Celebrating New Voices: Introducing the Student Parent Advocacy Alliance Members
Since Generation Hope’s inception, one of the common threads woven throughout our work is valuing and centering the expertise of students and families. To that end, we are excited to continue expanding our advocacy efforts for and with student parents with the launch of our inaugural Student Parent Advocacy Alliance (SPAA).
The belief that every student parent deserves access to resources, support, and a community that understands the intricacies of their journey founded the SPAA, recognizing the crucial role of advocacy in ensuring equitable opportunities for all student parents. Our inaugural members embrace this ethos and actively contribute to creating supportive environments for student parents by lending their voices to our ongoing advocacy efforts. Each SPAA member brings a unique perspective and a powerful story to the Alliance. From overcoming significant challenges to achieving academic success, their journeys showcase determination and perseverance.
Over the next six months, SPAA members will actively engage with Generation Hope’s Policy & Research team to acquire new advocacy, leadership, and storytelling skills. They will also collaborate with our team to develop a comprehensive annual Policy Agenda aimed at serving student parents at the state and national levels. Importantly, participation in the SPAA will provide them with the opportunity to forge connections and build a community with other student parents and advocates nationwide.
Meet our 2024 SPAA Members!
Alana Griffin, University of Pittsburgh
Alana Griffin wears many hats. As a proud single mother of two boys, she understands the importance of balancing family responsibilities with her other passions. Alana is deeply committed to her community and serves on several community boards. Her dedication to advocating for equality for mothers, special needs children, and youth empowerment is genuinely inspiring.
In addition to her community work, Alana is an entrepreneur, an author, an avid reader, an herbalist, and a day trader. After being out of school for over a decade, Alana has recently enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh to complete her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is committed to finishing what she started and setting an example for her children.
Malajah Lopez, University of New Orleans
Malajah Lopez is a graduating senior at the University of New Orleans majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Business in Urban Societies. After graduation, she plans to continue her education by earning a master’s degree in Business Administration. Malajah dedicates most of her time to her children, Roderick and Rai’lani. In addition to being a SPAA member, Malajah is also a member of Generation Hope’s Scholar Program in New Orleans.
Juliana Loza-Espinoza, George Washington University
Juliana Loza-Espinoza recently completed her bachelor’s in Biomedical Informatics at the George Washington University School of Medicine. While pursuing a career in Healthcare Information Technology at Inova Health Systems, she also volunteers on several committees. A Generation Hope Scholar alumna, Juliana is also a member of our Executive Alumni Committee, where she encourages alumni involvement and serves as a role model for current Scholars. Additionally, she is a published children’s book author, co-authoring “Mira, Mira, Mira: Central America!” with fellow Generation Hope Scholars, sharing Latino culture and fostering a connection with their Hispanic heritage among children. As a mother to Julian, Mia, Emilia, and Lyanna, Juliana enjoys spending meaningful time with her family and inspiring her children.
Jenelle Lovelette, Santa Fe Community College
Jenelle Lovelette is a Santa Fe Community College student working on an Associate of Science general studies. Jenelle plans to transfer to the University of New Mexico to pursue a degree in dietetics to become a pediatric dietitian, focusing specifically on working with families who have children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Jenelle currently works for the Student Parent Program at Santa Fe Community College, focusing on creating a community among fellow student parents on campus. Along with school and work, Jenelle is married and has two daughters, five-year-old Artemis and one-year-old Tauriel. Jenelle is diagnosed with ADHD and works on advocating for accommodations for others who are neurodivergent and giving support to parents raising children with either ASD or ADHD. Jenelle wants to let parents know that being a parent does not disqualify them from pursuing an education; they can be a great parent and a great student with the proper support.
Lorraine Oyetubo, Trinity Washington University
Lorraine Oyetubo is a junior Human Relations major at Trinity Washington University. She works as a National Complex Care Manager at a healthcare company in DC. She served as a FamilyU Student Parent Fellow with Generation Hope, working with the Trinity team to assist in elevating the college experience for their student parents. As a student parent, she navigates societal barriers, her education, and her career, all while setting an example for her son. Lorraine believes that student parents should have access to every resource available to make their lives easier so their children do not have to suffer through barriers just for their parents to maintain their education. She looks forward to working with the Student Parent Advocacy Alliance to create safe spaces and valuable student resources.
