Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Torres.
Alexandra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The idea of Gifted Grads stemmed from my application process trying to go to college as a first-gen student. My sister helped when she could, but she was applying to law schools and was working full-time. I voiced my concerns to one of my high school teachers, who told me about Mrs. Phillips; she guided me and is the reason I didn’t feel as lost as my peers. Mrs. Phillips sat me down and explained what colleges want, need, and look for in a potential student. Having her guidance was one of the biggest blessings I could have received.
During my second semester in college, I was preparing to go home for the summer and realized I wanted to help students just like me. So in preparation, I began brainstorming what I could do to help, at this point I only had the logo in mind; a cloud. Its significance is how versatile it is, clouds can be present with the sun, bring us shade, or lightning and rain. I could think of nothing better to describe college and the journey it takes to get there. Then I began to think about my journey and how instrumental Mrs. Phillips was in getting me accepted to my dream school. I wanted to be the light in other students’ lives like she was in mine. I went public with Gifted Grads in May of 2019, and we have been growing ever since!
I created Gifted Grads with the intent to guide and love high school seniors through the college admissions process. None of which could be possible without my support system of my family, teachers, and most importantly my best friends. Who are the COO, Skyliz Sanchez, and Head of Outreach, Valeria Ulloa, at Gifted Grads. Valeria actually has her own nonprofit, Almas Community, who we have partnered with for our Essentials Drive we did at the end of the summer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been blessed, it comes with its struggles and its victories, but both are preordained by the Father. I have been so favored to have so many in my corner and willing to help in any capacity. Along the road, one of my biggest struggles has been with the disbelief that I am twenty years old and have my own nonprofit. It has caused many doors to be closed, but so many more have been opened because of my age and my peers who are doing the same. Being a young Black woman, it is already hard to be taken seriously; it is other Black women who give me the courage to stand up or who put my name in rooms I am not in.
So thank you to my community for having my back.
Please tell us about Gifted Grads.
My nonprofit is run by Black and Brown women, whose mission is to educate, guide, and love high school seniors going through the college admissions process. Our key goal is to love each student, parent, and family that uses our services and joins the Gifted Grads family.
We are the bridge of understanding between the student and college. We provided personalized plans for each student and provided guidance on everything from grade point average, SAT scores, extracurriculars, etc. We are currently having Zoom meetings with students and families who are struggling to navigate FAFSA and other admissions-related issues.
I am most proud of the lives we are reaching, in everything we do we are being a light to people. I can’t describe the joy I feel seeing a student no longer stressed about college and starting to be excited about moving in and what classes they are going to take! We also recently had an Essentials Drive, collecting items for our local Black and Brown community here in South Florida. Gifted Grads partnered with Almas Community to bring groceries and other items to families.
What sets us apart from others is our heart for students, we are students as well so we can relate and help differently. We are a team that loves to give in various ways and support each other in every avenue.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
This list could run for miles! I have been so blessed; first I want to thank my Alma Mater, Atlantic Christian Academy for allowing me to reach their 2019 class of seniors. As well as my mentors and teachers, Mr. J.R. Gamble for always imparting wisdom and preparing me to be a leader, Mr. Ramos who looked over my business plan and always shows so much love to us, Mrs. Jacque Rasku for faithfully being honest and supporting us in every way.
My village is the foundation of my heart and the woman I am today. My grandmother, mom, and tias all raised my sister and me to be good people. I grew up watching their hearts of gold and treating people with respect and care. My older sister always proofreads my statements for me because she’s a genius and is graduating from MSU Law next year!
My Board of Directors, Skyliz, and Valeria, without them nothing would be possible. They walk this journey with me everyday push me to be a better person. They are my rock, and I am honored to continue this journey with them.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 561-602-9794
- Email: giftedgrads@gmail.com
- Instagram: @GiftedGrads
- Facebook: @GiftedGrads
- Twitter: @GiftedGrads
Image Credit:
All photos were taken by photographer, Valeria Ulloa, who can be found at @allouv.
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