Say Yes Alumni Spotlight | Roxana Mendoza

Roxana Mendoza, a Henninger High School graduate, exemplifies the transformative impact that a Say Yes Syracuse scholarship can have on a student’s personal, educational and career journey.

Ever since she was young, Roxana has been actively shaping the future of both herself and her community. While at Henninger, she juggled playing on the girl’s lacrosse team, participating in the teen arts council at the Everson Museum and taking part in Le Moyne Upward Bound — a college prep program for low-income, first-generation students in the community. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, recognized for demonstrating strong academic achievement, leadership, service and character.

Roxana explained that she first heard of Say Yes from her teachers in elementary school. As the child of immigrants, she always knew she wanted to be a first-generation college student and pursue her dream and goal of earning a college degree.

When it came time to apply, Roxana began thinking ahead about what career path she might want to pursue. With a passion for community engagement and helping others, she knew she wanted to study something that would allow her to give back to her community in one way or another.

With support from Upward Bound, Roxana filled out the Say Yes Syracuse application and soon committed to Syracuse University, where she double-majored in citizenship and civic engagement and policy studies. She began her studies in the Fall of 2020.

“I entered university in the middle of the pandemic so everything was virtual,” said Roxana. “It wasn’t unit my sophomore year that I had the chance to go to class and volunteer at community organizations like La Casita, in person.”

After taking a variety of classes in policy studies and civic engagement, Roxana had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy, to enhance her understanding of policy in an international context.

“Part of the citizenship and civic engagement major involves creating an Action Plan with a partner organization of my choice,” said Roxana. “I had the opportunity to work with Hopeprint, a nonprofit organization that helps New Americans on the Northside of Syracuse by connecting them with available resources for resettlement.”

She also dedicated much of her time to business development outreach for small organizations in the area. Today, she serves as a West Pond Alliance council member, helping to build a culturally diverse community with thriving businesses, community hubs, and safe, affordable housing on the Syracuse’s Northside.

After graduating last spring, Roxana landed a job as a long-term substitute teacher in the Syracuse City School District where she continuously learns from and engages with students from different backgrounds. In her new role, Roxana is already finding ways to give back by sharing the same opportunity that helped shape her own path.

“Funny enough, I have spread the word about Say Yes Syracuse to students in all grade levels,” said Roxana. “I am eternally grateful to Say Yes Syracuse for giving me the opportunity to get a higher education and experience all that I have. Without it, I am not sure where I would be today.”

Grateful for the opportunities she received, Roxana remains committed to achieving her future goals and aspirations by giving back to the community that helped shape her. She credits Say Yes Syracuse with being a guiding force in helping her achieve everything she has today.