On Monday, Oct. 21, the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and the Center for Civic Engagement and Community (CCEC) hosted The Power of Your Voice, an event aimed at inspiring self-expression and advocacy.
Led by Natalie Quiñones, EOF Student Development Specialist, and Dylan Heffernan, Assistant Director of the We Care Program and Civic Engagement, the event focused on empowering students to use their voices for meaningful change. Both Quiñones and Heffernan, Ramapo Alumni, now work to uplift students through their commitment to advocacy and civic engagement.
The event encouraged students to reflect on their personal backgrounds and experiences, emphasizing why their stories matter. Quiñones and Heffernan urged students to consider what brought them to the table — whether it be their culture, background or life experiences — and recognize that these experiences need to be spoken about.
They highlighted the event’s theme, “Bold Doesn’t Look Back,” reminding students that it takes courage to move forward despite fear or doubt. The speakers encouraged everyone to embrace their power, knowing that a single story can change perspectives and have a real impact.
“When a student expresses fear about advocating for themselves, I encourage them to reframe that fear as a sign of how much they care. Feeling scared often means that what they’re facing is important to them, and that’s all the more reason to share their story. By speaking up, they’re taking control of their narrative and creating opportunities for growth and success,” said Quiñones.
Quiñones also spoke passionately about the importance of self-expression and advocacy, explaining that these values are at the heart of her team’s mission. She said, “Self-expression and advocacy are at the core of what we do because they empower students to take control of their personal and academic journeys. For me, having been a first-generation college student myself, I know how critical it is for students to feel heard, seen, and understood.”
The event allowed students to share their own concerns about issues on campus, from finding parking to living in the dorms. The open dialogue reinforced the event’s central message: every voice matters. Quiñones and Heffernan emphasized that through speaking up, students not only advocate for themselves but also contribute to the bigger picture which is the collective growth and inclusivity of their community.
As a proud first-generation college graduate from Ramapo and EOF scholar, Quiñones reflected on her own journey and offered advice to current students about self-advocacy. “Looking back at my own journey, the advice I’d give to current students is to embrace the idea that you belong in every room you step into. It’s easy to feel like you don’t have the experience or authority to take up space, especially as a first-generation student or someone from an underrepresented background, but your story, your perspective, and your presence are exactly what make you powerful,” she said.
Quiñones also stressed the importance of building a support system through mentorship and community. “Seek out mentors and a community that supports you. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, uplift you, and remind you of your worth when you start to doubt it,” she said.
Quiñones added, “My mentors were key in helping me see the power of my own voice and to understand that advocacy isn’t just about speaking for yourself—it’s also about using your voice to lift others.” During the event, Quiñones also spoke about how each student didn’t get here alone, which is an important piece of their story.
Through The Power of Your Voice workshop, Quinones and Heffernan demonstrated how advocacy, self-expression and personal stories can lead to growth and change both for individuals and for the community. Their message was clear: every student’s voice has the potential to create lasting impact, and it’s time to start using it.
lkelyman@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Lidiya Kelyman
