Beyond a Decade of Dedication: Fiver Alumni Transforming Their Communities

Fiver Children’s Foundation proudly celebrates the accomplishments of our alumni, whose resilience and leadership reflect the core values instilled during their time with us. Many have pursued higher education, launched successful careers, and become advocates for social change, using their Fiver experience to inspire and uplift their communities. This speaks to the transformative power of our 10-year commitment, a journey that fosters deep connections and a lasting understanding of community needs.

As alumni transition into adulthood, their bond with Fiver often draws them back in meaningful ways—whether through mentoring new participants or engaging in initiatives that align with their passions. This enduring relationship not only fuels their personal growth but also strengthens our community, proving that the Fiver experience is more than a decade-long commitment; it’s a lifelong connection Among our alumni are those who have returned to Fiver as full-time staff. Their unique perspective as former participants enriches our programs and deepens our mission to empower the next generation. By sharing their experiences, they help create a nurturing environment where current Fiver participants can thrive, continuing the cycle of growth and empowerment that defines our foundation.

Aislee Berenice Nieves, a Fiver alumna from the Class of 2014, began her journey with Fiver at eight years old, filled with excitement and curiosity during her first summer at camp. She vividly recalls the welcoming, family-like atmosphere that made Fiver feel like home. Over time, Aislee has witnessed how the organization has evolved, embracing a more inclusive and progressive approach. "Fiver has made great strides in ensuring that all communities feel represented and valued," she reflects, noting that this shift has enriched the experience and empowered participants to grow in a nurturing environment. Her decision to reconnect with Fiver stemmed from a deep desire to give back to the community that shaped her confidence and leadership skills. Her time as a Fiver participant sparked her passion for youth development, leading her to build a career in the field. "What better place to continue this work than with an organization that not only exposed my interests but also challenged my growth?" she shares. Now, as Program Manager, she ensures today’s Fiver participants experience the same growth and empowerment she did, making her work both fulfilling and impactful. 

Aislee’s background as a Fiver herself profoundly shapes how she approaches her work, particularly when engaging with both participants and colleagues. Her firsthand experience gives her a unique ability to empathize with the challenges Fiver participants face. By sharing her own journey, Aislee inspires them, demonstrating that obstacles can be overcome. Her commitment to fostering resilience and inclusivity is central to her contributions, ensuring that the values of connection and empowerment continue to thrive within the Fiver community.

Mabel Munoz, Senior HR and Operations Manager and Class of 2015 alum, provides another perspective on balancing her own Fiver journey with the needs of today’s participants. For Mabel, it’s not just about applying her past experiences but recognizing how the program—and the world around it—has evolved. Reflecting on her first summer at camp in 2005, Mabel shared, "I think this is a place where I can grow not only as a kid, but emotionally and within my maturity." That early sense of support stayed with her as she advanced through the Fiver program and later returned as an employee in 2019. However, Mabel also emphasized the importance of acknowledging the differences between her experience and that of current participants. “Every class is different, and they have their own values and way of viewing the world around them," she explained. "What I feel may not be what a recent graduate feels.”

In her role today, Mabel strives to use her alumni perspective while maintaining an open mind, especially when it comes to supporting current participants. "Just because we share a space, we don’t have the same experiences," she pointed out, adding that being a sounding board and a listener is critical. This open-minded approach allows her to contribute to Fiver’s growth while also ensuring that every participant feels heard and supported in their unique journey.

Two photos of Kaya at Camp Fiver nearly two decades apart.

Kaya Henderson, a 2015 Fiver alum and current Camp Associate, brings a unique blend of experience and personal insight to her role. Reflecting on her first impression of Fiver as a young camper, Kaya humorously remembers, “I didn’t want to go. Who are these people trying to take me away from my mother?” Despite her initial hesitations, attending Fiver had a profound impact on her. “I wouldn’t be who I am if I never went to Fiver,” she adds. Over time, the camp became a place where she felt supported, especially when she saw camp staff who looked like her, helping her feel more at home in the unfamiliar setting. Today, Kaya is proud to see how the camp staff has become even more diverse, representing various cultures and global perspectives that give participants a broader sense of the world.

In 2017, two years after graduating from Fiver, Kaya reconnected with the organization, beginning as a camp counselor. By February 2022, she transitioned into a full-time role, supporting camp activities and family events. Kaya attributes her decision to return to the lasting influence of her own camp counselors, explaining, “The counselors I had as a kid shaped me into the camp counselor I am.” Kaya’s journey from camper to counselor, and now staff member, has made her a familiar face in the Fiver community. She cherishes the relationships she’s built with current participants, especially those experiencing homesickness or social challenges, reminding them, “I know how this goes and how it operates, but I also know it gets better.” For Kaya, her role at Fiver is about more than just managing camp logistics; it’s about being a constant, dependable figure for participants. “For the past eight years, I have been a consistent face that Fivers see at camp and at the office. When they come, they know they’re going to see me,” she shares. This sense of stability, combined with her deep connection to Fiver, inspires her to continue her work with passion and commitment. Kaya hopes to leave a legacy of being approachable, dependable, and inspiring—a role model for future generations, much like those who mentored her.

The stories of Aislee, Mabel, and Kaya exemplify the enduring impact of Fiver’s mission. Their journeys from campers to full-time staff showcase the profound ways in which Fiver shapes not only individual lives but also the community at large. As alumni, they bring a unique empathy and understanding to their roles, providing invaluable support and guidance to current participants. Their commitment to giving back reflects the transformative power of Fiver’s 10-year program, proving that the lessons learned and bonds formed at Fiver extend far beyond the campgrounds. These alumni continue to cultivate an environment of growth, inclusion, and empowerment, ensuring that future generations of Fivers can follow in their footsteps and become leaders in their communities.