Mission Moments: First-Generation Voices, Lasting Impact
“To be the first is never easy—but it’s how generational change begins. And when one person breaks through, they often ensure
they won’t be the last.”
College Now hosted its second Mission Moments on Nov. 3, a growing engagement series designed to connect advocates more deeply with our mission. This session honored First-Generation College Celebration Week by spotlighting three powerful voices whose stories reflect the perseverance, promise, and purpose of first-generation students. The panel featured:
Meyiah Hill, a College Now alumna and proud first-generation, four-year college graduate, whose curiosity was sparked when her fourth grade teacher assigned her to do a report for her class on Spelman College. Though she followed in her family’s footsteps by initially attending community college, Meyiah became the first to attend and graduate from a four-year university and has since earned her Master of Education. Her story is one of generational triumph: when she walked the stage, her entire family was by her side. So much so, her parents wouldn’t let her take her degrees out of their home — because her success was theirs too.
Trevon Edwards, senior center director at the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, shared how his turbulent college journey became a learning experience that culminated with a Master of Education degree, shaping his impressive leadership pathway. Noting that he didn’t have anyone at home who could assist him with his homework, today, he’s paying it forward — helping his younger cousin navigate the FAFSA and celebrating his little brother’s enrollment at the University of Akron. Trevon’s story reminds us that being the first often means you won’t be the last.
Tiyanna Williams, marketing intern at the Cleveland Foundation, spoke about the deep relationships that helped her persevere through college. Her College Now mentor — none other than the legendary Jimmy Malone, who worked closely with her while she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Akron — was instrumental in her success. But it wasn’t just one person: Tiyanna credited the entire College Now team for encouraging her to push through to graduation. Now, she’s using her voice and skills to improve the lives of others through her work in philanthropy.
A moving moment occurred when Kittie Warshawsky, College Now’s chief external affairs officer, asked those in the room to raise their hands if they were also first-generation college students. Nearly 90% of attendees raised their hands. That moment underscored the shared experiences of uncertainty and the unknown that often come with being the first in your network to pursue higher education. It also highlighted the critical role College Now plays in supporting students of all ages through each step of their educational journey.
Our panelists are living proof that first-generation success is not just personal — it’s communal. Their achievements honor their families and uplift entire neighborhoods. They’ve gone from not being able to take their “homework” home to becoming models for the next generation. And for the generations before them, they are fulfilling the promise and completing the mission that life may have once delayed.
We are deeply grateful to Meyiah, Trevon and Tiyanna for sharing their stories and inspiring us all. This Mission Moments was a celebration of legacy, leadership and the limitless potential of first-generation students.