579: Nicole Lynn Lewis: Navigating College as a Black Teen Mom

Nicole Lynn Lewis is a mom of 4, a social entrepreneur, and the founder of the nonprofit Generation Hope. As a teen mother, she put herself through the College of William & Mary, starting as a freshman when her daughter was just three months old. She has been named a CNN Hero and won the Roslyn S. Jaffe Award. She has appeared on CNN, NBC Nightly News, “Good Morning America,” and her journey has been covered in the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, TeenVogue, Chronicle for Higher Education, and others. Her book "PREGNANT GIRL: A Story of Teen Pregnancy, College, and Creating a Better Future for Young Families" is out now. Nicole’s story is going to open your eyes to what it’s like to be a Black teen mom in college, as well as all the ways our current college system is set up to ensure success only for its most privileged students.  Listen in to hear Nicole share: Her mission to write Pregnant Girl - in order help society have a better understanding of teen pregnancy Her experience going to college and living on campus as a Black teen mom Why it’s so critical that we stop hiding, shaming, and punishing teen parents by marginalizing them and taking resources from them How to support the 25% of our college students who are young parents The stereotypes we hold against teen parents - and the truths behind them How precarious and isolating it is to be a teen mom in college and the toll it takes on mental health How teen parents and students of color have to constantly prove their worthiness to get ahead - in ways students of privileged never do The racist systems and policies that keep parents of color from entering and graduating from college How her non-profit, Generation Hope, supports college students financially and emotionally Why Pregnant Girl is a must read for any teen mom and anyone who carries privilege Links mentioned: Join my Hope Happiness and Mental Health Challenge Connect with Generation Hope Book: PREGNANT GIRL: A Story of Teen Pregnancy, College, and Creating a Better Future for Young Families Nicole on Twitter and Instagram: @supportgenhope and @nicolelynnlewis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices