Promise Team- Perla Ascencio
Perla Ascencio joined The Kalamazoo Promise Team as Associate Scholarship Administrator in November 2021. Perla is a 2010 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, 2018 graduate of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and soon to be 2022 graduate of Western Michigan University.
As The Promise continues to expand and further support Promise scholars, we would like to welcome a new member who is behind the administration and distribution to the scholarship. Let’s meet Perla Ascencio, Associate Scholarship Administrator for The Kalamazoo Promise.
Originally from Mexico City, Perla Ascencio moved to the United States when she was 13 years old. Adjusting to a completely new environment proved to be tough, but Perla looked to the support of mentors within KPS to help her with the transition.
“My time at Kalamazoo Central was challenging to say the least,” said Perla. “I moved to the US without knowing the language, so by the time I started high school, I was barely starting to speak and write English.”
“I met teachers and advisors that were vital to my development. Ryan Labudda who was the ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, and Angelita Aguilar who was my beloved advisor. Eventually, I graduated from the ESL program, took many AP classes, and I had the pleasure to graduate in 2010.”
Perla shaking hands with former President Barack Obama after receiving her high school diploma in 2010.
The KCHS Class of 2010 had the unique privilege of having former President Barack Obama deliver the ceremony’s commencement speech. Perla used this opportunity to share a heart-to-heart moment with him.
“I had the opportunity to exchange a couple of words with him at the time and I asked him to pass the Dream Act. My wish didn't come to fruition, but two years later he did establish DACA, which ended up being of extreme significance in my life.”
After graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, Perla began her Promise journey at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
“I really benefitted from my time at KVCC. People often seem to think that education at community colleges is not at the same level as big universities, but in reality, many of my professors at KVCC were also professors at WMU and other universities throughout the state.”
After obtaining her associates degree at KVCC in Business Administration in 2018, Perla transferred to Western Michigan University where she would decide to major in Accountancy. The decision to pursue a path in accounting was driven by a natural ability to work with numbers, as well as influence from a close family member.
“One of my uncles is a public accountant and he definitely has been an important role model in my life.”
Perla will be finishing up her bachelors degree in Business Administration from WMU in June of 2022. Pursuing a full-time career while finishing up a bachelors degree has its challenges, but Perla still finds the time to stay involved. El Concilio has been an important organization in Perla’s life and she has stayed active in volunteering for them throughout the years.
For Perla, working at The Promise is more than a job. It is a chance to give back to the organization that afforded her the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education.
“I decided to apply for the position because The Promise was life-changing for me. There is absolutely no way I would have been able to afford college without it, and I wanted to help have a positive impact in others’ lives. Coming from a very underprivileged family, I wanted to show others that if I could do it, they could too!”
As Associate Scholarship Administrator, Perla is the primary person responsible for the day-to-day operation of The Kalamazoo Promise scholarship’s administrative functions. This includes all scholar and post-secondary institution processes and communication.
“I ensure that scholarships are accurately and efficiently paid for each of our scholars at all Promise-eligible institutions. Additionally, I lead other Promise staff in completing administrative functions, such as high school graduate Applications and Scholarship Acceptance Forms.”
Perla’s dog, Athena.
Since joining the Promise Team in November 2021, Perla has quickly become an integral part of the organization. She appreciates the shared energy around the impact The Promise scholarship has on students every day.
“Everyone here actually cares immensely about their role and the impact they make, not only in our scholar’s lives, but the community as a whole. The team has been extremely welcoming and I love the environment. I never feel like I’m alone if I ever need help.”
Outside of working at The Promise, Perla enjoys spending time with her dogs and family.
Perla’s dog, Boss.
“My husband Tyler and I have been married for almost 9 years. We originally met in high school, but never dated back then. We reunited again a few years later, and he has been my greatest supporter ever since.”
“Our dogs are Pocket American Bullies. We named the male Lilac Tri, Boss, because he always had a bossy attitude ever since he was little. We named our Tri Merle girl, Athena, after the Olympian goddess of wisdom and war. She is not so wise but she is definitely a fighter, so we thought the name was fitting!"
Perla has the following advice for current Promise scholars.
“For any Promise student that is struggling, make sure to reach out to us. The Promise cares about you and we are all more than willing to help!”
We are excited to welcome Perla Ascencio to The Kalamazoo Promise team and look forward to the value she will bring to our scholars!
To connect with Perla about questions regarding the details of your scholarship, reach out to her today at pascencio@kalamazoopromise.com.
