Braven

Our SY2023-2024 Impact Report is LIVE! At Braven, we believe that all students deserve a fair shot to compete in today’s economy. This report showcases Braven’s impact in deep partnership with higher ed and employer partners to empower more underrepresented college students on the path to economic mobility. Read the full report at?impactreport.braven.org! ?#BeBraven #BravenImpact

REMINDER! Applications for the Capitol Hill Fellowship Program are due this Sunday, October 20! Selected Braven Fellows from The City College of New York, San Francisco State University, and San Jose State University will intern in Washington, DC, working directly with Congressional members from their states. To be eligible to apply, Fellows: - Must be current CCNY, SFSU, or SJSU students who have? completed or are currently enrolled in the Braven Accelerator course - Have a 3.0 GPA or higher (all majors are welcome!) - Be available to work in Washington, D.C. for eight weeks (June-August 2025) “My experience has provided me with numerous opportunities to learn about policy and build a sense of community,” shares Zacharriyah Uddin, one of the inaugural Braven Fellows who interned with Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) this past summer. He encourages other Fellows to apply! Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gsMfj6XQ #BeBraven #BravenCapitolHillFellowship

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, I wanted to highlight the incredible impact of Hispanic volunteers giving back to their communities. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Aaron Gonzalez, CFP? a dedicated Braven Leadership Coach and one of many Latina/o volunteers empowering the next generation of leaders.

We’re excited to introduce you to Driana Ure?a Abreu, a Braven The City College of New York Spring 2024 Fellow and recent college graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors in Political Science and Psychology. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the the Bronx since age 10, Driana takes pride in her cultural identity. “I value our cultural connections through food, music, and dance, while also acknowledging the challenges we face.” "As a child, I didn’t fully understand my family’s migration,” she shares. “I only knew we were seeking a better life. Now, I realize that this journey was about accessing opportunities that were unavailable in my family’s home country.” Inspired by this journey, Driana’s dream is to become an immigration policy analyst so she can analyze and communicate policies that impact the Hispanic and Latinx community. “My mother is my role model and represents the many immigrant Hispanic and Latinx women who strive to uplift their families and communities,” she shares. “She is intelligent, compassionate, and has always been a helper in our community, using her knowledge of medicine, immigration, and mechanics to support others.” As we close out Hispanic Heritage Month, Driana reminds us this month is a time to always celebrate and appreciate its significance all year round. “It gives me a sense of serenity that we are present, loud, and hopeful about the future of our countries while also being appreciative and grateful of who we are today; a group identity gifted from a tainted history.” #BeBraven #HispanicHeritageMonth #BravenatCCNY

This past August, Brooks Brothers kicked off its back-to-school campaign, which raised awareness and $70,000 in funds for Braven to empower the next generation of leaders. This campaign was featured in all 170 national retail and factory Brooks Brothers stores. Braven has been in partnership with Brooks Brothers since March 2022 when Brooks Brothers was the Capstone Challenge sponsor for Braven at Lehman College. The Capstone Challenge is a 5-week project where Fellows use design thinking to prototype and present a solution to a real-world problem an employer partner is facing. In Spring 2023, Brooks Brothers served as the Capstone sponsor for Fellows at The City College of New York. That same year, Brooks Brothers CEO Ken Ohashi became a Braven New York City board member. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact Ken and his team have had here in New York City and am thrilled to see the partnership beginning to have national reach,” shared Kilsys Payamps-Roure, Founding Executive Director of Braven in New York City. “On a personal note, Ken has been an invaluable thought partner in scaling our reach and impact.” Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/gw2ryHs7 #BeBraven #BravenNYC #BrooksBrothers

Hispanic Heritage Month holds a special place in Fabian Garcia Quinonez’s heart. “It's so easy for me to get caught up in life’s responsibilities that I don't have time to get in touch with my roots or those of my peers and my family,” he shares. “This month brings so many opportunities to meet people like me as well as build a community within our professions.” As a senior studying software engineering at San Jose State University and a Braven Fall 2022 Fellow, Fabian recognizes the challenges faced by many first-generation students in STEM and is determined to provide the guidance he once needed. “I want to foster an unwavering sense of confidence and lend a helping hand,” he shares. “I will continue doing this by sharing opportunities, being involved in Hispanic spaces on campus, and sharing career advice with early undergraduate students that are in the position I used to be in.” His ambition is fueled by his parents, who inspire him to see the goodness of the world. “Without them, I can’t imagine achieving the successes I have today.” Fabian encourages us to reach for our dreams: “To everyone who thinks that what they’re chasing is out of reach, don’t ever doubt your power. Take some time to recognize your blessings and take charge of your future. PONTE LAS PILAS!” #BeBraven #HispanicHeritageMonth #BravenatSJSU

We’re less than one week away from the 2024 Braven Put Education to Work Summit! We can’t wait to see those joining us in the Big Apple for a day of networking and valuable insights from many incredible speakers such as economist Raj Chetty, higher education leaders including Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen and The City College of New York President Vincent Boudreau, employer leaders including Brooks Brothers CEO Ken Ohashi and Reebok’s SVP Global Product, Creative Direction & Social Impact Portia Blunt, Braven Fellows, among others. See you there and stay tuned for highlights! #BeBraven #BravenSummit

As a member of Angeles Investors and in my work at Braven, I’m committed to building pathways for future leaders to thrive. It’s not just about celebrating heritage—for me, it's about ensuring our contributions shape the future of business, innovation, and leadership in this country.?I am grateful to be part of a community that uplifts and invests in the next generation of leaders.

Braven co-hosted its first-ever “Braven Day at United Airlines” for BravenX, National Louis University, and Northern Illinois University Fellows. During this event, Fellows had the opportunity to learn more about United Airlines and potential careers at the company and hear inspiring stories from current employees who went from interns to full-time employees. They also networked with leadership from various departments as well as hiring managers through a fun bingo session to prepare them to apply for Summer 2025 internships and early career roles. “The atmosphere amongst both Braven and United was electrifying to say the least,” a Braven Fellow participant shared. “United seems to be a great place for employees to thrive, explore, and be properly challenged by day-to-day tasks.” A huge thank you to United Airlines for co-hosting this event and supporting our Fellows as they navigate their career journeys! #BeBraven #BravenVolunteer #GoTogetherGoFurther

Meet Ana V., a Braven Spring ‘24 Fellow and recent Lehman College graduate with Cum Laude honors in Business Administration and Management with a concentration in Marketing. “I feel fortunate to embrace both my Peruvian roots, including my mother’s indigenous heritage, and the Mexican culture I grew up with,” Ana shares, reflecting on her cultural identity. “This blend of cultures has shaped me into someone who is open-minded and appreciative of the diversity around me.” Ana aspires to give back to her community by being a “big sister” to other first-generation students. “I want to show others in the Hispanic community that someone who looks like us is just as important and needed in every space we enter.” Ana encourages others to embrace and share their culture: “Don’t be shy or hesitant to share your culture with others. We all have unique stories and rich backgrounds from which we can learn together. The Hispanic community is vibrant and proud, and we should always celebrate our heritage, just as our ancestors would want us to.” #BeBraven #HispanicHeritageMonth #BravenNYC