Welcoming the New Student Parent Advocacy Alliance
By Yoslin Amaya Hernandez
At Generation Hope, we’ve always believed in the power of centering the voices of those directly impacted by the challenges we aim to address. This belief is the foundation of the Student Parent Advocacy Alliance (SPAA), and we are thrilled to announce the newest cohort of student parents who have joined us in this critical work.
The SPAA was established with a clear purpose: to ensure that student parents are equipped with the tools and skills they need to be the best advocates for themselves and their families. This year, our cohort members bring a rich diversity of experiences and perspectives, united by their shared commitment to advocating for student parents at both the local and national levels. They embody perseverance, determination, and the drive to create a more equitable future for student parents and their families.
Over the next eight months, these emerging leaders will deeply engage with our Policy and Research team. Together, we will help refine their advocacy, leadership, and storytelling skills, while working collaboratively to shape Generation Hope’s annual Policy Agenda.
Our engagement has begun, and we are excited to see the impact this cohort will have as they advocate for policies that will uplift student parents across the nation. Their participation in the SPAA will not only contribute to Generation Hope's larger advocacy efforts but also help them forge connections with like-minded advocates and build a supportive community that spans the country.
Meet our 2024-2025 SPAA Cohort!
Alicia Price, Southern Wesleyan University
Alicia M. Price, a junior in Southern Wesleyan University’s Early Childhood Education and Family Studies Management program, a mother of three boys, and an advocate for children, has been a Generation Hope Scholar for over ten years. Like many other student parents, Alicia has overcome adversity time and time again, proving her to be resilient and ambitious! Alicia served in the FamilyU cohort, which helped to jumpstart advocacy for student parents on college campuses.
Her project included adding toys and other useful items to a common area for children while parents attended classes. She recalls the numerous occasions when she had to bring her child to class, and her child would sometimes help demonstrate the competency standards we were learning about. Alicia is a leader and looks forward to using her skill set and expertise as a student parent to advocate for others because being a student parent does not limit or eliminate, it opens new doors. Student parents are trailblazers!
Amoni Smith, Northwest Arkansas Community College
Amoni Smith is a 23-year-old married mother pursuing a transfer degree to major in social work and minor in exercise science. After graduating, she wants to build up a school for teen moms that provides a safe learning environment, gives access to quality prenatal and parenting education, and provides health and emotional support services. Outside of school, she works part-time in childcare and loves spending time with her husband and her four kiddos (Amilya, Joshua, and her two bonus boys, Jayden and Joseph.) She works out at her home gym and participates in hip-hop dance fitness for fun. Fitness was one of the things that kept her socially active during the pandemic in 2021 and helped her through her postpartum journey. She is minoring in exercise science because she wants to incorporate physical fitness in the teen mom school, giving them a space to be themselves, block out the world, and improve their physical health.
Grace Thompson, Southern New Hampshire University
Grace McKendall-Thompson is a native New Orleanian. Grace is a 27-year-old mother of three boys. Two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Grace is a permanent Substitute Teacher at Opportunities Academy, a school that serves individuals with disabilities. Grace is a board member and treasurer for the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans. Grace has obtained her AA in Liberal Studies at Marshalltown Community College and is currently pursuing a BA in Communications at SNHU. Grace recently published a children's book: THE ABC'S OF AUTISM. Grace is also a recent graduate of Partners in Policymaking, a national advocacy leadership training program.
Lauren Ward, Brown University
Lauren Ward is a sophomore at Brown University concentrating in Visual Arts. Originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, she is a single mother of a wonderful 4-year-old daughter named Saoirse. Since seeking sobriety three years ago, Lauren has taken advantage of every opportunity possible to build a beautiful future for herself and Saoirse. She was pursuing an Associate’s degree in psychology at Santa Fe Community College before receiving a full-ride scholarship to Brown University. Her goal is to ultimately impact the Ivy League community by making elite education inclusive to mothers like her who never dreamed of having access to the social mobility that an Ivy League education grants. Lauren is a courageous activist on campus for Sexual Assault Prevention Education, she is a loving friend and advocate for those in recovery from substance abuse, and she is a dedicated parent who wants to share her message of hope with other mothers. She communicates her experiences, dreams, and ambitions through art and creative writing and wishes to one day create a publicly funded creative living space for mothers and children to heal, share, and help each other (how cool would this be as on-campus family housing). She also wants to get her doula certificate one day!
