Avelina Rivero, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) at Mizzou was selected as a graduate fellow of the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE). According to AAHHE, the primary goal of the graduate student fellowship program “is to prepare Latina/o/x doctoral scholars for successful careers in academia; however, the program also provides support to Latina/o/x scholars interested in pursuing careers within administration and policy in postsecondary education.” This program provides trainings, a stipend for conference travel, and opportunities for networking and mentoring for fellows.

When reflecting on the award, Avelina said, “I am excited to meet other Latinx graduate students and create community. I am also eager to connect with early-career Latinx faculty to learn about their experiences in academia as a Latinx individual. Ultimately, I believe this award will prepare me to be a confident and successful Latina scholar, and I am so excited to see how much I grow as a person and scholar.” Avelina is advised by Dr. Sarah Killoren.