finish elementary school. We knew that our education was one of the few things that would open doors to have a more stable future. This pushed me to be the first in my family to go away for college allowing my sisters to see it was possible for them to do the same. Being the first of my sisters to attend The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of East Harlem was opening a door of opportunities for my sisters and parents.
My sisters followed in my footsteps because they also wanted to have the same opportunities to succeed. Now all of us are not only TYWLS graduates, but also college graduates. We are beyond grateful not only to our family but also TYWLS for creating a space to empower young women to aspire to pursue their dreams.
We knew that our education was one of the few things that would open doors to a more stable future.
I still remember the first time I realized that I could be, and do, so much more than I’d ever imagined. During our annual “Cool Women, Hot Jobs” event at TYWLS we heard from women working in different fields and companies. It made me see that there were different career options and that we as women could hold positions that aren’t usually showcased for us.
When I began my role as a director of college counseling (DCC) in 2018, my professional life came full circle. I was able to provide students with the guidance and support that I received while in high school from my DCC. He was the first person who ever talked to me about college and made me realize that I had the potential to go beyond what I thought I could. Similar to how my DCC supported me and made me believe in myself, I shared the same wisdom with my students.
Now in my new role as Senior Manager of College Access at SL Network, I will continue to support the DCCs and school communities to ensure that every student has access to a post-secondary plan. I’m excited that this role will allow me to use my knowledge as a former college counselor to expand our work in college access.
I have witnessed firsthand as a student and counselor the impact of the work. I hope that my contributions to the world of college access reinforce equitable initiatives that can be used across all school districts so students have the necessary resources to truly have access to a post-secondary education.