In our conversation, I reflect on my unique childhood navigating poverty and the challenges that are often faced by those with incarcerated family members.

This episode offers invaluable insights into the history of first-generation programming and legislation, the difference between first-gen vs. low-income as well as creating change and embracing the power of our narratives.

In this Qualitative study, I interview 19 organizations across 13 different states that have Youth Advisory Boards (YABs) for Marginalized Young People, particularly young people ages 18-24 with lived experience with Homelessness &/or Housing Insecurity. You can view some of my findings in this Executive Summary as well as 10 recommendations for other orgs. interested in developing or modifying their own YABs.

In Episode 2/2 we continue our previous conversation and discuss various challenges impacting youth, including in the current labor market, homelessness, segregation, education insecurity as well as government and other systemic interventions on addressing or ameliorating these issues. I share historical examples, personal narratives and data to share how we got here and where do we go from here in Education.

In Episode 1/2 we discuss some of the historical roots of today’s current education system, both within the U.S. and in other European countries, particularly for limited-income students and students of color. We discuss issues such as the history of meritocracy in education as well as the demand for young people to attend and complete post-secondary education. I weave history, data and personal narrative in this episode. Stay tuned for episode two!

Based on my review of programs for first-generation students at over 1,200 colleges & universities, I summarize the findings in this article with my co-author Chi Chan.

In this article I describe my experience attempting to study abroad as a first-generation and low-income student and the challenges that many students like me face when attempting to participate in High-Impact Practices in Higher Education.

In this Episode of Doctoral Journeys, we discuss some of the challenges that first-generation and low-income students face in college as well resources that students and practitioners can access.

In this episode I discuss life after graduation and share lessons learned for other students as well as alumni.