We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nina Torres a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nina, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.
In the past 10 years, I have traveled to various school districts to provide college information and resources. As a California non-profit leader, I have always firmly believed in partnering with families and the community, particularly non-profits and community-based organizations. An example of a strong tool is the California Cradle- to-Career-Data System. It is a data system tool that will be used to help a vast network of folx to find resources and information for better outcomes and results for students. This includes students and families, such as exploring how to plan, apply, and pay for college, streamlining the college and financial aid process, and monitoring the status of college and financial aid applications. The system is also for educators, such as streamlining the college and financial aid application reviewing process, monitoring students’ application progress, and developing action plans to support students. Lastly, it is also a strong tool for advocates and researchers because it allows folx to analyze the data collected from multiple sources to shape future policies and ultimately advance the work of education equity.
I believe in being a bridge builder and bringing as many resources as possible to the students and families. I have witnessed and seen the success when schools, families, and the community work together to support, empower, and uplift students. It takes a village to raise a child, and our early education system, K-12 schools, colleges, social services, and employment services are all part of the equation to support and advance students’ future. Over the years, I have been in positions where I have supported students in the Los Angeles Unified School District, providing resources around college, career, and community resources. In my past and current organizations, I have been invited by school administrators to conduct presentations about various resources. Most recently, I’ve enjoyed working with the Black Student Achievement Plan faculty through LA Promise Fund Black College Success to support Black and African American students with college and financial aid applications. I am proud of my students because their dreams have become a reality!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a community leader and bridge builder who keenly understands the non-profit and education sectors. I aim to ensure that students receive information, resources, and support that prepares them for college and career. I have worked and volunteered for various non-profits and education organizations serving underserved and marginalized communities, particularly students of color. I am committed to serving the community, students, and families. In graduate school at the University of San Francisco, I was awarded the Hilary Williams Ford Award for my commitment to social responsibility and the Social Justice scholarship. Today, I serve as a Director at Large Board Member for the California State University, Los Angeles Alumni Association, and the PLUS ME Project Board Member that serves over 100,000 students across 350 schools. Previously, I served on the Board of a San Francisco organization, Equality Works, which advocates for Worker’s Rights. Most recently, I am honored to share that I received the Distinguished Women’s Award at the California State University, Los Angeles, and am a Coro Southern California Women In Leadership Fellow Alumni.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Education is important because it has provided me with access and opportunities. However, it was not a smooth and easy road. Like many students of color, first-gen or low-income, the journey can be challenging because of the multiple roadblocks, hurdles, and obstacles a student must face to receive a degree. With that said, I’ve always had to work and go to school simultaneously. In graduate school, I worked two jobs (one full-time and one part-time) and went to school full-time. Those nights were long and tiring because I had to learn to balance both and manage time. I felt the heavy load on my shoulders daily, but I never gave up and remained focused on the end goal. Today, I am proud to share that I received my Master’s degree at the University of San Francisco. My goal is to pour my knowledge into today’s generation and remind students they can do it too. It is possible!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
It is my authenticity, intentionality, and resilience. I am a motivated person who believes anything is possible. My goal has always been to uplift, empower, and support the people beside me, such as students, colleagues, mentees, peers, and so on. I attend many networking events to learn and meet people in the industry who are also student-driven, student-centered, and student-focused. Our students are the next generation, and empowering them with the tools and resources is essential. My personal story included being brave and embracing my whole self and dreams. It also has included being intentional in my relationships by being a support system and empowering people. Lastly, it includes being always resilient, even when life has challenges. As I tell my students, never give up on your dreams!
