Biography

Sierra Perez is the Assistant Director of Academic Programs in the Office of Strategic Initiatives at the University of Rhode Island. As a first-generation college student, Sierra understands how confusing and overwhelming the college journey can feel, especially when navigating unfamiliar systems without prior guidance. She began her educational path through dual enrollment courses in high school and later spent three years at community college taking pre-nursing and EMT training courses while working full-time. She eventually transferred to a university to complete her bachelor’s degree in Biology, where she also worked as a Peer Mentor supporting fellow students. Sierra continued her educational journey by earning an online Master’s degree in Education and is now beginning the Ph.D. in Marketing program at URI. Her experiences balancing work, academics, and major transitions have shaped her passion for helping students recognize the strengths they already possess. Sierra wants first-generation students to know that being first gen is something to be proud of. She believes students who navigate higher education independently demonstrate resilience, determination, and strength. Her advice to students is to remember that everyone’s journey is different, even among other first-generation students, and that their challenges and successes are uniquely their own. She encourages students to use their voice, ask for help, and advocate for themselves whenever they feel lost or uncertain. As a mentor, Sierra is especially interested in supporting students with personal growth and goal setting, identity development and sense of belonging, navigating college systems, major exploration and selection, time management and organization, financial literacy and college costs, imposter syndrome and confidence building, career exploration, and graduate school planning.