HELP ME MAKE a difference

Join Me on a Mission for Change

For over two decades, I’ve been dedicated to planting seeds of change, working tirelessly to create a better world for those around me. I’ve always believed that we have the power to shape a future filled with opportunity, equity, and justice. With a passion for innovation and an unwavering belief in the limitless potential within all of us, I’ve committed my life to being a changemaker.

But now, I’m setting out on a journey that will elevate my mission to a whole new level. I’m pursuing my doctorate at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work—and I need your support to make this vision a reality.

Why This Matters

Less than 1% of the U.S. population holds a doctorate—and even fewer Latinos make it to this level. In fact, only 7 out of every 100 doctorates awarded in this country go to Latinos. This isn’t just about achieving a personal milestone. It’s about changing the narrative. It’s about making sure my family, my community, and others who’ve been overlooked by traditional systems of education are represented at the highest levels of academia.

This journey is deeply personal. My grandparents, like many others of their generation, were never afforded the opportunity to pursue their dreams of higher education. They sacrificed their hopes for a better future so their families could survive. My mother, who was just six units shy of earning her college degree, passed away from Lupus before she could finish. And my father, a first-generation college student with dreams of becoming a teacher, had to abandon his aspirations to provide for his children as a young widower. Despite his struggles, he worked tirelessly to ensure that my sister and I had the opportunities he never had.

Today, I carry their legacy with me. Their sacrifices and unfulfilled dreams fuel my drive to break down barriers for the next generation. This doctorate is my chance to honor their resilience and, in doing so, to create a future where equal access to opportunity and justice is not just an aspiration, but a reality.

The Work Isn’t Finished—It’s Just Beginning

For over 25 years, I’ve been on the front lines of change, advocating for racial equity, social justice, and systemic transformation. But the work isn’t over. In fact, it’s more urgent than ever. We need bold, diverse leaders who can rise above the challenges of our time—leaders who can fight for our most vulnerable populations and inspire change in every corner of society.

By earning my doctorate, I will be positioned to create lasting, systemic change. I’ll be empowered to amplify my work on a broader scale, bringing new solutions to old problems and driving efforts for racial, social, and economic justice. But I can’t do this alone.

How You Can Help

This is where you come in. Your support—whether through a donation or sharing this page—will directly contribute to my education and scholarship, helping me reach this important milestone. Your generosity isn’t just an investment in my future—it’s an investment in the collective future of our communities, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Together, we can create a world that works for everyone. Your support will help lay the foundation for lasting change, ensuring that opportunities for education, empowerment, and justice are available to all.

Thank you for standing with me on this mission. Let’s make history—together.

✌🏽 Fight On!

— T. Tomás Alvarez III,

Doctoral Student, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work