Congratulations to our July 2024 Member of the Month (MeMo) Deborah Martin! National College Attainment Network
(NCAN) staff asked her both professional and personal questions so you can get to know her and the work she does better.
Q: What brought you to the college access and success field initially? A: Landing in the college access and success field was an unexpected
but happy accident. Prior to starting at FCAN, I was a legislative aide in the Florida Senate for two years. In the fall of 2021, I was searching for my next role and came across the Policy Analyst opening at the Florida College Access Network. Healthcare
has always been my interest, but FCAN’s description and the work they did really drew me in.
As a first-generation college student, I could see myself in the populations they worked to assist. I knew firsthand the impact of the Pell Grant and the way a college degree would change the trajectory of my life and allow me to build generational wealth.
FCAN wants to ensure that every Floridian can achieve an education beyond high school and a rewarding career, and this was enough to know I could see myself working for an organization like this. And now, I’ve been with FCAN for over two years, and
I can certainly see myself in this field for the foreseeable future.
Q: What do you love most about your role or organization? A: What I love about FCAN is our commitment and dedication to college access and success for all Florida students. Specifically, we understand the supports
our students need to pursue education beyond high school, especially our low-income, immigrant, and minority students. As an immigrant and first-generation college student, I understand firsthand many of the struggles and the pressure these students
face. Once something I shied away from, it is now what drives the passion for the work I do.
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an NCAN member? A: As of late, I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve on NCAN's Policy Council! In the few meetings we've had so far, it has been great to connect with
other policy leaders throughout the country. I'm looking forward to what's next and learning more from this wonderful experience.
Personality Questions
Every month, our MeMos will be answering some fun questions to help us get to know their “out of office” side!
Q: If you were dropped into any movie or TV show as a new main character, what movie or TV show would you pick and why? A: It's a tie between Schitt's Creek and Chopped. All of the Schitt's Creek characters
are funny and wholesome at the same time. It also would be quite the experience to see the "A Little Bit Alexis" performance in person. I would obviously be a judge on Chopped, there are always amazing looking dishes!
Q: What's one thing you'd like to cross off your personal bucket list? Is there one thing you've crossed off already that you're really proud of? A: Going to New York Fashion Week would be really cool! Not sure how
or if I'd be able to ever pull that off. But if anyone has any connections, maybe even to Fendi, let me know!
Q: Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now and why A: Blue Lagoon, Iceland. Iceland seems like a dream of an experience and if I could teleport there and not have to worry about planning
that travel, it's a bonus. I would certainly venture to see the Northern Lights as well. And hopefully, I can teleport back too.
Q: What's your favorite food, and one food you don't like? A: Favorite food is really hard, I eat it all! Some I can say are sushi, pasta (any kind, there's no wrong answer), chips and guacamole, and my mom's ropa
vieja (a Cuban dish, it's shredded beef with peppers, onions, garlic, and tomato sauce -- literally translates to 'old clothes'). If I had to say one that I don't like, it would be jalapenos. Unfortunately, I just can't do spicy...but doesn't mean
I still don't try every time!
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