Our Next Generation of Leaders
At Fiver, we want our youth to take what they have learned in the program and share it with the world as they choose their own positive futures. Our Fivers are doing just that. We recently hosted an alumni panel discussion with Allessandra, Gaby, and Brandon, and were able to hear about their journeys as they navigate life after high school.
Allessandra has a long history with Fiver. She is a proud Fiver graduate from the Class of 2008. After graduating from high school, she graduated from Seton Hill University and Hunter College, School of Education. Currently, Allessandra is in her sixth year as a 12th Grade Guidance Counselor at University Heights HS in the Bronx. Allessandra works as Camp Fiver's Safety Director during the summer, ensuring that our youth, staff, and camp visitors have a fun and safe experience while at camp. When asked why the Fiver approach stands out, she shared,
"What I love about the mentorship and support that I get from Fiver is that it's unbiased. Fiver doesn't have its agenda when guiding us."
After graduating from high school and completing ten years with Fiver, Brandon, Fiver Class of 2013, obtained a bachelor's degree in communications and business through the Educational Opportunity Program at the State University of New York at Albany. He is the first member of his family to receive a college degree from a four-year university but definitely won't be the last! Currently, Brandon works at Fuse Media as an Integrated Sales Planner. Brandon believes that it does take a village to raise a child and is eternally grateful for his village. Paying it forward means a great deal to him, and he shares here why it's important to him to give back to Fiver:
"Fiver has had such an impact on my life that it's only right to give back."
Gabriela was born, raised, and currently lives in the Bronx, NY. After graduating from the Fiver program in 2011, she attended Colgate University where she earned her BA in political science and minored in Studio Art. Currently, she works at Google as a Partnership Manager working with pharma clients on media and advertising strategy. Gabriela shares how Fiver has continued to support her even after graduation, “To say that the reason I am where I am is because of Fiver is very much an understatement…Three years ago I was invited to a panel that was being hosted for Fiver students at Google. It was really that panel that I was invited to through Fiver that catapulted my new career in tech.”
To view the full panel discussion, click here.
