first UP News FirstGen SoCIETY | Summer 2025

Summer 2025 Newsletter Edition

A Message from the President

Dear FirstGen Society Members,

As we close another academic year, I want to take a moment to say, "you did it"! Whether you’ve just completed your first semester or crossed the graduation stage, this is a time to reflect on how far you’ve come and to truly celebrate yourself.

This year also marked exciting progress for our founding chapters. Several hosted official induction ceremonies to welcome new members, expand our community, and strengthen our shared mission.

Additionally, I’m thrilled to announce a new benefit for all FirstGen Society members. We now partner with Working Advantage, our discount program which offers exclusive savings on everyday essentials, travel, and local experiences. Don’t forget, you also have continued access to a free online leadership development program with Aspire Institute and life coaching services through The First Gen Madrina to help you grow personally and professionally.

These offerings are just a few of the ways we’re committed to adding value to your membership and supporting your journey on campus and beyond.

As summer begins, I hope you’ll take time to rest, reflect, and recharge. Thank you for being a part of this community and our mission to support first generation college students.

Enjoy your summer. You’ve earned it!

Anthony Surratt | President

Importance of our brand

"Where we can connect, empower, and grow together."

The FirstGen Society brand represents the strength, unity, and resilience of first-generation college students and alumni. We stand as a community dedicated to breaking barriers, fostering connections, and creating opportunities for personal and academic growth. Our brand symbolizes empowerment, leadership, support, and the drive to succeed, rooted in the belief that by working together, we can achieve more. Through our motto, "Where we can connect, empower, and grow together," we embody the values of leadership, inclusivity, and lifelong friendship, community, and learning that guide everything we do.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR Recent GRADUATES

Soneya Tamang | Purdue University, Class of 2025

"My name is Soneya Tamang. I am graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science and Bachelor of Science in Brain and Behavioral Sciences (May 2025). During my undergraduate years, I was a peer mentor, tutor, medical scribe intern, research assistance, and a FirstGen Society founding and advisory board member. My next step is Marian University where I will be attending their Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program. My advice to share is that at the end of the tunnel when you see the light, all the work you have put to get there will all be worth it." - Soneya Tamang

Kyleigh DeLibero | Jacksonville State University, Class of 2025

"For me being a first-generation student is an honor. However, this title definitely comes with many challenges. I think the struggles faced by each first-generation student will look different since we all come from different backgrounds. However, I know coming to college I didn’t have someone who could explain which office or offices I needed to talk to regarding different issues, as many of my peers did. I had to figure out these things and learn the general culture of college on my own. With that being said, I would not change my experience for the world. I would have likely never felt the need to get so involved like I have, and I am still doing. I will forever encourage student involvement, as it has brought me some of my biggest inspirations, supporters, friends, and family. I LOVE that I am able to relate to first generation students and be the person for others that I needed coming into college." - Kyleigh DeLibero

Dylan Gibson | Jacksonville State University, Class of 2024

"I graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Economics in 2024. As a first-generation college student, reaching this milestone has been a journey marked by resilience, determination, and support from those who believed in me. Navigating higher education without the guidance of family members who had walked this path before was challenging, but it also fueled my desire to succeed. One of the most impactful moments came when an economics professor recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue my passion, helping me realize that my background was not a limitation but a unique strength. My advice to incoming first-generation students is to embrace your story and never shy away from seeking support. Find mentors who see your potential and allow yourself to grow through challenges. Your journey may not be the most straightforward, but it will be uniquely yours and that’s something to be proud of. Remember, you are not just breaking barriers for yourself but paving the way for others who will follow in your footsteps." - Dylan Gibson

We don't want to miss you!

If you graduated recently within the last 2 years, be sure to share your graduation year with us to be featured in our next newsletter. We would love to celebrate you!

Update Your Contact Info

If you’ve moved on from your school email address, please be sure to share your new email address so we can stay in touch!

DIgital Badge Recognition

Celebrating Service & Leadership:

Jenna Hardin Leads By Example

Congratulations to Jenna Hardin, a dedicated founding member of FirstGen Society, for completing four service actions aligned with our Leadership Pillars: Service to Community, Service to Campus, Service to Self, and Service to Family!

Jenna has earned four digital badges, now proudly displayed on her member profile in the Member Portal, recognizing her outstanding efforts:

Volunteered to educate fellow students on job hunting

Attended a résumé workshop to strengthen her resume-building skills

Leads by example as a first generation college student at JSU, serving as a role model for her four children.

Served as a Nursing Ambassador in the Nursing Department at JSU

Thank you, Jenna, for your inspiring dedication and meaningful contributions. Your leadership sets a powerful example for others in our community.

We encourage all members to engage in service actions that reflect your values whether you're supporting your campus or chapter, uplifting your community, honoring your family, or investing in your own growth. Every act of service matters and helps move our mission forward.

Submit your service action in the Member Portal to earn your digital badge and be recognized for your leadership and service!

Leading with Purpose

Founding Member, Sara Diaz

FirstGen Society proudly spotlights Sara Diaz, a founding member of FirstGen Society and the visionary behind The First Gen Madrina podcast. A first generation college student, Rutgers MSW graduate and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Sara is deeply committed to supporting the first generation community through mental health advocacy, education, and leadership development. Sara truly embodies the mission of FirstGen Society through her service, storytelling, and leadership. We are honored to partner with Sara through The First Gen Madrina to offer life coaching services to our members. FirstGen Society was even featured in her March 2025 podcast episode! Listen to her podcast series, The First Gen Madrina on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio, and connect with her for life coaching services at thefirstgenmadrina.com.

