🎓 Alumni Highlights
Celebrating Success. Inspiring the Future.
🌟 Featured Alumni Spotlight
Lisbeth Martinez | DMSB ’25 | International Business & International Affairs
Lisbeth Martinez is a fourth-year Honors student at Northeastern University, majoring in International Business and International Affairs with minors in Spanish and Latinx, Latin American & Caribbean Studies. As a proud first-generation college student and immigrant from a low-income community, Lisbeth's experiences have fueled her passion for educational equity.
Before attending Northeastern, Lisbeth participated in the Salem State University Upward Bound Program, a federally funded TRIO initiative. In 2023, she attended the Council for Opportunity in Education’s National Policy Seminar in Washington, DC, advocating for continued TRIO funding.
In 2024, Lisbeth was elected as the Alumni Representative on the Massachusetts Educational Opportunity Association (MEOA) Board of Directors. Her dedication to breaking generational cycles and promoting equitable education exemplifies the spirit of our alumni.
Fun Fact: Lisbeth has completed international experiences in both London and Costa Rica, enriching her global perspective.
Read Full Story →TRIO On the Move
Daniela Valdivia-Terres
SSS - Northern Essex Community College
As a non-traditional student, full-time mom, and entrepreneur, Daniela credits the PACE program for guiding her academic path and providing critical support during challenging times. Her TRIO experience helped her not only continue her studies, but thrive in them.
Aydin Kijjambu
Upward Bound - Brandeis University | SSS - Brandeis University
Aydin was the first in their family to go to college and faced the challenge of navigating FAFSA and the college application process. The TRIO community at Brandeis gave Aydin the confidence to pursue a college education and provided essential support on financial aid and essay writing. Meeting Naomi, the former Upward Bound Director, through the Waltham Partnership for Youth, inspired Aydin to join TRIO. The program became a support network and a community that continues to empower Aydin on their educational journey.
Kris Ferrell
Veterans Upward Bound - Suffolk University
After serving in the Coast Guard, Kris found the idea of college daunting—until he connected with Veterans Upward Bound. With support through every step of the process, from applications to class preparation, Kris gained the confidence to enroll in his dream college.
Ampa Cubias
SSS - Northern Essex Community College
Following a life-altering injury and financial hardship, Ampa’s determination never wavered. TRIO provided tutoring, mentoring, and a community that fueled her recovery and academic success, proving that resilience and support go hand in hand.