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.

I am a driven professional with an enthusiasm for social development and am currently pursuing a Social Impact MBA at The Heller School for Social Policy and Management. Hailing from Northeast India, my journey has been defined by relentless dedication to making a positive impact on society. I have worked with various nonprofits across India, aiming to address core social issues surrounding dignity and livelihood. Alongside my studies, I am the Senator at the Graduate Student Association and the Student Advisor and Support Coordinator at the Heller Student Association. In case you want to reach out to me, I am mostly found working in Sherman Dining Hall or hanging out at the Graduate Student Association (GSA) office at Kutz Hall. My main reason to join the Gen One community was to celebrate the victory of first generation students and be a part of their journeys in any possible way.

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 and 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 Health: Science, Society, and Policy (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.

I'm a Sociology and Hispanic Studies Major, I'm from Atlanta, Georgia and I'm a fourth year student. I'm a first-generation student who likes video games and listening to music. I take enormous pride in being the first in my family to go to college and I want to make my family proud by graduating in spring 2024. Being on the board has allowed reach my goal of helping other first generation students on campus by providing them with resources that they might need. The library is my favorite place on campus.

Hi, my name is Yuyao and I am Class of 2024 with majors in Psychology and Business and a minor in Studio Arts. My primary focus is on creating inclusive and safe spaces on campus, particularly for first-generation and low-income individuals. I am dedicated to providing resources to support the Gen One community and aim to serve as a valuable resource for others as well. I aspire to take on a role akin to an older sister, being an open book for younger members. My favorite place on campus is, of course, my own room!

In my free time, I love going thrifting and trying new restaurants and cafes. I also enjoy boxing, pottery and painting!

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.

Hello Brandeis! I’m Sandy, and I am currently a first-year student majoring in economics and sociology. I am originally from New York City, so I love visiting Boston for good foods and events. I also enjoy making origami models, doing calligraphy, and playing poker in my spare time. Being first generation has continuously fostered my growth and independence from a young age. It has also fueled my determination to succeed academically and professionally. I aspire to be an agent of change and support others on a similar journey through Gen One.

I am Class of 2025 and majoring in Economics and Computer Science. My favorite place on campus is Dunkin'.

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.