Lauren Beard

Lauren Beard, a third-year doctoral student at the University of Chicago Department of Sociology, actively contributes to national and campus-based initiatives for FLI students. She reflects on her identities and encourages fellow members of the FLI community to...

Janiel Santos

Janiel Santos is a Master of Public Policy (MPP) candidate at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Sharing her experiences as a first-generation student, she encourages incoming FLI students to seek spaces and mentors that celebrate FLI identities...

Sidra Siddiqui

Sidra Siddiqui studies Social Work with a concentration in Administration and Global Social Development at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. As a Graduate Assistant for SSS, she deepens her commitment to a human-centered policy...

Sandra Zupan

Sandra Zupan, Assistant Director at the University of Chicago College Center for Research and Fellowships, looks beyond monolithic labels and recognizes each student’s strengths, weaknesses and passions. She emphasizes the importance of carving individual stories with...

Brodwyn Fisher

Professor Brodwyn Fisher, Director of the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Chicago, ventured into academia with a cynicism of its elitist culture. Reflecting on her journey as a first-generation and lower-income student, she shares her story of...