Breaking Barriers in Education: Mercy Willard’s Mission at USC | Empower Hour with Gina Zapanta

04/02/2025 19 min Temporada 4 Episodio 3

Listen "Breaking Barriers in Education: Mercy Willard’s Mission at USC | Empower Hour with Gina Zapanta"

Episode Synopsis

Higher education can be life-changing, but for many first-generation and low-income students, the path isn’t always clear. In this episode of  @empoweredwithgina  , Gina Zapanta sits down with Mercy Willard, the powerhouse Director of the USC Latino Alumni Association, to talk about the real challenges Latino and underserved students face—and how mentorship, access, and community can change lives.

Mercy shares her inspiring journey from first-gen college student to leading one of the most impactful alumni networks, her personal story of resilience through life’s toughest moments, and why representation and support in higher ed matters more than ever.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, struggled to find resources, or just need a reminder that you belong, this episode is for you. Watch now and learn how you can support the next generation of leaders.

#empower #empowerment #empowerhour #podcast #personalgrowth

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