Every Friday we make it our mission to highlight one first generation student, staff, faculty, or ally at Mason in order to both praise them for their success and encourage other students to strive for this excellence. Along with getting recognition on our social media accounts, whomever is selected will receive a certificate to validate their first generation excellence. The semester will end off with recognition for the first generation student of the year. 
2019 Winners
Jayson Padilla 
April 12, 2019 
This week we would like to highlight one of our speakers at our 5th Annual I Am First Stories event (which is happening two weeks from today)!
Jayson Padilla is currently the Operations Manager for Social Action and Integrative Learning (SAIL). He is also a GMU Alumnus! During his time as an undergraduate at Mason, Jayson worked for the Office of Admissions and as a Resident Advisor, participated in several Alternative Break trips, and was involved in many student organizations on campus. After graduation, Jayson had the great opportunity to work with the US Department of Homeland Security and for several nonprofits in northern Virginia, which includes serving an an AmeriCorps member!
Outside of his office, Jayson enjoys travelling, trying new restaurants, spending time outdoors, and exploring all that the DC area has to offer with his family and friends!
Kimberly Holmes
April 5, 2019
This week we would like to recognize Dr. Kim Holmes! Dr. Holmes is the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the advisor to F1rst Gen! Founder of Patriot’s Promise, a summer program that helps funds summer courses to help maintain students on track for graduation, her dedication and passion is inspiring.

We’d like to thank her for all her efforts that she has done to empower underrepresented groups including first generation students!
Ankush Kumar 
March 29, 2019
This week we would like to recognize Ankush Kumar, a senior double majoring in Information Technology and Criminology, Law, and Society! In addition to being a former F1rst Gen Eboard Member who helped design our website, Ankush is a 2015 STEP scholar and has been heavily involved through various organizations such as the Patriot Activity Council, Iota Nu Delta Fraternity, Honor Committee, and multiple dance teams such as Mason Ke Rang and GMU Bhangra.  Thank you, Ankush, for your contributions to the Mason community!
Sophia Hasnain 
March 8, 2019 
This week, we’d like to feature Sophia Hasnain! Sophia is currently a sophomore majoring in Information System and Operations Management. Sophia is also a STEP 2017 scholar and a former F1RST Gen Mason intern! Last year, she became a peer mentor for The First, Living Learning Community at GMU and provided various support for first-generation students. She's executed impactful events and has built close relationships with her residents. Not only that, she's a certified trainer at the Chipotle on campus. Thank you, Sophia, for your hard work in the first-gen community! In honor of her, grab a chipotle bowl and say hello to this awesome trailblazer.
Kylie Stamm
February 29, 2019
This week we would like to recognize Kylie Stamm! Kylie works in ODIME + LGBTQ Resources office as an Assistant Director, and her main role focuses on educational programming and providing support to students who identity as Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Native American/American Indian. Kylie  coordinates Native American Heritage Month and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month here at George Mason. On top of that, Kylie also serves as the faculty advisor for four different student organizations on campus - APAC, FCA, IND, and SYZ.  Anyone who has been able to interact or work with Kylie knows that she will go out of her way to help those around her, and endlessly supports underrepresented and marginalized communities and initiatives here at Mason. Thank you for all that you do, Kylie!
Paula Alderete 
February 22, 2019
This week for First Gen Friday we would like to recognize Paula Alderete, a senior majoring in Global Affairs with a concentration in Global Inequalities and Responses, and minoring in French! Her being born in Bolivia and immigrating to the United States when she was 4 has influenced her to be External President for Mason DREAMers since last year! In addition, she is also a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Besides being so involved on campus, she supports the ODIME and LGBTQ+ Resources by being a student support coordinator and was program coordinator in STEP 2017. Thank you Paula for all of your input into the George Mason Community and continuing to make a difference!
Aaron Escobar
february 1, 2019
This week we would like to recognize Aaron Escobar, a junior majoring in physics with a minor in BOTH music and astronomy. Since 2016, he has accomplished so much at George Mason University! He is a STEP scholar, mentor in Aguilas, and is the a student coordinator for ODIME+LGBTQ Resources. In addition, Aaron is the  President of Alpha Delta Chapter of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. He is dedicated to helping people and being an active leader in the Mason community! We are so proud of everything he does and we can’t wait to see what else he will accomplish!
