Celebrating Community: A Recap of Fiver's Alumni Weekend

We kicked off Alumni Weekend on January 10th with an unforgettable Alumni Mixer! It was a night of joyful reconnections, as we welcomed alumni back to the Fiver office, some for the first time in years. Together, we relived classic camp memories, shared inspiring stories, and celebrated the incredible impact our alumni are making in their communities. From educators and mentors to trade experts, Fiver alumni are truly changing lives.

On January 11th, we officially inducted the Class of 2024 into the Fiver Alumni Network! This special moment was made even more meaningful by a keynote address from Aislee Berenice Nieves, Fiver’s Program Manager and Class of 2014 alumna, who shared her inspiring journey with Fiver. We also heard heartfelt speeches from Class of 2024 representatives Angelica Castillo and Muslimat Sunmonu, whose reflections on their Fiver experiences reminded us why this community is so special.

Muslimat’s speech was especially powerful as she shared a personal story of resilience, emphasizing how the support of older alumni shaped her journey. Reflecting on a challenging time during her freshman year, she recounted how an encouraging email and a thoughtful care package from alumni Mabel and Elizabeth reminded her of the Fiver values she carries to this day: “They opened my eyes to the fact that it is not where you go that makes you successful, but it’s what you make of your situation and yourself.” Her words were a poignant reminder of how the Fiver Alumni Network fosters connection, mentorship, and empowerment across generations.

The evening continued with our Alumni Reunion Dinner, where we enjoyed delicious food and even better company. Alumni board members reintroduced themselves and encouraged everyone to stay connected through future events. As part of Fiver tradition, we honored three exceptional volunteers—Paul Contreras, Alondra Ortiz, and Roberto Vasquez—with Volunteer Dog Tags, recognizing their outstanding dedication to Fiver’s mission and programs.

We closed the weekend with a toast to the new year, as alumni shared their hopes and dreams for the Fiver community. Many expressed gratitude for the Alumni Network and excitement for the opportunities ahead. Alumni Weekend was a beautiful celebration of our Fiver community, blending cherished memories with anticipation for the future. We can’t wait to see the connections and opportunities that unfold in the year to come!