Moving from Georgia to Michigan is nerve-wracking. Being surrounded by the unfamiliar is enough to make anyone want to turn around and go home. But Javier Guillen, Class of 2023, saw the move as an opportunity to network and find a community through Grand Valley’s HBCU/HSI pipeline consortium.  

“At the time, networking was a scary word, but I was encouraged to view it as relationship building,” recalled Javier.

Javier learned from talking to his mentor at Fort Valley State University that GVSU offered opportunities for students from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to pursue graduate degrees at an affordable cost. Soon after, he packed his bags and moved to Michigan to begin a Master’s of Science in cell and molecular biology.

The transition from undergrad to graduate school was not a walk in the park, but Grand Valley supported Javier every step of the way. Success coaching and mentor programs were available to help him succeed.

“Graduate school requires a higher level of thinking, understanding, and independence,” Javier explained. “Grand Valley gave me all the tools to help prepare me, but I had to put in the work.”

While Javier was excelling in his program, he realized that the real value at Grand Valley was the network of people who are eager to support him. He vowed that he would do everything in his power to maintain the connections that he made and eventually give back to his community.

“The thing that I like the most about GVSU has really been the opportunity to meet people and connect, hear their stories, hear their backgrounds, and really see how we can best help one another,” Javier explains.

It wasn’t long until the opportunity to give back presented itself. By listening to stories and building his network, Javier began to see a need for funding in the black community, especially in regard to local businesses.

“It has been a goal of mine to get rooted in the community, and so I’ve started a project with Urban League, where we are focusing on developing black businesses within Grand Rapids,” Javier explained. “What we’re trying to do is equip businesses with the tools to be eligible to receive funding from the city in order to further their business.”

After graduation, Javier has a job lined up at Grand River Aseptic manufacturing in formulation drug development. He is actively creating change through his hard work and community connections. His success was made possible by the opportunity presented in the HBCU/HSI pipeline consortium.

“To the donors that support this amazing program, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say thank you,” Javier said. “I don’t think that I’d have this opportunity to spread my wings had it not been for your generosity and your support. I really hope that as we continue to bring more students up here to pursue their dreams just like me, that you continue to support us along the way.”

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