Damaris Marchante
Mental Health Coordinator and Counselor

Damaris holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor's in Human Relations, both of which she earned from Trinity Washington University. She gained valuable clinical experience as a Mental Health counseling intern at Generation Hope. Originally from Guatemala, Damaris moved to the U.S. at eleven. As the first member of her family to earn two college degrees while being a parent, she has firsthand knowledge of the challenges that first-generation college students and student parents face. Her passion for advocating for marginalized groups led her to join Generation Hope, where she will continue her efforts to make higher education more equitable. Before this role, she worked with parents at the Prince George's County Office of Child Support and the Maryland Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation, assisting them with employment and navigating the child support system. In her free time, Damaris enjoys outdoor walks, bike rides, and board games with her family.

Quote:

"Am I good enough? Yes, I am." ― Michelle Obama, Becoming

Why I chose this quote:

I chose this quote because as a woman of color, I often find myself as the only one in the room, which can make me feel incompetent. When imposter syndrome starts to impact me, I reflect on this quote to remind myself that I am good enough. It helps me to trust in my intelligence, education, and knowledge, and to regain my confidence.