Academic Services

I am a proud Latina immigrant born and raised in Colombia. My educational and personal journey brought me to the United States, and my experience as an international student sparked my interest in college access several years ago when I worked supporting international students to come to the USA to improve their english skills and to apply for college. Eventually, my work led me to higher education, where for the past eight years, I have specifically focused on supporting and advocating for first-generation and low-income students' needs in the Myra Kraft Achievers Program (MKAP) program at Brandeis. I'm thrilled to continue this work as the new administrator for the Gen One Network and contribute to strengthening the first-generation community on campus.

Being able to relate to our Gen One scholars in different aspects of their lives is crucial. It has an incalculable impact on my role in the program. My identities as a bilingual immigrant far away from family and friends, navigating a new educational system and learning to adapt to a new environment intersect with those of our Gen One community members and allow me to have a deeper empathy with their experience.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and twins, taking yoga classes, listening to spiritual books and trying international cuisines.

Hi, my name is Justine and I am currently a junior at Brandeis University studying Health: Science, Society, and Policy, along with Biology. As a first generation student myself, I am very passionate about creating an inclusive and empowering environment for other first generation students on campus. I know the value of having community and joined Gen One so that I could actively work on providing a space for first generation students to connect, find resources, and support throughout their journey at Brandeis. My favorite place on campus continues to change, but at the moment, I would say that I really enjoy spending my time at Heller.

Hi, my name is Natalie and I am the social media coordinator for Gen One. I am a second year at Brandeis studying Biology and HSSP. I joined Gen One because I am very proud to be a first generation student and hoped to help those like me navigate the challenges they may face on a college campus. I wanted to gain the leadership experience I yearned for, and I wanted to strengthen my team-building and communication skills along with working with the board. My favorite place on campus is the library.

My name is Genesis Cedeno and I am a sophomore. My pronouns are she/her. My favorite spot on campus is the SSC Atrium and I have been on the board for a only a week now. To me, Gen One means to be the first to break out of a generational cycle, build a successful career, and create an example for the younger generations in my family to do the same. As Gen One, I am proof that we can fight against stereotypes, achieve greatness in environments that historically were previously inaccessible to us, and construct a new pattern of accomplishment within our families lives.

My favorite place on campus is the green space in IBS

I’m majoring in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, with a minor in Legal Studies. My academic focus lies at the intersection of ecology and environmental anthropology, with a particular interest in community dynamics, sustainability, and the reciprocal relationship between humans and their environment. I am passionate about how cultural practices influence ecosystems and how nature can serve as a tool for social change. At Gen One Network, I work with event coordination.

My favorite place on campus is the Fellows Gardens, where I gather with friends to study or just relax. I am passionate about Gen One because it empowers first-generation students like myself, providing the support and resources we need to thrive. My goal is to create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and inspired to achieve their full potential.

My name is Kunga Chime, and I am a senior at Brandeis University, double majoring in Biology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP). One of my favorite spots on campus is the booths in front of Dunkin’ because it’s the perfect place to share a meal, study, or just unwind with friends.

I have attended many Gen One events since my freshman year and I have benefited a lot from the connections and resources it has provided me. Now, I am excited to contribute to the Gen One team to foster that community further. The Gen One network has grown drastically over the years and I am so excited to continue seeing that growth.

Hi everyone! My name is Tenzin, I am a senior majoring in Business and International and Global Studies with a minor in Economics. 

Finally, my favorite place on campus is my dorm!
 

I joined the Brandeis community as Dean of Academic Support and Advising in Aug. 2022 and also had previously worked at Brandeis in several roles from 1989-2005, including three years as Assistant Dean of Student Life. My career has been focused on the connections between academic and co-curricular experiences, and on empowering students to embrace their identities and achieve their aspirations. Gen One is important to me, as it celebrates the enormous contributions that first-generation students bring to the Brandeis community.