Mariana Carmona

Mariana grew up in South Carolina and moved to the Bronx in 2008. She grew up in Highbridge and attended DreamYard. During her senior year, she got involved with New Settlement and interned as a Youth Leader for DYP. This opportunity was life-changing. As the oldest daughter of immigrant parents and a first-generation student, getting the chance to support her community with college access further confirmed her interest in social justice advocacy.

She graduated in 2016 and went on to study Latin American and Latinx Studies at John Jay College. Once on campus, Mariana realized how much she valued her community. Her heart being at NS, Marian returned to DYP as a College Bridge Coach for three more years to support high school students with their college application process. Today, Mariana is a College and Career Advisor at her alma mater. She enjoys connecting with youth and empowering them through life-changing experiences and opportunities. Her background allows her to understand the importance of access to higher education and her goal is to continue bridging the gaps for students that come from her Bronx community.