FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Generation Hope Launches California Presidents Circle to Advance Family-Inclusive Higher Education
WASHINGTON (Oct. 29, 2025) — Generation Hope, a nonprofit providing direct support and national advocacy and research for student parents in college, has launched its first Presidents Circle, a leadership initiative designed to equip higher education executives with tools, data, and peer support to make their campuses more inclusive for parenting students and their families.
The President’s Circle — part of Generation Hope’s FamilyU initiative — brings together college presidents and chancellors to reimagine systems that have long overlooked student parents. The first Presidents Circle has launched in California, establishing a model for future statewide networks that will equip higher education leaders to embed family-inclusive practices into their institutions through peer learning, individualized coaching, and campus-based capstone projects.
Rooted in the proven impact of Generation Hope’s national FamilyU program, which has helped 24 institutions across 15 states implement lasting strategies for student parents, this opportunity will equip leaders to boost student success and build campus cultures that reflect the realities of today’s learners.
“The President’s Circle supports institutional leaders in translating their commitment to student parents into measurable change — so that every student parent, and their child, can experience the promise of higher education,” said Nicole Lynn Lewis, Founder & CEO of Generation Hope.
The inaugural California President’s Circle includes:
Dr. Ashanti Hands, San Diego Mesa College
Dr. Armida Ornelas, President, Los Angeles Mission College,
Dr. Ricky Shabazz, President, San Diego City College,
Dr. Kimberlee Messina, Chancellor, City College of San Francisco
Dr. Brenda Thames, Superintendent/President, El Camino College.
Together, they are developing strategies and projects to create more supportive environments for student parents across the state.
Across California, nearly 300,000 undergraduates are parenting while pursuing their degrees, yet their experiences often remain invisible in higher education data and policy discussions. The President’s Circle is designed to change that by linking data, policy, people, and culture to create family-inclusive campuses that support both academic success and economic mobility for student parents.
Over the next year, participants will engage in individualized coaching, peer exchange, and hands-on project development to strengthen support for student parents across their institutions.
"Reimagining higher education for parenting students demands courage, collaboration, care, and a commitment to truly see our students and act in ways that build a legacy of learning and opportunity. The Generation Hope President’s Circle unites leaders working to center families in educational design. I’m honored to join this movement to create a more inclusive and compassionate future, transforming higher education while impacting lives — at least two generations at a time.” - Dr. Ashanti Hands, president of San Diego Mesa College
“I’m really excited to participate in Generation Hope’s FamilyU Initiative. This opportunity will allow me to engage in meaningful dialogue that will result in best practices for supporting student parents and their children.” - Dr. Armida Ornelas, president of Los Angeles Mission College
Generation Hope acknowledges the Michelson 20MM Foundation for its vital support in launching this important new program in California.
For media inquiries or to schedule interviews, contact:
Jay Shepley
Director of Communications
press@generationhope.org
(202) 735-1339
generationhope.org