Etel S.

Meet Etel, a three-time Raise The Barr cohort member (as of 2024) based in California. Born and raised in Honduras, Etel moved to the U.S. in 2017. She started pursuing her bachelor’s in business administration in 2020, even while facing the uncertainties of her immigration status, divorce, custody of her daughter, child care, and pursuing her driver's license. Over the last two years, Raise The Barr has supported Etel to keep her on track to receive her bachelor's degree in the fall of 2024. 

As a member of our scholarship cohort, Etel has participated in workshops and one-on-one coaching, all while continuing to pursue her studies. More importantly, she’s found a safe space to support her and her daughter during their journey.

“I have been honored to be a Raise The Barr scholarship recipient for two years in a row,” she shared. “RTB has provided me not only with economic funds but also with a safe space where I have found support and community. Last year, I was a recipient of an emergency grant to help me pay for driving lessons, and for a first-time driver like me, professional lessons made the difference in becoming more confident behind the wheel.”

“My daughter and I are and [will always] be grateful for the help and support we have received from RTB … RTB has changed my life, and I appreciate every single person, organization, and donor that makes this wonderful program possible, so single parents like me can have an opportunity of a better future for us and our children.”

It warms our hearts to know how RTB has impacted Etel and other scholars. We’re so excited to hear what kind of success Etel finds after she receivers her bachelor's degree.