Meet Nina Torres | Non-profit Leader & Partnerships Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nina Torres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nina, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
There are two key qualities I tell every person. The first is being brave, which means putting yourself out there even if you do not succeed the first time. The second is networking. Being the first in my family to attend college presented challenges because I needed a roadmap. However, I always put myself out there, asking questions, becoming involved, and looking for mentors. My parents instilled in me at a young age that college represented endless opportunities and that I could achieve anything. The idea sounded great, but it seemed like a tall order when I needed a how-to guide or roadmap. So, I knew I had to be brave and look for the answers from community resources, the college office at high school, books, and potential mentors. I remember being a student assistant at my high school college office and reading all the brochures and booklets. The college office became my library. There have been many moments where I had to be brave and remind myself I belong here. I would affirm myself as I walked into spaces introducing myself with my 30-second pitch. Another essential quality is networking. I have always been an extrovert and someone who enjoys meeting people, but the art of networking can vary a bit. After graduating high school, I started observing people I looked up to and internal taking notes on what they became involved in, how they presented themselves, and their trajectory in life.

Like a vision board, I wrote a list of goals on a sheet of paper with age ranges. For example, at 19 years old, I became acquainted with Coro Southern California and immediately added it to my life to-do list for my late 20s or early 30s. In 2022, I was selected for the Coro Southern California Women In Leadership fellowship. I am proud of my story and appreciative of the people who supported me along the way. In Coro, Southern California, they introduced the meaning of having a personal Advisory Board, and I consider my mentors, advisors, and sponsors like family. They are all my role models and have impacted my life significantly. Anytime I go into any networking space, my main goal is to build transformational relationships, be intentional in my conversations, be genuine, and ask what the person’s mission in life is. These qualities have helped me succeed, but ultimately I always remember my roots and focus on being humble daily.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since I was young, I have always desired to impact the world through the non-profit sector. Today, I proudly share that I have served the community for over 10 + years by volunteering and working closely with Los Angeles and San Francisco non-profit organizations. Most recently, my career has involved creating community partnerships. This has consisted of working with non-profits, community-based organizations, corporations, colleges/universities, and foundations to support students’ work. Additionally, I have worked closely with the L.A.U.S.D. school faculty, empowering the students and families with community resources.

Previously, I was the Academic & College Success Manager for Community Coalition in South Central. In 2020, I established higher education distance learning for the organization with over 50 + colleges/universities joining Zoom presentations for students in the Los Angeles region to learn about college and receive guidance on the application process. I secured countless college application fee waivers for the students and received support from colleges/universities with the multiple administrative changes during the global pandemic. My community outreach efforts created strong relationships with colleges and external organizations to foster communication on education equity.

From 2018-2020, I worked for i.am College Track in Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles, California. I worked for the College Completion team as a Data Associate, assisting with the scholarship disbursement for over 180 college students. Additionally, I led a weekly scholarship hour for high school students providing personal statements and application assistance. From 2014-2015, I also worked for College Track San Francisco as an Advisory Leader, teaching college readiness classes after school in grades 9th to 11th. The classes discussed financial aid, exploring college majors, writing personal statements, and other specialized college readiness courses.

When I attended graduate school, University of San Francisco, I worked full-time for a non-profit organization, Larkin Street Youth Services. As the Education Liaison Specialist, I managed the G.E.D. space by leading evening G.E.D. classes, providing one-on-one specialized tutoring, and managing volunteers to support the youth. I traveled weekly to different homeless shelters in the Tenderloin, providing one-on-one academic tutoring and introduction to college, providing college and career exposure materials.

I also was exposed to immigration law and the advocacy field. I volunteered, interned, then became a full-time employee for the National Immigration Law Center. I supported local and statewide campaigns with administrative and legislative advocacy related to immigration enforcement issues, D.A.C.A., worker’s rights, health, and other core issues. I coordinated and presented at LA County-wide Know Your Rights information presentations to the public. I also served as the Legal Coordinator for an LA-based coalition advocating for immigrant rights.

Today, I am proud to share that I serve as a Director at Large Board Member for the California State University, Los Angeles Alumni Association, and as an Alumni Representative for the University Student Union. Recently, I became a Board Member for the PLUS ME Project. Previously I served as a Board Member for a San Francisco-based non-profit, Equality Works.

During graduate school, I received the Hilary Williams Ford Award, given to one graduating senior who embodies social responsibility. I am honored to share that I have my Master of Arts in Human Rights Education from the University of San Francisco and my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Communications from California State University, Los Angeles.

I continue volunteering for many organizations dedicated to serving the community. I have presented to the following organizations, Breakthrough Houston, City Year D.C., Center Theatre Group, Big Brothers Big Sisters America, Fulfillment Fund, and Crystal Stairs. I have also been a scholarship reviewer for the California State University, Los Angeles Alumni Association, Great Minds in S.T.E.M., Phi Delta Kappa International, Fulfillment Fund, and TheDream. U.S.

It was not an easy path; however, I feel grateful that I had a strong support system within my family and community. Being a first gen college student presents many challenges. I frequently felt imposter syndrome as each year went by. To this day, I internally give myself a pep talk and tell myself words of affirmation before big presentations, important galas/dinners, or interviews. My main life goal is to make an impact that ripples into the future. Also, I want every person to know that your dreams are possible!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the area, I would take them around Northeast Los Angeles, where I grew up, and share the rich history of the community. We would have coffee at the Rock Community Center and share the history of that place. We would have a delicious latte and a pastry from Homeboy Industries (which they serve there). As for lunch, we would drive from Eagle Rock to Lincoln Heights to El Arco, originally in Highland Park. The chile verde burrito is AMAZING! Lastly, for dinner, I would BBQ at home. Our Eagle Rock home has been in the family for multiple generations. I would buy marinated meat from Cali-Mex in Highland Park, relax in the backyard with them, and share all the great stories of my neighborhood/community. And I cannot forget, but we would have burgers and fries from Petes Blue Chip from Eagle Rock. As for recreational items, we would walk the LA River, and I would show them where my grandparents’ home was of 50 + years; we would go to the Dodger Stadium and picnic or hike in Griffith Park. There are so many amazing places in Los Angeles, and I can list so many more. However, it would be important to first share where I grew up and what molded me into who I am today.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I would like to dedicate this to my family. They have always supported my dreams and provided me with a strong foundation and an example of never giving up. Their sacrifices have allowed my sister and me to achieve all our dreams. Second, I would like to shoutout to the National Immigration Law Center for welcoming me as an intern at the age of 19. It was my first time working at a non-profit and being exposed to the endless possibilities of leading national organizations with a heart of advocacy. I would also love to dedicate this to my mentors, role models, friends, Coro sisters, students, and the community. You know who you are! Each of these people has shaped my life and impacted my life. Many of them still impact my life and have greatly transformed it. Thank you so much! Lastly, I want to thank my husband for always cheering for me and supporting my dreams.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-torres/