Here at Laura Flanders & Friends, we offer a comprehensive fellowship program in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY) John Jay School of Criminal Justice. Participants work hands-on, gaining knowledge about our independent movement media operation producing our TV, radio and podcast productions. Throughout the program our entire staff spends time with each fellow, sharing expertise and knowledge from editing to scripting to promotions and technical skills. We mentor our fellows and guide them in producing their own media pieces. You are about to hear one of those stories produced by our Justice Capital Initiative fellow Erika Harley, a college sophomore pursuing a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

Description:  Many first-generation Latino students face unique challenges as they navigate the path from college to career readiness. ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) is a transformative organization providing mentorship, professional development, and a sense of belonging through its ALPFAmilia network. In this audio report, John Jay Justice Capital Initiative fellow Erika Harley explores how ALPFA empowers students to overcome barriers, featuring interviews with John Jay Chapter President Nayeli Zempoaltecatl and the New York Director of Student Affairs Kevin Durjpal. Together, they share how ALPFA bridges the gap for underrepresented groups, fosters equity, and transforms lives.

"Everybody a part of ALPFA is automatically a part of an ALPFAMILIA because this network, why it was created, was to help, at first, Latinos. Now it has branched out, of course. But we understand one another. We know the struggles we're facing." – Nayeli Zempoatecatl 

“A lot of students, they want to join in first to get an internship. But then when you join in, you realize you make a lot of good friends. You may look at family. That's the reason why you want to stay. I know that's the reason why I stayed.” – Kevin Durjpal

• Kevin Durjpal: ALPFA NY Director of Student Affairs Committee; Strategy & Consulting Analyst, Accenture
• Nayeli Zempoaltecatl: President, ALPFA John Jay Chapter

Music Included:  "Tweet Storm" & " Electric Car" by Podington Bear

At The Laura Flanders Show, we’re dedicated to providing a platform for diverse voices in the field of social justice. This report, a collaboration between The Laura Flanders Show fellowship program and CUNY John Jay College, reflects our commitment. The opinions presented are solely those of the guest contributor and do not necessarily reflect or represent The Laura Flanders Show’s views or those of CUNY John Jay College.

Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner. 

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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel