The Western Kentucky University (WKU) F1rstGen Initiative is helping students unlock their first-gen powers! On November 14 and 15, 2025, the WKU F1rstGen Initiative hosted the inaugural First-Generation Student Leadership Conference in partnership with TRIO SSS, TRIO SSS-D, FirstToppers, and WKU’s Student Accessibility Ambassadors. Students were invited to participate in interactive professional development workshops, learn more about graduate school, and plan for their financial futures. This two-day event showcased the continued allyship, support services, and recognition that the WKU F1rstGen Initiative provides to first-generation students on campus.
Superhero-themed, the First-Generation Student Leadership Conference offered four tracks for students to explore while at the event: Financial Literacy, Career & Graduate School Preparation, Wellness, and College Success. Experts discussed job hunting, portfolio-building, networking, and budgeting with students, enabling them to pursue their future goals with confidence. As F1rstGen Initiative Faculty and Staff Advocates, speakers understood the challenges facing first-generation students within academia and the professional world. Dr. Dawn Winters, a WKU English Department instructor and member of the F1rstGen Leadership Team, spoke on the opportunities provided by the conference:
“The conference really elevated the position of [first-generation] students, faculty, and staff [ … ]. Students were able to experience what an academic conference looks like as participants. This is a significant part of academic culture—even terminology like concurrent session or keynote—[and] they will now have a shorthand for a corner of academic and professional culture.”
Students were excited to attend the event and experience the wealth of support available from the WKU community. F1rstGen Student Ambassador Talaya Guest commented, “My biggest takeaway [from the conference] was how inspiring it [was] to see first-gen leaders from across different campuses come together. Their stories reminded me that leadership comes from experience, not perfection.”
Many stated that the First-Generation Student Leadership Conference made them feel inspired, as well as connected to other first-generation students, faculty, and staff on campus. Guest continued, “Hearing from first-gen alumni advocates and mentors and listening to them say that we are helping pave the way they wish they’d had as students, reminds me why this work matters so much.” The opportunities offered by the WKU F1rstGen Initiative make a tangible difference not only in the college experiences of first-generation students, but also in their lives. Students left the conference with a desire to increase first-generation representation at WKU:
“First-gen representation should be visible, supported, and included at every level, “ Guest stated. “I want to see more first-gen voices in leadership roles, more programs led by first-gen students, and more spaces where students feel connected, empowered, and heard. Representation should be something students can see—not just something they feel.”
The First-Generation Student Leadership Conference exemplified what can happen when faculty, staff, and community members come together to support first-generation students. Students walked away more confident in their abilities, with refined skills and an extensive network to utilize throughout their four-year tenure at WKU. While work remains to be done in terms of first-generation representation in academic and professional settings, the WKU F1rstGen Initiative hopes to bridge the gap between students and these historically exclusive spaces. Dr. Winters thoughtfully concludes:
“[First-generation] students should be represented in every organization and field, and their contributions should be celebrated. The programming we offer at WKU sets students up for success. The [F1rstGen Faculty and Staff Advocates], mentors, and student advisors are ready to walk with students on their journey. No [first-generation] student should feel like they're doing this alone.”
For more information regarding the WKU's F1rstGen Initiative, visit the website here or contact firstgen@wku.edu.
