Each year, First Generation College Bound brings its community together through moments that celebrate not only achievement, but possibility. In 2025, FGCB marked its 35th year by honoring new graduates, lifting up alumni journeys, and creating spaces where current college students and alumni could learn from one another; reminding us all that first-generation success is not a single moment, but a lifelong continuum.
Honoring the Class of 2025
FGCB’s 35th Annual Celebration was filled with joy that could be felt in the room—hand claps, laughter, proud tears, and the unmistakable electricity of a milestone moment. Led by Master of Ceremonies John Gonzales (ABC7/WJLA-TV and WJLA 24/7 Reporter), families, mentors, and supporters gathered to honor the Class of 2025: students whose achievements reflect grit, growth, and belief in what’s possible.
Graduate reflections captured the heart of FGCB’s mission:
- Cesia Turcios, a 2025 graduate of High Point High School, shared her academic comeback—from a 1.4 GPA to a 3.4—guided by the words on her graduation cap:
“I did my best and God did the rest.”
- Jasmine Blanco Ventura, a 2025 graduate of Bowie State University, honored her family’s sacrifice with a simple, powerful tribute: “Para mis padres que llegaron sin nada y me dieron todo.” (“For my parents, who arrived with nothing and gave me everything.”)
- Daisy Velasco, a 2024 graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, reflected on the meaning of being first: “Where we came from didn’t define where we are going… being a first sends a ripple; we are the beginning of something bold.”
A keynote from FGCB alum and Maryland State Senator Alonzo Washington offered living proof of FGCB’s long-term impact, as he reflected on the knock at his mother’s door that changed his life. Today, Senator Washington works to pass legislation supporting first-generation and under-resourced students, including the Next Generation Scholars Program and the Maryland Promise Scholarship.
Together, their words reminded the audience that FGCB’s impact is measured not just in degrees earned, but in confidence gained and futures reimagined.
Alumni Journeys: Where Are They Now?
That sense of momentum continued at FGCB’s 6th annual Where Are They Now? virtual event, where alumni at different career stages reflected on how their FGCB foundation shaped their paths forward.
- Chief Wesley Bentil, now an Automation Engineer at Siemens, spoke about entering college “with a lot of ambition and not a lot of answers,” while balancing leadership, responsibility, and personal challenges. His message to students was clear: Your background is not your limitation; it’s your strength.
- Temitope “Temi” Agoro, a Site Reliability Engineer at Oracle, traced his journey from Parkdale High School to Notre Dame and beyond. He encouraged students to step outside the “PG bubble,” reminding them that growth often begins with discomfort and that they don’t need to have life figured out at 18.
- Tiyana Hodges, now a Senior Accountant and graduate student, shared a story shaped by perseverance and pivots. Her advice resonated across generations: confidence isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about being willing to learn.
- Shavon Dockery, entrepreneur and business owner, reflected on taking a nontraditional path that included setbacks, detours, and ultimately purpose. Her words stayed with many: “Don’t let the cost of college determine your value. Let your values determine the cost.”
Together, these alumni stories illustrated the long arc of FGCB’s work, showing how early support leads to lasting impact.
Retention, Connection, and Community
That impact came to life in person at FGCB’s 14th Annual College Retention & Alumni Social, where current college students and alumni gathered not just to listen, but to connect, mentor, and encourage one another.
Several alumni speakers, including two repeats from the Where are They Now event, reinforced themes that echoed across events:
- Tiyana Hodges emphasized the importance of acting early—earning credits, seeking opportunities, and being intentional about timing.
- Shavon Dockery returned to the idea that detours are not failures, but preparation.
- Eden Yousef, a Criminal Justice graduate, encouraged students to have bold conversations and proactively build relationships because people, not just degrees, open doors.
- Eric Lane, a Criminal Justice and MBA graduate, highlighted the balance of freedom and responsibility in college, stressing networking, time management, and giving back.
While a few alumni took the microphone, many more filled the room to answer questions, share hard-earned wisdom, and remind students they are part of a community that continues long after graduation.
A Throughline of Impact
Across all three events, celebration, reflection, and connection were common themes. A shared truth emerged: FGCB’s work does not end with college acceptance. It lives on through graduates who return as mentors, professionals who open doors, and alumni who remind other first-generation students, “You belong here and you can keep going.”
For our donors and partners, these moments reflect what your investment makes possible: degrees earned, lives transformed, and communities strengthened generation after generation.
To learn more about the impact FGCB is having in the lives of first generation students, read our 2024-2025 Impact Report. The report features the students from our Annual Celebration.
As FGCB continues into its 36th year, the mission moves forward with gratitude, momentum, and an unwavering belief in the power of first-generation students.
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