Five HEOP Saints honed their lobbying skills with a February 10 visit to the New York State Capitol to advocate for increased student aid funding.
Advocacy Day is held each year to give New York’s college students an opportunity to speak to state legislators about the need to improve access to higher education. Armed with talking points and statistics, they meet with targeted members of the Senate and Assembly to talk up the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and other programs to support student aid, research and workforce development.
Pariz Middlebrooks ’28, Destiny Pope ’28, Ameer Shivprasad ’29, Isaac Hernandez ’29 and Ronaldo Velazquez ’29 were joined by HEOP’s Yasmin Fisher ’10, director, and Kat Aviza, assistant director.
Shivprasad is a first-generation student studying finance at Siena. He cautioned that limiting funding “quite literally closes the door for students like me.”
“This opportunity affords me the ability to pursue a career in finance and change my life for future generations,” he said.Pope was told during her college search process to be “realistic.” HEOP opened the door wider to new possibilities.
“The program has given me the tools to dream bigger and want more out of my future,” she said. “I hope to complete my degree in criminal justice and bring new ideas of real justice to the system.”
“We are so proud of this incredible group! They eloquently shared their personal stories and powerfully conveyed the importance of advocating for student aid. When they raise their voices in support of HEOP, they are not only advocating for themselves, but for future generations of students who deserve access to a Siena education and the support needed to thrive.”
Yasmin Fisher ’10, director of HEOP
"I was able to witness the students demonstrate leadership and advocacy skills while speaking with key legislators on how much HEOP has changed their lives. I am thrilled to see their vision for themselves become a reality."
Kat Aviza, assistant director of HEOP
Yasmin Fisher ’10, director of HEOP
"I was able to witness the students demonstrate leadership and advocacy skills while speaking with key legislators on how much HEOP has changed their lives. I am thrilled to see their vision for themselves become a reality."
Kat Aviza, assistant director of HEOP
