Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Torres.
Hi Nina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Since I was young, I have always desired to impact the world through non-profit work. My parents immersed me in the non-profit sector by volunteering and attending guest speaker sessions at church that discussed social justice topics. I am a product of the public school system in K-12 and higher education. I graduated from a high school within the Los Angeles Unified School District (L.A.U.S.D) and attended California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA). As a woman of color and a first-generation college student, I had many challenges navigating the education system. I am proud of my journey, but it was not easy. There was no how-to guide or instructions. I remember thinking I would figure it out as I went and promised myself never to give up, even when it got hard. I knew I would be the first person in my family to create a legacy for generations. I knew that education represented opportunity, access, and a future. I still remember my first day of college on September 22, 2009. The economy was still recovering from the recession that started in 2008. I was worried about how I would pay for college. I have always worked and went to school full-time for both undergraduate and graduate school. It was the norm, and I realized this was the reality for many BIPOC and first-gen students.
Since college, I have proudly served the community for over 10 + years volunteering and working closely with non-profit organizations in Los Angeles and San Francisco. I am an Academic Advisor for South Los Angeles High Schools for LA Promise Fund for the inaugural project, Black College Success. I travel to Los Angeles Unified School District (L.A.U.S.D) and Charter high schools in South Los Angeles. I provide resources to students and college counselors to ensure that Black or African American students receive college and career readiness information, resources, and support that prepares them for college and careers. Additionally, I have worked closely with the L.A.U.S.D Black Student Achievement Plan (B.S.A.P) school faculty, empowering the students and families with community resources. I also work closely with other non-profit organizations building community partnerships for Los Angeles students for scholarships and paid internships.
Previously, I was the Academic & College Success Manager for Community Coalition in South Central. In 2020, I established higher education distance learning for the organization with over 50 + colleges/universities joining Zoom presentations for students in the Los Angeles region to learn about college and receive guidance on the application process. I secured countless college application fee waivers for the students and received support from colleges/universities with the multiple administrative changes during the global pandemic. My community outreach efforts created strong relationships with colleges and external organizations to foster communication on education equity geared toward supporting Brown and Black youth in Los Angeles, California.
From 2018-2020, I worked for i.am College Track in Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles, California. I worked for the College Completion team as a Data Associate, assisting with the scholarship disbursement for over 180 college students. Additionally, I led a weekly scholarship hour for high school students providing personal statements and application assistance. From 2014-2015, I also worked for College Track San Francisco as an Advisory Leader, teaching college readiness classes after school in grades 9th to 11th. The classes discussed financial aid, exploring college majors, writing personal statements, and other specialized college readiness courses. Most recently, I’ve had the honor of sharing resources and presenting at College Track Crenshaw about Black College Success.
When I attended the University of San Francisco, I worked full-time for a non-profit organization, Larkin Street Youth Services. The organization serves homeless youth in the bay area. As the Education Liaison Specialist, I managed the GED space by leading evening GED classes, providing one-on-one specialized tutoring, and managing volunteers to support the youth. I traveled weekly to different homeless shelters in the Tenderloin, providing one-on-one academic tutoring and introduction to college, providing college and career exposure materials. I also led the afternoon academic sessions for the Larkin Street Academy programming. I worked closely with case managers, behavioral therapists, and UC Hastings Law School to provide students with resources. In addition, I organized monthly educational milestone graduations for the students and led community-wide workshops open to the public geared toward academic and college readiness.
I also was exposed to immigration law and the advocacy field. I volunteered, interned, then became a full-time employee for the National Immigration Law Center. I supported local and statewide campaigns with administrative and legislative advocacy related to immigration enforcement issues, DACA, worker’s rights, health, and other core issues. I coordinated and presented at LA County-wide Know Your Rights information presentations to the public. I also served as the Legal Coordinator for an LA-based coalition advocating for immigrant rights. I’ve had the honor to be quoted in the Los Angeles Times advocating for immigrant rights in Los Angeles. I attended countless Los Angeles Board of Supervisor and City Hall meetings and spoke with Councilmembers and the Chief of Staff advocating for the immigrant community.
Today, I am proud to share that I serve as a Director at Large Board Member for the California State University, Los Angeles Alumni Association and as an Alumni Representative for the University Student Union. Recently, I became a Board Member for the PLUS ME Project. The organization’s mission is to activate the art of personal storytelling to increase confidence in youth as they pursue college, career, and life goals. The PLUS ME Project has impacted over 100,000 students, and I am excited to continue the work as a Board Member. Previously I served as a Board Member for a San Francisco-based non-profit, Equality Works. The organization comprises human rights educators, researchers, and advocates dedicated to providing resources to raise human rights awareness and shift workplace practices.
During graduate school at the University of San Francisco, I received the Hilary Williams Ford Award, given to one graduating senior who embodies social responsibility. Today, I am proud to share that I have my Master of Arts degree in Human Rights Education from the University of San Francisco and my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Communications at California State University, Los Angeles, becoming the first in my family to attend and graduate college. In addition, I am pursuing a certificate in Student Affairs and Higher Education Administration with the University of California, Berkeley. Most recently, I was selected and graduated from the Coro Southern California Fellowship, Women In Leadership.
My goal is to be a proponent of social justice and advocate for education equity. I am a lifelong learner, so I attend many community events to learn and pour my knowledge into future generations. My students are important to me, and I want them to feel empowered and embrace their talents and gifts. I believe in the power of mentorship and always uplifting the student’s voice and creating spaces that are student-centered and student-driven. They are the future! I continue volunteering for many organizations dedicated to serving the community. I have presented to the following organizations, Breakthrough Houston, City Year D.C, Center Theatre Group, Big Brothers Big Sisters America, Fulfillment Fund, and Crystal Stairs. I have also been a scholarship reviewer for the California State University, Los Angeles Alumni Association, Great Minds in STEM, Phi Delta Kappa International, Fulfillment Fund, and TheDream.US. My goal is to mobilize and empower marginalized communities by providing resources.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a challenging road. Being a first gen college student presents many challenges. I often wished I had a map with steps and directions. I frequently felt imposter syndrome as each year went by. One of the struggles that I faced was not self-advocating for myself. It is something that I have centered a lot of my work around, informing students it’s okay to ask for help, guidance, and mentorship. A couple of years ago, I presented at Pomona College, discussing the importance of self-advocacy. Student voices are important, and their dreams are the future!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
With my years of experience, my expertise and knowledge have built strong connections among partners. Within my current role, I have led the discussions for non-profit partnerships for the Black College Success program. In addition, I have worked with many community-based organizations, which has provided me with an extensive network of community folx and leaders in the non-profit space. My experience working with coalitions, local government bodies, foundations, non-profits, and community leaders brings abundant resources and vital knowledge.
I pride myself in my networks and community engagement to build strong networks of folx creating change with the cradle-to-career mindset. My unique background sets me apart from others; I am a Community Organizer at heart. As Dolores Huerta said, “Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” I don’t have one moment I am most proud of, but instead, many moments. All my students make me proud, and I am always happy to hear about their accomplishments.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Overall, I feel blessed. I am always looking up free or low-cost events to attend to meet people and learn about opportunities. I attend networking events weekly, so often, I am all over Los Angeles sharing my LinkedIn and business card. As someone who minored in Communications, I constantly share my elevator pitch. I pride myself on it because building my network helps my students in their college and career goals. As my College Track San Francisco students shared in the past, I am “Networking” Nina.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neeeenuh/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-torres/