Krystle Pale, University of California, Santa Cruz
Krystle Pale, an indigenous woman of color and first-generation immigrant and student, draws strength from a legacy of resilience shaped by her hardworking single mother, nurturing grandmother, and grandmother’s sister. Confronting the harsh realities of domestic violence, systemic challenges, and personal losses, Krystle is passionately committed to dismantling barriers in higher education.
As a student parent of five children, Krystle advocates fervently for equity in education, specifically addressing the unique challenges parents face. Her roles as an Underground Scholar and Renaissance Scholar have illuminated the shortcomings in existing support systems. Currently holding positions as a STARS transfer peer mentor, Womxn’s Center Outreach and Programming Student Intern, and President of the Student Parent Organization at her college, Krystle actively contributes to creating inclusive spaces and championing comprehensive policies.
Krystle envisions a future as a Chancellor, where she can influence institutional policies and establish a Polynesian community school to celebrate cultural heritage. Driven by a commitment to social justice, she aims to leverage her experiences to bring about tangible and meaningful change within higher education, fostering a brighter future for her family, community, and future generations. Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), Krystle sees it as an ideal environment to hone her skills in creating inclusive spaces and implementing effective policies for student parents and underserved communities. Additionally, she has been accepted into the University of San Francisco’s Higher Education Student Affairs program.
Tamara Sahin, Montgomery College
Tamara Sahin is a toddler mom pursuing an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education Technology at Montgomery College. She studied musical theater in New York before moving to Maryland with her husband. Upon her intended graduation, she plans to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She wishes to foster a welcoming and nurturing environment of creative expression for her future students, supporting them as they pursue their dreams. She sincerely hopes that her two-year-old daughter will continue to share her passion for learning. Tamara has been a Generation Hope Scholar for nearly two years and recently joined our early childhood program, Next Generation Academy, with her daughter. Using her experience, she is committed to shedding light on the reality of an education system that is not structured to support the needs of students with children. She hopes to advocate for student parents by amplifying their voices and representing the ambition of this underrepresented and diverse community.
Isabel Torres, Austin Community College
Isabel Torres recently graduated from Austin Community College with an associate’s degree in Health Science. She has been accepted at Texas Woman's University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Health Science. As a non-traditional single-parent student, she has continuously advocated for other community college students through Young Invincibles, Texas Education Trust, and Texas Paceto to educate fellow Austinites about various opportunities. As a member of Generation Hope’s inaugural Student Parent Advocacy Alliance, she looks forward to continuing to advocate for and support student parents nationwide. Isabel works in the Student Affairs office at one of the two Austin Community College health science-focused campuses. There she assists students by connecting them to resources and other support services within the college and community. Beyond Austin Community College, she serves diligently at Oak Springs Elementary as Secretary for their Parent Teacher Association and as a member of their Campus Advisory Council. As a single parent, her daughter is a true blessing that drives her to make a positive difference in the community every day.
Darin Wellons, Madison Area Technical College
Darin Wellons is currently on the path to earning an associate’s degree in Web Software Development at Madison College. At the heart of his academic journey, he serves as the Co-Chair of the Student Parent Support Team and holds the position of Treasurer for the Parenting Student Club. His commitment to helping others extends beyond academics as a Job Coach and Dock Manager at Edgerton Community Outreach, where he works with differently abled adults in their Opportunities Program. As a dedicated single parent of two, Darin’s children are the inspiration and reason behind his journey. Having experienced the desire to provide more for his family without a clear starting point, he is passionate about sharing his experiences to inspire those facing similar challenges.
We are thrilled to welcome these passionate individuals dedicated to advocating for student parents and fostering positive change within our communities. If you would like to learn more about the Student Parent Advocacy Alliance and our policy and advocacy work, please find some helpful links below:
