Emerging Leaders

Leading with Purpose

Leadership potential is a key characteristic we look for when admitting university applicants into FPF. Once part of the program, fellows engage in different activities designed to develop skills required for effective leadership, specifically: communication, collaboration, self-awareness and problem-solving.

FPF fellows take on active leadership roles within the program and across campus. Within FPF, students volunteer to serve on the executive board through which they manage a budget, create and execute communication strategies, design and promote events, and build community with their fellow fellows. Beyond FPF, fellows take on active leadership roles across the Bentley community. A 2024 assessment of the program showed that on average, FPF fellows are members of seven different student organizations, compared to an average of four organizations for Bentley undergraduates not in FPF. Furthermore, 18% of FPF fellows serve on the executive boards of the student organizations of which they are members, compared to 15% of first-generation college students not in FPF and 14% of multi-generation college students at Bentley. In addition to their roles in student organizations, FPF fellows sit in important student leadership roles on campus, including as Falcon Discovery Seminar Peerl Leaders, Orientation Leaders, MOSAIC Ambassadors, and more. They also lead campus-wide events for other first-generation college students, faculty and staff, as evidence by through their multi-year participation on Bentley’s MLK Day of Service event.

FPF Learning Goals

Diagram showing four interconnected skill areas arranged in a 2×2 grid: Self-Awareness, Communication, Collaboration, and Problem-Solving, connected by arrows to illustrate their relationship and balance.

The FPF Executive Board

The executive board (e-board) of a First-Generation college group plays a vital role in fostering community, advocacy, and support for students who are the first in their families to attend college. E-board members lead efforts to plan and host events, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that celebrate First-Gen identity and promote academic and professional success. They collaborate with campus partners, manage communications and outreach, and ensure the group’s mission is reflected in all programming. By creating inclusive spaces and amplifying student voices, the e-board helps build a strong network of empowerment and belonging for First-Gen students across campus.

Fellow Leaders Across Campus

Joani Guerrero

Falcon Discovery Seminar Peer Leader Experience

Becoming a peer leader felt full circle for me because just last year, I was in their shoes, learning how to navigate Bentley and figuring out where my home away from home is. Being a peer leader this year, gave me the chance to be the support I received last year, and it was more meaningful to teach this year's First-Generation Presidential Fellows Cohort because I am a fellow myself. I understood their transition personally, which helped me lead them with my experience, honestly and empathy. Over time, I was able to create meaningful connections with them both personally and professionally, whether it was helping them adjust to college life, connecting them to resources, or just being someone they could rely on. One of the most rewarding parts was earning their trust. When students came to me for advice and genuinely took my advice, I knew I was fulfilling my role as their Peer Leader. Watching them grow more confident in their experience reminded me why mentorship matters. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back and be part of their first-year experience in such a real way.

Zoe Ragland-Haines

Message from the Outgoing E-Board President

My time serving as President of the First-Generation Presidential Fellows has been incredibly rewarding. Leading a group of highly-driven individuals pushed me to grow as a leader, student, and person. This experience strengthened my communication and leadership skills, and helped me become a better collaborator. I am proud of the opportunities that the e-board was able to make possible for FPF students under my leadership and of the community that we continued to help grow. This role helped me grow as a student and professional, and I am grateful for the lessons that I learned that will follow me after graduation.

Falcon Society Induction

The Falcon Society was established in 1964 to recognize sophomore, junior, and senior students who excel in their academic studies and have contributed substantially to the University's social and cultural activities. Students must be nominated to the Society by a faculty or staff member, and acceptance is voted on by current members of the Society. To be accepted, students must have at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average and a record of student leadership that has left an enduring legacy on the university community.

We are incredibly proud of our own Nayeli Franco and Judaea Whittingham for being accepted into the Falcon Society this past spring! Both fellows are more than deserving of this high recognition, which validates the impact they leave on our Bentley community and the intellectual excellence they have demonstrated while here. Congratulations, Nayeli and Judaea.