My Grad School Application
To celebrate Marques, one of our January 2022 Cohorts, getting in to the UW Master of Science in Data Science program, we are sharing his amazing grad school application essay. He shares his story of triumph and struggle with vulnerability and honesty. It’s an inspiring story for all.
Belief in yourself can take you anywhere
Jose, one of our Beta Cohort members, writes about his story of perseverance and grit. His belief in himself and his abilities is a lesson we could all learn from.
You Are Capable, You Belong, You Are Enough
Anallely, one of our Beta Cohort members, shares her experience growing up in the United States as first gen and Mexican American. Her blog is a powerful testament to her resilience, her supportive communities, and amazing parents.
A letter to my 2-year younger self
Navath Nhan, a member of our inaugural cohort, provides advice on how to cope with “finding your passion” through a letter he wrote to his younger.
Note to Self: My Experiences Are Valuable
Susana Camacho Plascencia shares how she learned the importance of all her experiences, even those that she did not feel were directly relevant to her career goals. She provides an important message about being open to different job opportunities.
Advice to My Younger Self
Roxanne Alvarez, is a community member and a friend of First Gen Cohorts. In this blog, she shares the advice she has for her younger self. From trusting your gut to finding time outside of work to enjoy your family and friends, Roxanne outlines some advice for young professionals.
Not Bad For A Small Town Gal
Katrina James, one of our Alpha Cohort members, shares her story growing up in a small town and how she broke barriers as a first generation college graduate.
I Am The Proud Son Of Refugees
Clem Mooc, one of our Alpha Cohort members, shares his story by sharing his parents story of strength, resilience, and sacrifice.
From Imposter Syndrome to Software Engineer
Jonathan Kuc, one of our Alpha Cohort members, shares his career and life journey so far and shares the challenges he has faced on his way to achieve his goal to become a software engineer.
My Hero Grandma Vera Mae
In celebration of Women's History Month, we honor our co-founder, Carla Corkern’s history through a blog she wrote about her grandmother Vera Mae who played a pivotal role in inspiring this organization.
Paradox of Being the First and Only One
Gabrielle Prawl is a first generation college graduate and a former employee of our co-founder, Betti Fujikado. She is the Senior Art Director at Razorfish NYC and an accomplished professional in the advertising and marketing industry. She shares her experiences navigating her career and provides a few tips for others starting a new chapter.
In Honor of National Mentoring Month: Thank you to our Coaches and Mentors
In honor of National Mentoring Month, specifically Thank Your Mentor Day, we are taking some time to thank our coaches and co-founders who have done so much for this program.
A Reflection from 1/6/21: The Intersection of Identity and the Workplace
Vincy Fok, one of our FGC members, shares her experience working for the U.S. Senate and Patti Murray, her emotions she felt navigating the events that occurred at our capitol on January 6, 2021, and reflects on how to move on and forward from those events.
For me, this is why I coach and mentor...
Korey Strozier, one of our FGC coaches, describes his experiences being mentored and why he is passionate about being a coach and mentor today.
“It’s hard to be what you can’t see.”
Marian Edelman, Founder and President Emeritus Children’s Defense Fund, made those words famous. Betti Fujikado reflects on how representation and community drove her to cofound First Gen Cohorts.