The 2022-2024 FamilyU Cohort

Meet the 2022 Cohort Student Parent Fellows

The best change comes when the people who are most impacted by policies are at the decision-making table. That’s why we’re thrilled to have seven parenting students join us as we work with the institutions in our 2022 FamilyU Cohort. For the second year of the capacity-building experience, these Fellows work with institutional leaders to help drive change for student parents.

Kristan Hennessy,
Austin Community College District

Kristan Hennessy is a student at Austin Community College where she is currently pursuing her associate degree in nursing. She aspires to become a nurse practitioner or doctor and open a free healthcare clinic to offer services to impoverished and underrepresented communities. Her focus is on addressing and fighting healthcare disparities by race and class, driven by the belief that lasting change starts with good health and quality education. Kristan is excited to work with other students across the nation to address the needs of student parents and their children, so they can all work towards a better future. When she’s not at school, you can find Kristan working, at the gym, playing games with her husband and two children, or reading.

Ashley Beshara,
Houston Community College

Ashley Beshara is pursuing her Associates of Applied Science in Interior Design. This is her second year in the program. She is currently the president of her program's student organization, iDesign, which encourages students to network, learn, and engage with professionals within the interior design industry. She is married and has a 2 year old daughter whom she can't wait to celebrate with and share in the success of her graduation in spring 2025. Her focus is raising awareness within her school about the challenges many student parents face while juggling both school and family while exploring new ways of providing support and a sense of community throughout multiple campus locations in the Houston area. She is excited to be a part of the FamilyU fellowship and looks forward to sharing experiences and knowledge to continue to advocate for student parents' success nationwide.

Dwayne McMillen,
Madison Area Technical College

Dwayne McMillen is a student at Madison Area Technical College pursuing an associate degree in Human Services and Information Technology with the ultimate goal of being in a position to give back to his community. He also works in Central Receiving at Madison College ensuring that packages reach their final destination on time. Dwayne has experience advocating to the Madison College District Board, where he presented his research on “Barriers to Transition,” which discussed challenges students have from moving from Academic Advancement classes into college degree programs. As a member of the FamilyU team, Dwayne plans to continue his advocacy and hopes to bring awareness to other student-parents about the opportunities available at Madison College. Beyond Madison College, he serves diligently in his church and community. As a single father, he is inspired daily by his children as he participates fully in their lives.

Rickkita Riddick,
Norfolk State University

Rickkita is a recent graduate of Norfolk State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Social Work. Rickkita is married with three boys, two stepsons, and a stepdaughter.  She is currently working towards her master’s degree in Social Work in the advanced standing program at Norfolk State University. Rickkita is the president and founder of a nonprofit organization called Sister Healing Sisters Inc., formed to help women in need. She works as a mentor at an adolescent residential behavioral health facility and is a licensed real estate agent. She plans to open a transitional home through her nonprofit for women and children while providing other outreach efforts to the community. As a FamilyU Fellow, she is excited to advocate for and help be part of the change for the student parent community.