Every day, Gloria González helps people rebuild their lives. Years earlier, she was determined to rebuild her own.
Raised in North Philadelphia by a single mother, Gloria faced housing instability and financial hardship from an early age. By 14, she was working to provide for herself, and between 14 and 18, she moved 22 times. With survival coming first, education often felt out of reach.
Still, Gloria was surrounded by people who believed in her potential. Her older sister encouraged her to stay in school, while a caring school counselor helped her realize there was “more to life,” as Gloria recalled, than the circumstances surrounding her. Their encouragement planted the seed that her future could be different.
Everything changed when Gloria attended a college expo and discovered Esperanza College of Eastern University.
“Esperanza College really stuck out the most to me because of the admissions counselor and the support that they provided as far as tuition,” she said. For Gloria, who needed an affordable path to a degree, Esperanza offered a great opportunity without an overwhelming financial burden. Its location in “my own community” made the decision even easier.
At Esperanza College, Gloria found more than an affordable education. She gained the academic and practical experience that launched her career. “Esperanza College gave me the textbook knowledge,” she said, “but what I appreciated through the practicum is getting hands-on experience in the community… building those connections and those relationships and networking.” Esperanza’s values of faith, reason, and justice also aligned with her desire to serve others with dignity and compassion.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in social work in 2017, Gloria built a career serving children, families, and individuals affected by substance use disorders. Today, she serves as Director of Recovery & Outreach at Temple Health, where she leads programs that help community members move from addiction and homelessness toward stability, healing, and hope.
Looking back, Gloria knows how pivotal Esperanza College was in her journey. “I can’t even imagine what my life would be if I didn’t go to the college expo and learn about Esperanza.”
Gloria’s path changed when she took the chance. Now, she urges others to take theirs: “Take that leap of faith and really be present—and dedicate yourself to what you want to achieve.” After all, Gloria believes, “We only get as far as we allow ourselves to get in life.”