Kelvin Nuñez High School: West Catholic Preparatory High School (’20) College: Hamilton College, B.A. in Written, Auditory, and Visual Storytelling (’24) Job Title: Multimedia Producer and Educator What tools or resources from the Heights community helped translate your personal grit and drive into early success? “This community gave me concrete resources: a book club, a video production club, a college readiness class, and a summer retreat to write my personal statement. All of those coalesced into a more confident and informed version of myself, clear about where I wanted to go and who I wanted to become. Heights always believed in my story, and it was hard not to start seeing my success as a matter of when, not if.” How did having a network of support help you power through a tough challenge or pivot point in your journey? “Having someone by my side motivating me let me know there was a destination in sight, even when I couldn’t see it at times. Tough challenges showed me that when you have a community, when you have a village, you can ask so much more of yourself than you ever thought possible. Having that network of support means having someone to fall back on when times get tough, someone who’ll help you rest and recharge so you can pursue the next sunrise knowing that by the next sunset, someone will be there again waiting to hear how things went.” What does being a Heights alum mean to you, and what advice would you give a student just starting in the program? “Being a Heights alum means being part of a long line of education seekers: a group of people who wanted to rise above their station. For me, it means so much because it’s exactly who I wanted to be for my immigrant parents who worked over 15 hours a day in bodegas just so I could go to school and have a better education than they did. It means being able to live a life without as many struggles as they faced.” 10 • Grit Builds Community Pillar 3: Pillar 3: Build Communities of Support Grit Builds Community Our alumni represent the fullest realization of Heights’ mission. Beyond being proof of what is possible, they are the key drivers of our ongoing impact. When alumni return — as mentors, partners, and leaders — they create a powerful cycle of opportunity. Their lived experiences, career insights, and continued investment elevate our current students and strengthen the entire Philadelphia community. By staying connected, our alumni ensure that economic mobility isn’t just an individual achievement, but a legacy we build together. Heights Alumni Council: Catalyzing Economic Mobility Launched in 2024 and officially ratified in fall 2025, the Heights Alumni Council unites our community to accelerate success for students, graduates, and Philadelphians alike. By cultivating lifelong network support, the Council directly advances Heights’ core mission: expanding economic mobility across our region. Strategic Focus Areas Alumni Leadership: Shaping organizational vision and governance Career Development: Expanding professional opportunities and pathways Mentorship: Guiding current students and early-career alumni Communications & Connection: Fostering an engaged, resilient network Founding Leadership We extend our deepest gratitude to the founding leaders whose vision made this Council possible: • Amber Nichols (’06) • Courtney Dean (’07) • Dr. Kali Avans (’07) • Saida Harpi (’11) • Vincent Costello (’03)
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.