On November 8, 2025, Peru marked a historic milestone with the celebration of ‘First Gen Day Peru’ , the first national event dedicated to honoring First-Generation University and Professional students. The Central Auditorium of the Technological University of Peru (UTP) in Lima hosted the event, bringing together more than 80 in-person attendees, 50 virtual participants, and over 300 registrants. This turnout clearly demonstrated the nationwide interest in recognizing and celebrating this identity.
The gathering took place during ‘First Gen Week,’ a global initiative by Aspire Institute. This initiative highlights the stories, challenges, and contributions of students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
An Event to Connect, Reflect, and Celebrate
The day began with remarks from the organizers, who emphasized the importance of creating spaces that highlight the First Gen experience and strengthen community. From the outset, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, pride, and a strong sense of purpose.
Ana Sotelo, Peru’s Erasmus Mundus representative, and Laura Balbuena, Executive Director of Fulbright Peru, led the Global Opportunities Panel. They highlighted pathways to scholarships, study-abroad programs, and international graduate opportunities. They also reinforced a central message: global doors are open for first-generation students, too. Sotelo offered a powerful reminder: “When a first-generation student steps into the world, they open a door for those who come after them.”
Later, the “Public Policy and Youth Development Panel” brought together two leaders. Alexandra Ames, Executive Director of Pronabec, reaffirmed the program’s mission to promote access to and completion of higher education for talented students from low-income backgrounds. Armando Sicha Alvarado, representative of the National Youth Secretariat (SENAJU), highlighted the importance of strengthening youth participation, leadership, and holistic development within the State. Both institutions, part of Peru’s Ministry of Education, reaffirmed their commitment to educational equity. They also emphasized their dedication to expanding opportunities for Peruvian youth.
At the event, the president and founder of Organización Mundial de Apoyo a la Educación (World Organization for Support of Education- OMA) Peru, Dr. Pilar Benavides, led an emotional activity where attendees shared a phrase about the start of their professional journey. Her message inspired the audience: “For education, there is no age. Each person begins their path when they are ready to transform their life.”
The activity created a powerful sense of connection, reminding everyone that every First Gen story matters and deserves to be heard.
The event closed with the First Gen Success Panel, featuring Gianpaul Custodio, Sofía Terrones, Johan Zela Sánchez, and Gera Flores. Exceptional young leaders in technology, social impact, education, and international development. Their journeys illustrated how perseverance, purpose, and First Gen identity can transform lives and open paths for future generations.
The Organizations and Partners That Made it Possible
The Aspire Alumni Community organized First Gen Day Peru with two key partners: LEAD UTP and OMA. LEAD UTP is a student organization that promotes STEM careers, empowers young people, and fosters purpose-driven leadership. OMA is a nonprofit that helps shape well-rounded professionals committed to their communities.
Fundación Romero also joined as a strategic partner, offering free virtual scholarships to help attendees strengthen their professional skills and bridge educational gaps.
The Start of Something Bigger
First Gen Day Peru sparked new connections, meaningful learning, and a stronger community. More than an event, it marked the start of a powerful new chapter. This chapter recognizes the value, resilience, and contributions of first-generation students across the country.
Aspire Institute will continue supporting this movement in Peru and around the world. It will promote opportunities and create spaces where education transforms lives, futures, and communities.
A special thanks to Luis Angel Rosales Angeles (Cohort 2024-1), Soleil Kamitto Nuñez Pumacallahui (Cohort 2024-1), and Patricia Nicole Juarez Mendoza (Cohorts 2023-1 and 2024-2) for writing the article and helping organize this meaningful event. Their commitment and leadership were essential in bringing Peru’s First Gen community together for this historic celebration.
