At Generation Hope, we believe lasting systems change happens when those directly impacted help lead the way. That’s why student parents — their insights, leadership, and lived experiences — are at the heart of everything we do. Through our FamilyU Cohort, we partner with colleges and universities to build learning environments that truly support parenting students. And at the center of this work in year two of each partnership are our Student Parent Fellows.

The FamilyU Student Parent Fellowship is a paid leadership opportunity designed for parenting students to help shape how their institutions support families. Each Fellow is a core member of their campus’ FamilyU team, collaborating with staff and administrators to advance family-inclusive practices through the core pillars of FamilyU: Data, Culture, People, and Policy. Throughout the year, they serve as connectors between their peers and campus leadership, and they play an active role in decision-making conversations that affect student parents.

In addition to ongoing collaboration and leadership development, Fellows take on an advocacy project — an initiative that aligns with their school’s FamilyU goals and allows them to leave a lasting impact. Generation Hope also provides travel and participation support to ensure Fellows can fully engage in convenings and cross-campus learning opportunities.

This year’s Fellows represent the power of student parent leadership in action, and we’re thrilled to introduce them.

Generation Hope is thrilled to welcome our third group of FamilyU Student Parent Fellows, who will join our 2024-2026 FamilyU Cohort: Maria Lopez, El Camino College; Heather Brandt, City College of San Francisco; Mariyah Younger, MSU Denver; Johnnetta Randall, Southern University at New Orleans. Each of these Fellows brings a unique experience to the FamilyU Cohort as well as a passion for supporting and uplifting the student parents at their institutions.

Meet our Fellows!

**Maria Lopez**

El Camino College

Maria Lopez is a proud and involved mother of four, including a spirited two-year-old, and a passionate advocate for student parents at El Camino College. As a returning nontraditional student, Silvia has firsthand experience with the barriers and obstacles faced by student parents. She is currently pursuing a certification in Child Development with the goal of working in preschools or child care centers. Silvia is especially focused on bringing a Child Development Center back to campus, not only to provide vital child care support for student parents, but also to offer practicum opportunities for Child Development students, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and hands-on experience. On weekends, Silvia can often be found cheering from the sidelines, or even coaching, at her children's sports games.

**Heather Brandt**

City College of San Francisco

Heather Brandt is a Latina Muslim student-parent from SF & the first in her family to pursue a college degree. She is currently working toward a Trauma Prevention & Recovery Certificate while completing transferable units at CCSF. As a mother of three & caregiver for her aging parents, Heather is deeply committed to creating a more equitable & compassionate world for families like hers.
Her lived experiences as a systems-impacted individual have shaped her passion for public health, social justice, & legislative advocacy. She currently serves as the Student Chancellor for CCSF, where she champions affordable education, accessible public transit, & student parent resources. Heather is excited to join Generation Hope's Student Parent Advocacy Fellowship to help shift narratives, uplift marginalized voices, & work toward policies that support parenting students in achieving their dreams.

**Mariyah Younger**

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Mariyah Younger is a dedicated mother of three and a senior at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), where she is majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Anthropology. Mariyah understands the complexities of pursuing higher education while parenting, balancing academics, work, extracurriculars, and family life. As a FamilyU Fellow with Generation Hope, she brings valuable insight and experience to her role, aiming to connect student parents with the resources and tools they need to thrive. Mariyah’s future goals include continuing her education and securing a permanent position at her university to further her impact on campus.

**Johnnetta Randall**

Southern University at New Orleans

Johnnetta Randall is a student at Southern University at New Orleans, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Sciences. Her ultimate goal is to become a school counselor, where she can inspire and uplift young people to become the best version of themselves. Having experienced loss at a young age, Johnnetta knows the vital role mental and emotional support play in a child’s development. This perspective fuels her advocacy for increased mental health resources in schools, including weekly check-ins with students.
Johnnetta is honored to collaborate with student parents nationwide, using her voice and experience to help build brighter futures for families in higher education. Outside of school, she works and cherishes quality time with her boys, motherhood being one of her greatest joys. She takes pride in walking the path of parenthood and education simultaneously, with determination and purpose.

Would like to spread the word on what’s new with Generation Hope’s FamilyU Cohorts?

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We are excited to have these student parents’ expertise and leadership help us drive institutional change for student parents and enrich our 2024 FamilyU Cohort.

Explore our website to learn more about the FamilyU Cohorts and our technical assistance work. If you have any questions, reach out to us at familyu@generationhope.org.

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