Daily Inspiration: Meet Niña Abonal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Niña Abonal

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I immigrated to the United States with my family when I was seven years old, filled with bright hopes and dreams of the American Dream. Growing up, I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me the importance of education and worked relentlessly to provide my brothers and me with opportunities—enrolling us in excellent schools, supporting our participation in extracurricular activities, and ensuring we had the resources we needed to succeed. Both of my parents held graduate-level degrees, yet they still worked multiple jobs to give us the best life possible. From an early age, I knew I wanted to honor their sacrifices by excelling in school and pursuing higher education.

Having the drive to attend college was just the beginning; navigating the application process was a significant challenge. I was overlooked by my counselor, who offered little support in exploring my post-secondary options. She suggested that I aim for community college and eventually transfer out. She had no regard for who I was and what I wanted to achieve. I was determined to prove my counselor wrong and also prove to myself that I deserved a place in higher education. I researched and navigated the college admissions process independently and applied to one four-year university, with the hope of getting accepted—and I did! This experience was pivotal in shaping my perception of my capabilities, my education journey, and my later career path.

I recognized the privileges I had growing up but knew the inequities in education and opportunities that affect many young people, especially those from marginalized communities. Whatever path I chose in life, I wanted to pay it forward by helping other young people reach their full potential and ensuring they had access to the support, opportunities, and resources to achieve their dreams. Throughout college, I worked multiple jobs to help pay for my education and gain valuable experience working with youth. One role at a non-profit tutoring center deeply influenced the direction of my professional path. The four years I spent working with low-income, underserved youth in achieving their educational goals validated that I wanted to make an impact in my community through education.

Since then, every organization I have been involved with has focused on empowering youth toward upward mobility, addressing the inequities that persist in education and access, advocating for systemic change, and uplifting marginalized communities. Everyday, I get to wake up with purpose and strive to stay rooted in the values that continue to drive my passion for helping others through education and got me to where I am today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Two challenges I faced while pursuing higher education, which resonate with most low-income first-generation college-going students, are figuring out how to pay for college and dealing with imposter syndrome. I was fortunate to receive financial aid through FAFSA and an institutional scholarship, but I still had to juggle multiple jobs to cover my education and other essential expenses like books, supplies, and commuting costs. Although living at home helped me save money, there were still many additional costs beyond tuition that I had to manage.

While gaining admission to a 4-year university was an accomplishment in itself, I often found myself questioning whether I truly belonged there and if I was “enough.” I felt like a small fish in a big pond, surrounded by peers who didn’t look like me, who were more advanced, and who came from affluent backgrounds. I was balancing multiple jobs and managing a full course load, while most of my peers were able to focus solely on just studying and doing well in school. However, college and the jobs I worked taught me a great deal about my strength and resilience. It helped me build confidence and determination to step into my power and take up space even in rooms where I was underrepresented or felt out of place.

Now, as a professional, I reflect on my educational journey and pay it forward everyday by aligning myself with organizations that empower and uplift youth. I also find any opportunity to mentor low-income, first-generation students who may be experiencing the same self-doubt I faced. My struggles are a relatable part of the post-secondary journey that many students encounter while pursuing their dreams of a degree. I always remind myself to trust and listen to what I know to be true about myself and to always bet on me, even in the face of failure or rejection. Those setbacks could just be divine redirection toward the right path that is meant for me or a valuable lesson I can learn.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been a nonprofit professional and program leader for over a decade. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on developing innovative youth programs for students in K-12 and young adults. Many of the students I’ve served come from underserved communities—low-income backgrounds, youth of color, and first-generation students. I genuinely have a passion for helping others, both personally and professionally, and I firmly believe in paying it forward through education and mentorship. This commitment drives my dedication to the critical work that nonprofits do to empower and uplift communities in need. It also fuels me to work with organizations that are driven by a mission to serve the greater good and those with the greatest need.

The first eight years of my professional career were dedicated to direct service work with K-12 students and young adults, focusing on post-secondary attainment and early career development. I managed college access and youth programs, facilitated seminars and workshops to educate students about post-secondary options, developed educational curricula, led dynamic teams, and directly engaged with my community. This hands-on, boots-on-the-ground experience was crucial in connecting with and understanding the community and its varying needs. In recent years, I’ve transitioned to roles that involve thought leadership, strategy development, partnership building, and managing larger-scale program operations.

In every organization I’ve worked for, I’ve been fortunate to secure roles that were newly created and tailored to my skill set. This has given me the creativity and unique opportunity to listen to the needs of my community and develop innovative programs for youth from the ground up. I’ve launched initiatives like the EXPLORE internship program for 9th to 11th grade students, the Learning Among Brilliant Scientists (LABS) workshop series, virtual Scholar Community Hangouts, the Make An Impact Now (MAIN) Coach Program, and SOAR Summer Success Program. Many of these programs continue to be offered by the organizations I contributed to, even after I left. I take great pride in knowing that I left a legacy at each organization I worked for in the past and now.

Currently, as the Program Director for SoCal CAN’s Project SOAR program, I focus on managing a team of academic advisors and overseeing program operations in public housing communities managed by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). Our program offers free college guidance, academic advising, and career support to residents living in public housing. Regardless of their age, citizenship status, or academic background, any HACLA resident with questions about college, career & technical education, or professional goals and questions can connect with us virtually or in-person for support. We firmly believe that it’s never too early or too late for people to pursue their post-secondary and career dreams. Unlike other college access programs, we are physically based and actively engage with residents in the community they call home, meeting them where they are in their educational journeys. It’s truly a privilege to live each day with purpose, knowing that I can positively give back to and impact my community.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Apps: The Headway, GetAbstract, TED Talks Daily

Books: Becoming by Michelle Obama, The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch, Atomic Habits by James Clear, The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Tuesdays with Morrie Mitch Albom

Podcasts: The Mel Robbins Podcast with Mel Robbins, The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes, Candace with Candace Owens

Resources: EdSource, CalMatters, Education Weekly, Higher Ed Dive, Philanthropy Today

Contact Info:

• Website: https://socalcollegeaccess.org/
• Instagram: @projectsoarla
• Other: https://www.ncan.org/news/662903/Meet-NCANs-2024-Leading-for-Equity-Fellows.htm

Image Credits
Group photo with students holding sign: Theirworld/David Buchan