Saint Mary’s College Office for Student Empowerment and First Gen Family kicked off its annual series of the year, “Being ________and First Gen,” on Thursday evening in Haggar Center’s Welsh Parlor with the first event titled, “Being Latina and First Gen.”
The discussion marked the beginning of a semester-long exploration of identity, leadership and belonging for first-generation college students. Future events in the series will include “Being Black and First Gen” and “Being a Student Leader and First Gen.”
The kickoff event highlighted the power of storytelling and shared experience as Latina professionals and alumnae reflected on their journeys throughout college, careers and in their own cultures. The discussion created a space where Saint Mary’s students could connect, reflect and celebrate what it means to be both Latina and first-generation in higher education.
The evening began with junior Yazmin Reyes, president of First Gen Family, welcoming attendees and introducing the panelists: Diana Ruiz, an investment advisor representative at Vantage Pointe, Susanna Lagunas, a family nurse practictioner at HealthLinc, Misel Ramirez Vasoli, a licensed mental health counseling associate and Gizelle Torres-Mendez ’22, a surgical neurophysiologist.
Reyes invited each panelist to share their personal stories, touching on topics such as family expectations, cultural gaps, mentorship and resilience.
Ruiz opened the conversation by describing the challenges of being a first-generation student.
“My parents’ interpretation of getting an education was just graduating high school,” Ruiz said. “For them, you finish school and go to work. But I had adopted what we were told in high school, that everyone goes to college.”
Ruiz explained that she dropped out after her first semester to work, later returning to complete her finance degree. “It wasn’t a straightforward path,” she said. “It was start, stop, go this way, take that way, but I eventually got my undergrad. It just took me a little longer than most.”
Her story struck a chord with students who often balance academic ambitions with family responsibilities and cultural expectations. Torres-Mendez then spoke about finding belonging in spaces without a lot of minority representation.
“The biggest challenge I faced was not feeling comfortable where I was,” Torres said. “Coming to Saint Mary’s opened doors and opportunities, but it was also uncomfortable wondering, 'Am I even good enough to be here?’”
Torres emphasized how discomfort can lead to growth. “When you come from a place where you always have to comfort yourself, it’s hard to let others help you,” she said. “But that’s how we grow.”
Lagunas shared how mentorship shaped her path and she encouraged students to recognize the people who guide them.
“There are people who show up in your life like little angels,” Lagunas said. “One of my high school teachers saw potential in me when I didn’t see anything in myself. Pay attention to who those people are, they remind you what you’re capable of when you’re full of doubt.”
Ramirez reflected on navigating multiple identities in professional spaces, including sexism and cultural bias.
“At first, I actually experienced more sexism than racism,” Ramirez said. “But being a Latina woman means you’re the bridge between two worlds. Don’t see it as a deficiency, see it as your power.”
Following the discussion, attendees were invited to enjoy flan and churros while mingling with panelists. Conversations continued informally as students shared how the event impacted their sense of identity and belonging.
Freshman Zyniaya Baez mentioned that hearing from Latina professionals helped her feel more confident about her background.
“Being Latina is not a weakness, but instead a strength,” Baez said. “Y sí se puede,” which means ”yes, it can be done.”
Another student that attended, freshman Kimberly Serrano, said the event left her feeling inspired. “It felt nice knowing other Latinas are successful in their careers,” Serrano said. “I could relate to their stories.”
Reyes closed the evening by expressing her gratitude to both the panelists and attendees.
“I just wanted to thank our panelists again for being here tonight and sharing their insight, their wisdom and what they’ve overcome. Truly powerful and inspirational women,” she said.
She also extended her thanks to the advisors who helped make the event possible and encouraged everyone to stay involved.
