Founded in 2016, HCF1RST has actively served as a resource and support system for those who identify as first-generation college students. Working alongside a group of 12 student leaders and their advisor Zae Valera, they are committed to amplifying the voices and addressing the unique challenges faced by first-generation students to help perpetuate “a community marked by freedom, mutual respect, and civility”, as stated in the Holy Cross Mission Statement. Through annual events such as “First Gen Week” and the “End of Semester Celebration”, HCF1RST has been able to shine a light on the first-generation identity. HCF1RST is excited to continue its mission through various events creating awareness and celebrating the first-gen experience and identity!
Meet Our E-Board Team!
| E-Board Members | Positions | Get to know us! |
| Omar Afifi | Co-Chair | Class Year: 2024 Major: Chemistry |
| Danna Carrillo | Co-Chair | Class Year: 2024 Major: Sociology with a LALC concentration |
| Azka Tanveer | Senior Advisor | Class Year: 2024 Major: Biology |
| Diana Chavez Cruz | Treasurer | Class Year: 2024 Major: Economics with a Education minor and a LALC concentration |
| Fabjola Telhaj | Secretary | Class Year: 2026 Major: Biology |
| Lauren Reilly | Community Outreach Liaison | Class Year: 2025 Major: Political Science and Chinese Studies |
| Henry Argueta | Co-Social Media Coordinator | Class Year: 2026 Major: Biology on the Pre-Med track with a French and Francophone Studies minor |
| Jocelyn Herrera | Co-Social Media Coordinator | Class Year: 2026 |
| Jaqueline Cuzco | Co-Event Coordinator | Class Year: 2026 Major: Psychology and Spanish |
| Maria Jose "Majo" Aguilar | Co-Event Coordinator | Class Year: 2025 |
| Aura Polanco Concepcion | First Year Intern | Class Year: 2027 |
| Nessa Hill | First Year Intern | Class Year: 2027 |
| Lucy Umland | First Year Intern | Class Year: 2027 |