Rickkita Riddick, Norfolk State University
Rickkita Riddick is a recent two-time alumni graduate of Norfolk State University. Rickkita holds a Bachelor's and Masters in Social Work. Rickkita was the Student Parent Fellow for Norfolk State University during their time in the FamilyU cohort, where she contributed to bringing student parent awareness and culture to Norfolk State's campus. Rickkita dedicates most of her time to her family as a wife and mother to three boys, Rashawn, Andre, and Kaizen, and three bonus children. In addition to being an SPAA member, Rickkita is a nonprofit president and founder of Sisters Healing Sisters Inc. and a clinical supervisor in mental health. Rickkita looks forward to continuing to contribute to the work of advocating for Student Parents across the nation.
Rocelyn Alvarado, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Rocelyn, a native of Silver Spring, Maryland, is a first-generation college student currently working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology, with plans to graduate in May 2025. Following graduation, she intends to pursue a Master’s degree and ultimately become a Mental Health Therapist specializing in children. She believes strongly in ensuring that children receive the love and support necessary for their mental, physical, and educational well-being. Before transferring to UMBC, Rocelyn earned her associate degree from Montgomery College, where she co-founded and served as president of the Student Parent Alliance Club. This club provided resources, family-friendly activities and events, and academic and emotional support to student parents, helping them succeed in their studies. Rocelyn also participated as an extended ASCEND Parent Initiative Task Force member, advocating for resources, policies, and procedures to support student parents at Montgomery College.
As a student parent herself, Rocelyn faced challenges that extended the time it took to earn her associate degree to six years due to part-time enrollment and limited access to online and evening classes. Despite these obstacles, she remains deeply grateful to her professors, who allowed her to bring her daughter to her classes, enabling her to attend in person. Rocelyn is proud to set an example for her daughter, showing her the importance of education and the power of perseverance. She overcame the doubts and judgments of family members after becoming pregnant at 19 and pursuing college, ultimately graduating with honors and consistently earning a place on the dean's list every semester. This fall, her five-year-old daughter, Jazmin, began kindergarten—a joyful and emotional milestone for them. Rocelyn is excited to explore new opportunities, share her experiences, and collaborate with others who are equally dedicated to empowering and amplifying the voices of student parents to ensure their success as she joins the second cohort of the SPAA!
Tabbitha Martinez, University of Houston
Tabbitha Martinez is a recent graduate of the Graduate College of Social Work from the University of Houston. While at the University of Houston, Tabbi founded and served as president of the student organization Coog Student Parents. The organization's mission is to empower parenting students in the University of Houston community to excel academically, foster a supportive network, and navigate the unique challenges of balancing parenthood and education. Tabbi stays committed to serving her Houston community and parenting students by being the Chair of the Children’s Learning Centers Advisory Board at the University of Houston, and a board member with the University of Houston Hispanic Alumni Network, and a part of the Pregnant and Parenting Student Task Force with the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Houston.
Taylor Joyce, Mount Wachusett Community College
Taylor Joyce will be entering my second year of nursing school and will receive my associate’s degree in May of 2025 from Mount Wachusett Community College. When I am not at school, I am either with my two boys, ages 8 and 3, or I am working one of my two jobs. I am currently employed as a tech working overnights in an emergency room, as well as working in the Child Watch located at Mount Wachusett Community College, assisting student parents with childcare so they can achieve their goal of graduating college.