Recent highlights from Sara's impactful work include:

• Sara launched an online community that supports social work students and professionals (most of them are first-gen)
• Recently in March, she received the Emerging Leader Award from the Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey for the work that she does on breaking barriers to mental health.
• This month, Sara will become a Certified Financial Social Worker to help first-gens heal from money trauma.
• She will also be celebrating 100 podcast episodes for The First Gen Madrina Podcast!
• This month, Sara will continue to host workshops and events for Mental Health Awareness Month!

Thank you, Sara, for your contributions to the first-gen student community and your impactful work in mental health!

Founding Member, Dylan Gibson

We proudly celebrate Dylan Gibson, a founding member of FirstGen Society and a 2024 graduate of Jacksonville State University (JSU), for continuing to lead with purpose as he begins his professional journey. Dylan currently works in the financial aid office at JSU, where he has the privilege of helping students navigate the complexities of funding their education. Supporting students in achieving their academic goals, especially those from first-generation backgrounds like Dylan's, is incredibly rewarding. Dylan is proud to advocate for students and guide them through processes that might otherwise seem overwhelming, ensuring they feel supported and empowered throughout their journey. Dylan states, "It’s fulfilling to know that my work helps make higher education more accessible for so many."

Dylan's commitment to student success and his ongoing service to the first-gen student community embodies the mission of FirstGen Society. Kudos to Dylan! We’re inspired by the difference you’re making.

Want to earn a digital badge? Share your story, highlight your academic or leadership accomplishments, or share your favorite quote as a first-generation college student. We would love to feature your content in our next newsletter.

Access the Member Portal

• To access the Member Portal, log in to the Member Portal using your email address and password that you used for creating your FirstGen Society membership account.
• Set up Your Member Profile using the "Member Profile Set Up Guide" and earn a digital "profile" badge.

5 Leadership Pillars

• Participate in our Member Experience Program and learn how you can get involved on your campus, in your community, and with your chapter by demonstrating a service action through one of our Five Leadership Pillars of FirstGen Society. You can submit your service action through the Member Portal to earn a digital badge.

FirstGen Society was honored to be featured on two inspiring podcasts this year!

Tune in to our interview as we share our mission, personal stories from our co-founders, and what it means to lead as a first-gen student. Don’t miss these powerful conversations.

Exclusive Member Benefits

As part of your FirstGen Society membership, we're pleased to share a new benefit: access to the Member Discounts Program through our partner, Working Advantage. This platform offers exclusive savings on a variety of everyday essentials, travel, entertainment, and more helping you make the most of your student experience and beyond.

How to Enroll:

• Visit www.workingadvantage.com
• Enter your personal email address and click “Register”
• Create your profile and passcode
• Use our organization code: FIRSTGENSOCIETY

Once you're logged into our exclusive Working Advantage landing page, you can start shopping and receiving discounts.

Members Can Save On:

• Electronics & Appliances
• Theme Parks & Attractions
• Hotels & Rental Cars
• Movie Tickets & Gift Cards
• Apparel, Flowers, & Fitness Memberships
• Groceries & Special Events
• And much more!

Stay in the Know:

Working Advantage will send monthly emails to you about new deals and featured discounts from WorkingAdvantage@info.workingadvantage.com.

To make sure you receive these updates:

• Right-click the email and mark it as a safe sender
• You can also opt out at any time if you prefer

If you encounter any issues while logging in, please email CustomerService@workingadvantage.com

FirstGen Society supports the Aspire Leaders Program, developed by Aspire Institute, to empower low-income first generation college students worldwide to reach their full potential.

FirstGen Society is excited to share an opportunity from Aspire Institute to join this fully funded global experience for FREE.

Next APPLICATION DEADLINE:

July 9, 2025

Commit Just 3 Hours a Week for 9 Weeks free to:

• Learn from Harvard faculty and global thought leaders
• Expand your network with people from 170+ countries
• Access grants for your academic pursuits and community projects
• Gain mentorship from accomplished global leaders
• Develop your personal brand and career readiness skills

Who should apply? The Aspire Leaders Program is specifically designed for those who are:

• 18-29 years old
• Limited-income background or first-generation to attend university
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program or recently graduated; not a postgraduate student or graduate of a postgraduate program

Apply in 10-15 Minutes Today

• No essays or recommendation letters necessary
• No resume needed
• Questions? Use the chat bot on the Aspire Institute website or visit this FAQ page for more information.

FirstGen Society is excited to be working with The First Gen Madrina, a supporting resource specialized for first generation college students and graduates that offers resources and life coaching for first-gen students. FirstGen Society members may take advantage of the discounted student coaching rate at $50 an hour with Sara Diaz, a dedicated First-Generation Life and Transition Coach and Workshop Facilitator of The First Gen Madrina.

Scheduling is flexible to meet the needs of the student. At this time, there is a capacity to meet with 5 students at a time. Coaching can be a one-time session or continuous sessions based on the students' needs.

Or check out The First Gen Madrina Podcast for inspiring stories of first-gens on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Content Submission

Do you have a story or announcement you are proud of and would like to share within our member community? The First Up Newsletter is a great way to communicate and share our college experiences, personal or academic achievements, as well as showcase FirstGen Society chapter activities and events nationwide.

• What Month is Your Birthday? - We'd love to celebrate you!
• When is Your Expected Graduation Date? - We want to acknowledge and celebrate our new and upcoming graduates!
• What Does It Means to Be a First-Gen Student? - Share your story & we'll feature it.
• Update Your Contact Info – If you’ve moved on from your school email address, share your new email address so we can stay in touch!

Stay Connected

info@firstgensociety.org

www.firstgensociety.org

@National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students

@FirstGenSociety