2018 Winners
Justine Suegay
december 7, 2018
This week we would like to recognize Justine Suegay! She is a junior double majoring in Global Affairs and Spanish. Justine grew up in the Philippines and stays connected to her roots with her involvement with the Filipino Cultural Association, serving as this year’s President! She also works at the Center for the Arts and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). Justine excels at everything she does, she is always willing to lend a helping hand, and she even speaks five languages! We are proud of all of the work Justine does in our community, and we are excited for what’s to come in the future!
Paula Morales Rojas
November 30, 2018
This week we would like to recognize Paula Morales Rojas! She is a junior majoring in Communications with a double concentration in Political Communication and Media Production & Criticism and minoring in Marketing. She is actively involved in Mariposas Mentoring Program, Mason DREAMers and Mason Cable News. Aside from excelling in class, Paula has her focus on different endeavors such as teaching at her church on Sundays, reading books and her work as a Credit Union Staff. She is truly a multi-tasking QUEEN. We are so proud of you, Paula, keep killing it!
Katherine Trejo
November 9, 2018
This week we would like to recognize Katherine (Kat) Trejo. She is a first-year student within the honors college, majoring in Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Over the summer, she was a part of the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP). She was also a speaker at the Praxis Conference. In addition, she is involved with Mason DREAMers and is an advocate in the community. We are so proud of everything that she has achieved in such little time, we are so excited to see what the future has in store for her!
Jannevince Quijada
November 2, 2018
This week, we would like to recognize a mentor, a friend, and a person that works hard every day for our first gen community. Jannevince “Jan” Quijada is the Assistant Director for First Generation Initiatives at ODIME.  Her primary role is to assist students and staff in implementing the university’s initiatives for first-generation students, including ‘The  First’ LLC and the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP). She is also known for being the scantron angel, yelling “I have free scantrons” for anyone who needs it (get your free scantrons in ODIME today lol). She has contributed a lot to helping the development of our F1rst Gen Mason team and we are truly grateful for her. Thank you, Jan, for all that you do. 
Jane Yi
September 28, 2018
This week we would like to celebrate another amazing E-Board member, Jane Yi. She's a sophomore, Community Health major with a concentration in Global health. She was an intern last year and now the treasurer for F1rst Gen Mason. Jane is the backbone of our organization. She books the rooms, she purchases the food, she purchases the supplies, she is our money manager. She never misses a deadline, and she is always on top of everything. We love you, Jane! 
 Andrea Moye
september 21, 2018
This week we would like to celebrate one of our hardest working interns, Andrea Moye, a sophomore, History major and intern for F1rst Gen Mason for 2 years. She has attended every event and every meeting. She is always one of the first people to volunteer to help or contribute her ideas to make F1rst Gen Mason an even better organization. Outside of F1rst Gen Mason she works as a lifeguard off-campus and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. We love you Andrea! Thank you for all that you do! ​
2017 winners
Obum Egolum
FEBRUARY 24, 2017
Obum Egolum is a first generation ally college student that started his studies in Computer Science at Mason in the fall of 2013; he later changed his major and is now pursuing Information Technology as of spring of 2016. Since attending Mason he immediately joined the African Student Association (ASA) to share his love and appreciation of his Nigerian heritage with other students at Mason. Eventually, Obum became the President of the ASA and was able to create a strong sense of community within the African student population at Mason. In addition to having been the President of ASA, Obum also serves on the Executive Board for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) as the Senator/Membership Chairperson and on the Student Funding Board in Student Government.
Ms. Amber Hampton
FEBRUARY 11, 2017
Ms. Hampton has joined the ODIME team this January as an Associate Director. Ms. Hampton joins us from the Center for Leadership & Social Change at Florida State University. As a first generation college student herself, Amber has gained insight into the complexities of navigating the higher education systems. She is also in the process of completing a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Public Policy. Amber has been super enthusiastic about working with students here at Mason and serves as a very dedicated ally for first-generation college students.
Jimez Ashby
FEBRUARY 4, 2017 
This week we would like to celebrate Jimez Ashby, a senior, Integrative Studies major and the former Internal President of the Association of Collegiate Black Men (CBM). Since arriving at Mason in the Fall of 2013, Jimez has made it his utmost effort to provide support for and foster community amongst Mason’s diverse student population. Jimez has served on the executive board of a number of student organizations, including the Caribbean Student Association (CSA) and G.E.N.T. Men, and he is one of the founding members of CBM, as well as our very own F1rst Gen Mason. 
