April Rosas

I attribute my success to my passion for working with students and being someone they can look up to and feel comfortable with because they see themselves in me. Being a first-generation Latina student myself, I had to navigate the education system on my own, which was very difficult. My parents supported me emotionally, but when it came to school things, it was hard to share those experiences because they never had the opportunity to navigate the system themselves. Having to figure things out on my own, both academically and personally, helped me develop the resilience that I now see in my students. Those experiences shaped me and brought awareness to what students need. TRIO represents the support I never truly had, and I wish all students would take advantage of it. It drives me today to be that support for others. When I work with students, especially with TRIO, I see so many young women who are capable, intelligent, and motivated, but they need that assurance that they belong and that they're not alone when facing challenges. I want to be part of that reason someone keeps going when things get tough.

The best career advice I’ve received is to always remember your “why.” When the work gets challenging or uncertain, grounding yourself in your purpose keeps you focused and resilient. For me, that “why” is supporting students, especially first-generation students, so they feel seen, capable, and empowered to reach their goals.

Take up space, even when you feel unsure. Your voice, your experiences, and your perspective matter, especially in spaces where they may be underrepresented. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentorship, and advocate for yourself and others. And most importantly, stay rooted in who you are, your authenticity is your strength.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating uncertainty, especially around funding and policy decisions that directly impact programs like TRIO. At the same time, this creates an opportunity to advocate more intentionally for the students we serve and to highlight the importance of equitable access to education. It pushes us to be innovative, collaborative, and even more student-centered in our approach.

The values that guide me most are authenticity, community, and equity. I believe in showing up as my full self and creating spaces where others feel safe to do the same. I value building strong, supportive communities and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to opportunities and resources to succeed.