Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Avery Chang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Avery, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for FirstGen Mentors came to me during late nights at my kitchen table, feeling completely overwhelmed by college applications and pressure to choose a career path at 15 years old. As a second-generation immigrant student, my parents struggled to guide me through all the confusing steps. I felt alone and afraid of falling behind. When I started opening up to my friends, I realized so many of them felt the same way. We were all ambitious and hardworking, but we felt like outsiders in a system where other students seemed to know secrets we didn’t. I knew this was a problem that needed solving. There were mentorship programs out there, but very few specifically focused on the unique cultural and practical challenges that first- and second-generation immigrants face. I wanted to build a community where students like us could find answers, encouragement, and role models who understood our journey. What excited me most was turning isolation into connection. I believed that if we shared knowledge and supported one another, we could break cycles of disadvantage and help first- and second-generation students achieve the futures they deserve. That’s why I started FirstGen Mentors. And seeing our students grow more confident every day proves to me that it was the right decision.

Avery, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Avery Chang, and I am a student and the founder of FirstGen Mentors, a nonprofit that supports first-generation and second-generation immigrant students as they explore career paths and build their futures.

The idea for FirstGen Mentors came from my own experiences growing up as a second-generation immigrant student. I remember countless nights feeling overwhelmed by college applications, scholarships, and career questions, with no one to guide me. I often felt alone in my struggle until I realized that many of my friends were feeling the same way. Many of them were first-generation immigrants who felt hopeless about falling behind classmates who had more connections and a better understanding of these complicated systems. That realization motivated me to take action. I created FirstGen Mentors to help break the generational cycles of poverty that so many first- and second-generation students find themselves trapped in. Today, my team and I have helped build a launchpad and support system for kids who are still figuring it all out.

Through FirstGen Mentors, we offer mentorship from industry experts and college students, resources for career and college prep, podcast interviews, and a safe space where students can ask questions and dream big without fear. Our goal is to make higher education and career paths less confusing and more accessible, especially for those who feel like outsiders in these spaces. What sets us apart is that our work is deeply rooted in empathy and lived experience. We understand the hidden challenges and silent doubts that come with being first-generation, and we are committed to making sure no student feels alone in their journey.

I am most proud of the community we’ve built, which now reaches over 3,200 students who are finding clarity, confidence, and hope. More than anything, I want people to know that my work is about possibility. No matter where you start, you deserve support and the chance to create the future you imagine for yourself.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy has been horizontal networking. I started by reaching out to other students like me who were passionate about making change for first- and second-generation communities. We connected through shared experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges we face, and together we spread the word across our schools, community groups, and personal networks. It felt less like marketing and more like building a movement driven by people who genuinely cared.

Social media has also been a huge part of our growth. Instagram has allowed us to share our mission visually and connect with students in an accessible and relatable way. Meanwhile, platforms like LinkedIn have been incredibly powerful for reaching hyper-ambitious and passionate students who are looking for opportunities to make an impact or give back. Sharing our story on these platforms has helped us reach people far beyond our local circles and build a supportive, engaged community that continues to grow through authentic connections and word-of-mouth.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

FirstGen Mentors took over five months to go from idea to reality. When I first developed the concept in November of 2024, it only had one service – one-on-one expert mentorship. But, as a high schooler, it was incredibly difficult to get expert mentors on board. Many people didn’t take me seriously because of my age, and I faced constant challenges with being ghosted or rejected in nearly all of my cold emails. There were moments when I felt defeated and started to lose faith in my idea altogether.

But instead of giving up, I decided to pivot and focus on the channels I knew best. I reached out to other students like me who were equally passionate about helping first- and second-generation communities. Together, we brainstormed creative ways to build momentum. We started contacting friends’ parents, family friends, and community members who worked in various industries. By leaning into authentic, personal connections, we were able to gradually build a network of mentors and supporters who believed in our mission.

At the same time, I worked to expand other parts of FirstGen Mentors to build credibility and show our impact. We developed college mentorship programs and created a growing resource database featured on our website. We also launched podcast interviews to spotlight diverse career paths and share real-life stories from professionals.

Looking back, I’m grateful for those early struggles because they taught me that resilience isn’t just about persistence, it’s also about adapting, asking for help, and finding strength in community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.firstgenmentors.org/
• Instagram: @firstgenmentors
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstgen-mentors
• Other: Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DvJsuwNXLSI4t5bhniFx4?si=B-FpkiATQFeIYCMAPIsXhQ