fpf building community

Creating Meaningful Partnerships

The FPF program is well-aligned to build and support community within and across all four cohorts. Fellows learn and grow with their cohorts of 12-15 peers. From the onboarding program for the first-year cohort to the annual senior send-off for graduating seniors, FirstGen Presidential Fellows participate in community events that create lifelong friends.

Bentley Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Center (BSLCE) and First Generation Presidential Fellows Experience

The BSLCE is committed to enhancing student learning through academically integrated service and co-curricular programs. In partnership with local, national, and international nonprofit organizations, BSLCE work to address critical public issues while fostering meaningful civic engagement. Anchored in Bentley’s undergraduate curriculum, this Service-Learning program provides students with hands-on experiences that complement their coursework and contribute to impactful, community-driven initiatives. The Civic Engagement program, guided by Bentley’s commitment to ethical leadership, engages students in social change, social justice, and social entrepreneurship—advancing sustainable solutions to real-world challenges.

The FirstGeneration Presidential Fellows play a vital role in advancing BSLCE’s mission. Through their leadership and service, Fellows contribute to program development, community partnerships, and student engagement efforts, bringing unique perspectives and a strong commitment to equity and access. Their involvement strengthens BSLCE’s capacity to foster inclusive civic learning and deepen its impact across campus and beyond.

BSLCE - FPF Partnerships

Kimberly Lozano Vasquez

The Prospect Hill Afterschool Program serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade living in government housing in Waltham, many of whom are first-generation. Its mission is to provide homework support, mentorship, and enrichment opportunities such as arts and crafts, outdoor activities, and other creative learning experiences in a safe and worry-free environment.

As Lead Program Manager, I oversee a team of five program managers and more than 20 fourth-credit students. My responsibilities include coordinating with our community partner, managing program logistics such as transportation, and ensuring effective communication across the team. On-site, I support students with homework, lead activities, and foster a safe and welcoming environment. Through this role, I have developed a stronger passion for community engagement as a first-generation student. While also strengthening my leadership, communication, and organizational skills, and gaining a deeper understanding of adaptability and community partnership.

Meryem Hakkoui

My freshman year I had the opportunity of being part of Service Learning. I was stationed at Chesterbrook After School Program for 5-8th graders who live in the Waltham public housing. Our role is to volunteer at the program and provide assistance with their mission, which involves mentoring, academic support, and enrichment in activities. We hosted group games for everyone, both enriching in academics and entertaining, and were able to do 1-1 activities with the kids. It was important for us to engage with everyone and create meaningful connections with them. I found that part of our role was to motivate, communicate properly, and teamwork.

Community Highlights

Study Abroad Notes: Iridiana Arizmendi and Julenio Reinoso

Iridiana Arizmendi: I am currently studying abroad in Rome, Italy for Fall '25. Exploring a new side of the world and saying yes to everything has been my motto going through this experience which has helped me create unforgettable stories to look back to. As a firstgen student, it was definitely a challenge leaving the country for the first time and across the globe but I knew how much I have dreamed about studying abroad which was since middle school. Growing up while learning about the importance of education and exploring has built me into the person I am today. FPF has been one of the cores to make this study abroad experience run smoothly with both financial and moral support.

Julenio Reinoso: My study abroad experience has been incredibly rewarding and eye-opening. Living and studying in Singapore has allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture while gaining a global perspective on business, sustainability, and everyday life. I’ve learned how different countries approach transportation, urban planning, and environmental responsibility, which has expanded how I think about problem-solving and innovation. Outside of academics, traveling throughout Southeast Asia has helped me grow personally by becoming more independent, adaptable, and open-minded.

Taste of Success: FirstGen Entrepreneur Lunch Panel at MLK Day, Spring 2026

For Bentley’s MLK Day celebration, FPF hosted a lunchtime panel featuring First-Generation and POC entrepreneurs. The event highlighted their business journeys and celebrated entrepreneurship within First-Gen and POC communities while inspiring students through authentic success stories. Participants enjoyed an interactive lunch discussion as entrepreneurs shared the challenges, purpose, and perseverance that shaped their paths. The session included a Q&A, giving students the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about building businesses and staying grounded in their values. Overall, the panel underscored the connection between hope, purpose, and achievement by showcasing entrepreneurs who transformed their passions into successful ventures. Their stories of resilience, community, and purpose-driven success inspired students to view their own backgrounds as powerful sources of strength and possibility. FPF Fellows Ivana Mercado and Christian Pineda helped design and moderate the panel, whilst Julenio Reinoso and Aliyah Isaacs participated and provided important insights into the discussion.

SXSW Conference - Austin, TX

SXSW (South by Southwest) is an annual festival and conference held in Austin, Texas, celebrating the intersection of music, film, and technology. Over the years, it has become one of the most influential cultural events in the world. The festival features live performances, film screenings, keynote speakers, panel discussions, exhibitions, and countless networking opportunities for creatives and innovators. Three FPF students—Mereyem Hakkaoui, Iridiana Arizmendi, and Brianna Boateng—joined a group of 18 Bentley first-generation college students to attend the conference. They experienced firsthand an event that draws global attention and provides a launchpad for emerging talent and groundbreaking ideas across industries.