Persist Nashville’s 2nd Annual Sunrise to Success: A First-Gen Celebration Breakfast was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together to champion student success. On August 27, 2025, nearly 200 community leaders, educators, and supporters gathered at 14TENN to honor the impact of first-generation college students and the role persistence plays in helping them graduate and thrive.
Honoring Leadership in College Access
This year, we proudly recognized Bob Obrohta as our 2025 College Access & Success Champion, celebrating his decades of work breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for Tennessee students.
The event also featured an engaging panel of leaders—Dr. Bryson McGuire (Vanderbilt University), Crystal Hunter (TCAT), Dr. Jim McIntyre (Belmont University), and Daryl Curry (Nashville Chamber)—who explored how higher education fuels workforce development, economic mobility, and Nashville’s continued growth.
Student Voices at the Center
One of the most powerful moments came from Persist student Roselin, who shared:
“College allowed me to step into a world that was uncommon in my family. I had to learn corporate knowledge, professional communication, and strategic thinking. At the same time, the work ethic I learned from my family helped me thrive. Persist Nashville gave me the support to bridge both worlds.”
Stories like Roselin’s are the heart of our mission—proof that persistence changes lives and futures.
Impact by the Numbers
Because of your generosity, we surpassed our $50,000 goal, directly supporting 100 students. Attendance grew by 27%, and sponsorships nearly doubled. These aren’t just numbers; they represent real students gaining the resources, coaching, and confidence to become career-ready leaders.
Looking Ahead
We are deeply grateful to our presenting sponsor Amazon and to every partner who made this morning possible. Mark your calendars now—Sunrise to Success 2026 will take place on August 26, 2026.
Together, we are creating pathways for Nashville students to access college, persist through challenges, and graduate with the skills to lead our community forward.
