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Wanda Luis: Resilience, Dreams, and the Power of Belonging at CCNY

Wanda Luis, a proud first-generation Dominican-American and lifelong New Yorker, embodies resilience and determination. After earning her associate degree at Bronx Community College, she transferred to CCNY in 2016. Life’s demands led her to pause her studies in 2017 to work full-time and support her family. But Wanda’s dream of becoming a licensed mental health therapist called her back to CCNY, where she’s reclaiming her story and redefining what’s possible.

Growing Up with Resilience
Wanda’s journey is deeply rooted in family and perseverance. “As a first-generation Dominican-American, I learned early how to support my family and manage responsibilities,” she says. These challenges, while daunting, built her leadership skills and taught her the importance of perseverance.

After earning her associate degree, Wanda transferred to CCNY to continue her education. But financial pressures and family responsibilities led her to step away from school in 2017. Now, she’s back, determined to chart her own path and achieve her dream of becoming a mental health therapist. “I’m ready to reclaim my life and write my story my way,” she affirms.

A Purpose-Driven Education
Wanda’s passion for mental health stems from personal experiences. Witnessing loved ones struggle with emotional challenges without access to resources inspired her to become part of the solution. “By earning my degree, I’ll not only be the first in my immediate family to graduate but also one of the few in my extended family. It’s a milestone that symbolizes resilience and hope,” she says.

At the Colin Powell School, Wanda found a supportive community that has been instrumental in her journey. Through mentors, internships, and coursework, she’s developed the tools to address mental health disparities, particularly in underserved communities. “The school’s focus on social impact inspires me to give back to neighborhoods like the one I grew up in. For the first time, I truly feel seen and supported,” she says.

Dreams Beyond Graduation
Wanda’s post-graduation plans include becoming a licensed mental health therapist and eventually opening her own private practice. She also hopes to gain hands-on experience working in a community mental health center or pursue graduate studies in counseling or psychology.

Beyond her professional aspirations, Wanda dreams of combining her passion for mental health with her creative interests in fashion and music. “I want to inspire others to prioritize kindness, self-expression, and mental well-being,” she explains.

Moments of Pride
Two moments at CCNY stand out for Wanda. The first was receiving her student ID, a symbol of her return to education and her resilience. “Holding that ID on campus was surreal. It reminded me how far I’ve come and validated my decision to bet on myself,” she recalls.

The second was securing a position as a college assistant in the Dean’s Office at the Colin Powell School. This role gave her a sense of belonging and professional growth she never expected. “Working alongside people like Charlene Darbassie has been transformative. Her encouragement has been a constant source of strength,” Wanda shares.

Advice for Students
Wanda’s advice to current and future students is simple yet powerful: “Never let your current circumstances define you. Dream big, and remember, there are more people rooting for you than you realize. Ask yourself: do you want it to be ‘one day’ or ‘day one’? The choice is yours.”

The Colin Powell School in Three Words
When asked to describe the Powell School, Wanda said: “Community-oriented, mission-driven, and inspiring. Some things are too special for just three words!”