​Daniela Rambal Pinero
January 28, 2017
Daniela Rambal Pinero is a hardworking, first generation student who has overcome many obstacles to get to where she is today. As a first generation immigrant, she has worked tirelessly to make sure she is given the same opportunities as everyone else and never gives up regardless of the circumstance. She is an exceptional student athlete, being part of the George Mason Cheerleading Program all while juggling an off campus job as well
2016 Winners
Dr. Shaoxian Yu
November 11, 2016
Dr. Shaoxian Yu is a beloved faculty member, mentor, friend and person throughout the Mason Community. His time here at Mason has been been spent speaking for those students who had no voice. He's worked hard to create community amongst both students and faculty alike. Working hard to bring cultural competency throughout the Mason community. Overall bringing a positive attitude to those who needed a guiding hand. We will all surely miss your positive outlook towards life for our community. Surely it will never fade from our hearts. We wish you the best of luck with what you aim for next. Take care ❤️
Mercy Waithaka
November 4, 2016
Mercy Waithaka is a First Generation College student at Mason. Her amazing community advocacy work has been seen in her involvement with the GMU Pop-up pantry. You can also see her actively working with her LLC on campus. She is also a student leader through Young Life. Her life has been greatly impacted by her work to advocate for the rights of children. The community around her has helped her continue to grow and learn more about her self through service. She described her community by saying, "They lose themselves in service and live life to express, not to impress and I am very honored to be apart of them."
Walter Benitez
October 28, 2016
Walter Benitez is a first generation student pursuing his accelerated masters in Forensic Science. Walter is the recipient of the EIP Full Ride scholarship. Through EIP he has aided others as a Student Success coach. You can also see him teaching kids the art of music during his free time. His volunteer experience expands to his help with medical professionals on weekends as well as leading a youth group at church. This past summer he was accepted into Summer Health Professions Education at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. ​
Rolando Flores-Santos
october 21, 2016
Rolando Flores-Santos is a first generation college student majoring in Global Affairs. Rolando demonstrates love and pride for everything he contributes to the community. Rolando has been involved in multiple organizations on campus. He is an active member of La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. His leadership is also seen through his work with Aguilas Mentoring Program. Rolando has a special place in the F1rst Gen Mason family as he previously held the position of F1rst Gen Secretary. ​
Diana Mateo
OCtober 14, 2016
Diana is a first generation college student, and a Student Transition and Empowerment Program (STEP) 2014 Scholar. She demonstrates resilience, and academic excellence. She has been an A student through out her years at NOVA Community College. She recently transferred to George Mason University for the remaining years of her bachelor degree. On top of her academic, Diana has recently started working for the Early Identification Program (EIP) as a mentor. In addition to her mentor position, she is working for the Fairfax County Public School as a girl leader.
Harold Rojas Munoz
October 7, 2016
Harold is a sophomore majoring in Accounting. Everyday Harold serves as a dedicated role model for his peers, as both the Secretary for the Águilas Mentoring Program and as the captain of the STEP Strikers intramural soccer team. This semester, Harold was offered an internship interview for
Prince Waterhouse Cooper, one of four largest accounting firms in the U.S. Congrats Harold!  #F1rstGenFridays
Cydney Dennis ​
September 30, 2016
Cydney is a junior and the Secretary of the National Society of Black Engineers. This year has been a huge success for her since she found out that she would be able to graduate on time with a bachelors in Bioengineering and minor in Neuroscience without any college debt at all! What's more is that she will also have the chance to travel to Guatemala to help create medical devices in under-resourced hospitals. Congrats Cydney!#F1rstGenFridays
Natalia Soto
september 23, 2016
Natalia Soto is an UndocuAlly Coordinator for Mason Dreamers. This semester she received several recognitions including the Scott & Stringsfellow Scholarship, The Dream Project Scholarship, Joseph Schumpeter Fellowship, and The Washington Media Scholarship! Because of these amazing accomplishments, Natalia will be able to graduate in Spring 2017 with a Bachelors of Science in Economics! Congrats Natalia! #F1rstGenFridays
​Laila Keadan
SEPTEMber 16, 2016
​Laila Keadan is an ally for first generation students all around campus. She was recently given the opportunity to perform in and assist with the Threepenny Opera on campus. She also works at the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education and helps to coordinate the various diversity workshops. Congrats Laila! #F1rstGenMason
​Levern Currie
September 9, 2016
​Levern has been super involved on campus since she came to Mason. She currently is working on Undergraduate Robotics research with professor Dr. Nathalia Peixoto in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. She is also a volunteer at the MIX in Innovation Hall.
Abel Agyemang
September 2, 2016
Our first winner of the year is Abel Agyemang. He has shown great work as a residential & peer advisor!