PeerForward’s peer-to-peer model is supported by the talent and expertise of our Coaches. Each PeerForward Coach brings a unique perspective and knowledge of their region to motivate our Peer Leaders to be change agents in their communities. Our California and Texas Coach, Bryanna Alfaro, shows us exactly why she’s the perfect spark to ignite change.
Why does being a PeerForward Coach motivate you?
I realized, even in high school, that education is a privilege and not many people have the opportunity to gain a higher education.
For so many first-generation students, students of color – education is truly what it takes to see a different life. It’s the number one indicator that’ll allow them to move up their socioeconomic class. I think that that’s probably my biggest motivator because we care for our students. We see ourselves and our students, and we want them to live a happy and healthy life.
What makes you uniquely suited to Coach your region(s)?
I didn’t realize how unique the culture in California was until I worked for PeerForward. Travelling to different regions in California made me appreciate our different cultures; it also really made me understand, wow, some of the things that students in California go through are very unique. Unless you’re from the area, it’s kind of tough to even speak the way that students speak here,
My students see a part of themselves in me, and it allows them to be more bought into the work. I grew up here, I have similar values; I don’t have to level the playing field, as soon as they get to know me, it’s like “Oh, you’re from here, you know what it’s like. You were in my shoes not that long ago.”
Tell us about your proudest moment as a PeerForward Coach?
During our 2025 Workshop at UNLV, I got a standing ovation. I have a great relationship with my students and my advisors, but to be in a room with other volunteers I’ve met over the past two years, our alumni, and advisors from different places – having them clap for me and give me my flowers was definitely a special moment.
I think the biggest accomplishment is still a little bit ongoing. PeerForward has a scholarship for Oakland Peer Leaders! Through the generosity of the Quest Foundation, PeerForward was able to give a scholarship to each of our graduating 2024 Peer Leaders. For the past year, we’ve been working to create the scholarship and we’re in the final stages of contacting students to dispense the award. It’s given me a lot of motivation. It’s made me feel proud because – we’re serving our students and we’re able to help them directly, especially because a lot of our students are first-generation, low-income students. We get to help them in this very direct way. It feels really, really, really good.
Tell us about a goal you have | What’s a career dream of yours?
I feel like my students are the ones who really motivated me to look at all my passions. We tell our students you can dream non-traditionally about college and your career. You can always figure out your passions while still working and being able to provide for yourself. They pushed me to do the same.
I want to pursue different roles in the music industry and see if in the future I could work creatively in touring. I did a month-long course on the music industry, and recently, I applied for a career exploration program with a major festival in the Bay Area.
Each PeerForward Coach is the secret to our success. Bryanna’s ability to connect with her Peer Leaders is a unique yet vital attribute to her continued success. Bryanna knows her students, she understands them, and she cares for them. We’re proud to have her in the PeerForward movement. Thank you, Bryanna, for all that you do!
