Persist Coaching’s 3rd Annual Sunrise to Success First-Gen Celebration Breakfast brought together supporters, partners, students, and community leaders for a morning centered on one shared goal: helping more Nashville students persist through college and reach graduation.
Held at 14TENN, this year’s theme, “Closing the Gap. Changing the Story.”, reflected both the challenges facing first-generation college students and the power of a community committed to helping them succeed.
From meaningful conversations to new connections, Sunrise to Success was a celebration of the students we serve and the people who continue to invest in their futures.
A Conversation About First-Generation Student Success
One of the highlights of the morning was our panel discussion featuring leaders and advocates who shared their perspectives on the barriers students face, the support systems that make a difference, and what it will take to create stronger pathways to college completion.
We are grateful to our panelists, Brynn Plummer, Brittany Irby, and David Huang, for bringing their experience, insight, and passion to the conversation.
A special thank you to Levi Ismail of NewsChannel 5 for serving as our moderator and guiding such a thoughtful and engaging discussion.
Their conversation reinforced an important message: getting students enrolled in college is only the beginning. Students also need consistent support, trusted relationships, resources, and encouragement to help them navigate challenges and continue moving toward graduation.
Celebrating Our 2026 Success Champion
Another special moment of the morning was honoring Jason Seay as Persist Coaching’s 2026 Success Champion.
For years, Jason has helped Tennessee students and families better understand financial aid and navigate programs including Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect. His work has been especially meaningful for first-generation students and families who may not have someone at home who has previously navigated the college financial aid process.
In recognition of his commitment to students across Tennessee, Persist Coaching made a $2,500 contribution in his honor to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s first-generation scholarship fund.
We were proud to celebrate someone whose career reflects the same commitment that drives our work every day: making sure students have the information, resources, and support they need to succeed.
Thank You to Our Community
Sunrise to Success would not be possible without the organizations and individuals who believe in our mission.
We extend a special thank you to Amazon, our title sponsor, for investing in Persist Coaching and helping make this year’s celebration possible.
We are also incredibly grateful to every sponsor, partner, volunteer, staff member, attendee, and supporter who helped bring the morning to life.
Your support allows Persist Coaching to continue walking alongside Nashville students throughout their postsecondary journeys, from enrollment through graduation.
The Work Continues
Sunrise to Success is a celebration, but it is also a reminder that there is still work to do.
Persist Coaching is committed to helping close the gap in college completion by providing students with individualized coaching, resources, emergency support, career development, and someone in their corner when challenges arise.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Sunrise to Success 2026 a meaningful morning and who continues to believe in the potential of Nashville’s students.
There is still time to support this work.
Make a gift today and help more students persist, graduate, and build what comes next:
https://givebutter.com/persistbreakfast26
Closing the gap. Changing the story. Together.
Photos by Ish Photography
