Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Torres
Hi Alexandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started at 19 years old, at FIU’s cafe; with an idea, a name, and image in mind. “Gifted Grads” and a cloud, because we should always be looking to heaven in thankfulness for our gifts. I got to this point with lots of love, community, and my God-given purpose. Many times we feel as though we don’t have the tools or resources to help others, when in reality kindness goes much further than money. Gifted Grads is education, in every sense of the word. We chose not to limit ourselves to simply educating, guiding, and uplifting high school students through the college admissions process. Gifted Grads aims to be intertwined with our community, locally and globally, from Backpack Drives, to Anniversary Scholarships, and Pickleball Tournaments. We stand on the shoulders of our community partners like 1822 Fitness, IV HIS GLORY, and Diabaddie Organization. How did Gifted Grads get here? God’s Plan, it has been too perfect to be anything other than God.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With anything good comes struggles. But we have been blessed with support and an extension of community. Every person who has shared our mission, donated, or volunteered has made the road smooth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The work we do is special, I’ve had the honor and privilege to work for the 3rd largest school-district in the country, and by using my degree in Public Relations (with a concentration in Education) I have a unique perspective on how to speak a language that students and families understand. The college admissions process is grueling to say the least, and many parents went to college 20+ years ago; before the internet, AI, and the influx of students attending school. Gifted Grads bridges the gap and always places the happiness and betterment of the student at the forefront. We create spaces that families can feel safe, we are here to educate. We are there to steer students in the direction of their future, by guiding their plans. We uplift our community by tailoring events and opportunities with access for all. Up to this point, I am most proud of our Anniversary Scholarship, we raised $2,700 for Ethan Poitier! We used this money to prepare Ethan for school, he received a laptop, airpods, etc. This could not have been possible without Sheim Francis of IV HIS GLORY.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes, The Miseducation of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson shaped how we look at education, and the people that are impacted. An endless resource is the company we keep, each of our community partners has had an integral part of our growth.
I believe that books, whether in hardcover or on a Kindle, are one of the most powerful gateways to expanding the imagination and dreaming up new possibilities. Through reading, we don’t just learn—we imagine and create alternative worlds, which ultimately shape how we see and engage with our own. Imagination is one of the sharpest tools we have, a key to unlocking self-actualization and fulfilling our personal ambitions.
For me, education has always been about more than just the walls of a classroom. My journey has spanned from private schools to homeschooling with an online curriculum, which has reinforced one core belief: there are no limits to how we can receive knowledge. Books have been a vital part of that process, especially because they democratize access to wisdom. You don’t need a physical institution to learn; it can happen anywhere, at any time.
The most significant lessons in my life didn’t come from a traditional school system—they came from the women who raised me and taught me at home. Their guidance gave me the confidence to organize myself, to recognize my strengths, and to use those strengths not just for my own growth but to uplift and enrich others as well.
It all started with learning how to read. Once I grasped that, it was like opening the door to a world of creation. Through reading, I discovered that my imagination is the foundation of everything. In a spiritual sense, reading became my greatest asset—a way to connect deeply with the biblical text and a path to unearthing and honing my spiritual gifts. Reading, for me, is not just a tool; it’s the gift that births all other gifts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://giftedgrads.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/giftedgrads
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/giftedgrads
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/giftedgrads
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/giftedgrads
Image Credits
Eddie Kane @eksinterlude