I began my college journey, MWCC, in September of 2016, majoring in Business Administration in hopes of gaining a job working at a bank to earn a decent income to provide for my family. However, deep down I knew this was not my true career calling. My dream has always been to become a nurse, but I lacked the self-confidence and felt that I was not “smart enough.” While taking two online classes and tending to my three-month-old son, Connor, I realized that I did not have the support system needed to continue with school, so I made the choice to withdraw from courses. Instead, I went to Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School to complete a 6–8-week program to become a certified Phlebotomist. I worked in phlebotomy for seven years, six of them being a “Pediatric Specialist” due to my skill level.
Fast forward to January 2020, I got pregnant with my second child, Carson. With that, I knew I had to figure out how to financially provide a better future for my children. In the fall of 2022, I decided to return to school and began taking my prerequisite classes at MWCC for the Nursing program. At this time, I began to use Child Watch for my younger son, Carson.
In May of 2023, I received my acceptance letter into the Nursing program. This was something I never thought would happen. Being a first-generation college student, a working, single mother to not one, but two children on the spectrum, I quickly realized that anything can be achieved if you surround yourself with supportive people who genuinely want what is best for you in the end. This is exactly what Mount Wachusett Community College has given me. February of 2024, I applied for a position in the Child Watch, to provide me a bit more of a financial cushion while being a full-time student. Little did I realize this was going to become much more than just a part-time job. Here we are, four months later, and I absolutely love my position working in Child Watch. It has brought me much joy helping student parents, knowing exactly what position they are in and how much support they need.
William Johnson, Los Angeles Trade Tech College
William J. Johnson is not just a dedicated advocate and leader, but a beacon of inspiration for those passionate about empowering underserved communities. His personal journey as a former foster youth and single father has instilled in him a deep understanding of the challenges many face, which he uses to inspire others. His unwavering commitment to creating pathways to success for those navigating difficult circumstances, particularly within the realms of education and community support, is a testament to his dedication to community service. William is currently the outreach and engagement specialist for LATTC Gain CalWORKs. He focuses on clear and engaging outreach to parents pursuing their educational and professional goals. His work emphasizes the importance of education as a transformative tool for change, especially for parents seeking to improve their families' lives while continuing their education.
In addition to his role at LATTC, William is also working to establish a nonprofit Residential Transitional Housing Center called The Housing District. This initiative is dedicated to addressing the needs of former foster youth who have experienced homelessness and fooD insecurity, providing them with stability and support to rebuild their lives. William's professional experience spans community engagement, marketing, event management, and recruitment. He has a proven track record of building solid relationships within the community and achieving organizational goals through strategic communication and outreach.
A recent graduate continuing his academic journey, William is skilled in creating comprehensive marketing and sales strategies, particularly for community-based initiatives. Driven by a desire to set up generational wealth for his daughter and to create lasting change in his community, William strives to be a model of perseverance and dedication. He frequently shares a cherished practice with his daughter—daily affirmations of accountability—which reflects his belief in personal growth and commitment to being the best version of oneself.
Xavier Passmore, Houston Community College
Xavier Passmore is a seasoned fashion industry professional with over four years of experience, including contributions to prestigious publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. He has a diverse skill set in modeling, high-end editorial photography, and event coverage, focusing on luxury fashion. As the founder of Brick Wall Entertainment, an LLC specializing in editorial photography and event coverage, he is committed to growth and innovation. Currently, Xavier is attending Houston Community College, where he's earned a certification in Fashion Image Merchandising and will complete his Associate's degree this Fall. As a father, he is looking forward to joining the Student Parent Advocacy Alliance to connect with and support other student parents balancing education and family life.
New Journey
These student parents represent various backgrounds, each bringing a unique story of commitment to their education and advocacy. Their dedication inspires us, and we are excited to work with them over the next eight months as they champion change within our communities.
As they embark on this journey with us, we invite you to follow them and learn more about their efforts. Stay tuned for updates as they continue to advocate for the needs of student parents and create a lasting impact.
For more information about our policy priorities and to learn more about the work of the SPAA, please explore the links below: