Standing for Students at NCAN’S 2025 Leadership Summit
Progress doesn’t happen only in the classroom—it also takes root in the halls of Capitol Hill. That’s why we’re proud to share that Rachel Livingston, our Chief Program Officer, represented Fulfillment Fund at the NCAN 2025 Inaugural Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. this past April.
The summit, hosted by the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), was a new two-day event designed to elevate policy impact and spotlight equity-centered education leaders. NCAN’s mission—to support all students in achieving postsecondary access and success, particularly those from low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented backgrounds—aligns with our own. Their goal is to advance policies that make higher education more accessible, affordable, and supportive of student success.
As part of her advocacy efforts, Rachel met directly with key decision-makers, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s office and Congressmember Jimmy Gomez, who represents California’s 34th District—home to the RFK Community Schools campus, where many of our Fulfillment Fund students attend.
My role was to amplify our students’ voices, highlight the day-to-day realities our staff face, and advocate for why NCAN’s priorities—such as fully funding the Pell Grant, strengthening income-driven repayment plans, and supporting Public Service Loan Forgiveness—are not just important, but essential. – Rachel Livingston
One of the many students Rachel advocated for is Yahaira Guerreo, a first-generation college student who graduated from an LAUSD high school with limited access to college counseling. Although she was accepted to several four-year universities, Yahaira chose to attend Santa Monica College, a decision grounded in financial realities and her long-term goals. As the oldest sibling in her family to attend college, she embraces her role as a mentor and role model for her younger brothers and sisters. Federal financial aid—especially the Pell Grant—has been instrumental in making college a possibility for Yahaira.
Rachel emphasized that investments in federal programs such as the Pell Grant have a proven return: they not only support college access, but also boost economic mobility, workforce development, and tax contributions across all states—red and blue alike.
Rachel’s presence at the summit underscores Fulfillment Fund’s unwavering commitment to advocacy on behalf of our students. While most of our students don’t have the opportunity to travel to Washington and speak directly to policymakers, their voices are still heard—thanks to dedicated leaders like Rachel.
Ensuring that the lived experiences of first-generation and underrepresented students inform high-level decision-making is central to our mission.
“Being in those rooms matters,” Rachel shared. “Fulfillment Fund is committed to ensuring that our students’ stories are heard loud and clear by the decision-makers.”
Through advocacy, partnership, and purpose, Fulfillment Fund continues to fight for a future where every student, regardless of their zip code, can achieve academic success and lifelong opportunity.
