Welcome to the September 2025 Navigator, NEOA Community!

As we kick off a new season of learning, collaboration, and growth, we are reminded that our strength lies in our community. Each connection we make, each idea we share, and each story we celebrate adds to the vibrant tapestry that is NEOA.

We also recognize how vital our work is right now. In the midst of everything happening in our world and our field, we remain deeply aware of the challenges and opportunities before us — and the role we play in creating meaningful change.

Together, we can continue to uplift one another, embrace our diverse perspectives, and create opportunities that empower every member of our educational community.

Let’s step into this month with energy, purpose, and the unwavering belief that we truly are stronger together.- Bryan & Linda

Dear NEOA Community, 

It is my distinct pleasure and honor to serve as your NEOA President this year. I want to start by giving gratitude and paying homage to the NEOA presidents who have come before me. Without them, the legacy of NEOA would not exist. It means a great deal that you have entrusted me to lead and serve our New England region in this capacity. I want to emphasize that I do not take this assignment lightly. In the next 365 days, I can promise that I will lead with grace, grit, and authenticity, putting my best foot forward, while finding ways to increase NEOA’s outreach on a local, regional, and national level. 

As a TRIO Upward Bound Alumna from Florida International University, I know first-hand the importance and value of our educational opportunity programs. I know the hard work and effort that we put in daily to make sure our participants feel a sense of pride and belonging in our programs. The truth is that I would not be here today if it weren’t for my Upward Bound program. The guidance, mentorship, and support I received throughout my years as a UB student are what led me to my current work as a GEAR UP Director. Now, I am ever so grateful that I get to spend every day paying it forward as a GEAR UP professional and as a leader in my state and regional associations. 

Did You Know… we hit a huge milestone, NEOA is 50 years old! 50 years of advocating tirelessly for access and success in post-secondary education for low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities. We could not have done this work and reached this milestone without our members. Know that your input and your participation matter.

As NEOA members, there is a plethora of opportunities for you to engage with us: from attending our annual conference, observing at our board meetings, to joining one of our many committees. There are ways for you to participate and contribute, and WE NEED YOU! As president, I want NEOA to reflect its members’ needs and goals and to be a space that breeds leaders. That means creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, valued, and has a seat at the table. Please know that I welcome your input and want to hear from you. 

Let’s be honest: for the past few months, our strength and power as a region have been put to the test with cancelled programs, extreme delays with GANs, and more. Know that NEOA stands by every single program that has lost its funding, and my heart is with all of you. So far, twenty programs in our region have been impacted/cancelled. That equates to $7,624,620 federal dollars, and 12751 students. How could this even happen? Until those federal dollars are returned, and our programs are reinstated, we must persevere and never give up. Through these tumultuous times, I am proud to say that NEOA has stood strong and fought back, showing our strength and continuously emphasizing that we are not the ones to be messed with! We have fought tooth and nail to protect our students, our families, and our programs. And we will need you to continue this fight. Rest assured that you have a leader who is never going to quit. I encourage all of you to work hard to fight alongside me. 

As NEOA President, I have three goals to accomplish this year, along with fighting hard to protect our programs, and I need your support to make it happen: 



1. Increase membership: reach out to newly funded EOP programs and introduce NEOA as a resource.
2. Increase professional development offerings: piloting a brand new mentorship program! We will also work to identify the needs of our state associations in order to collaborate on professional development opportunities.
3. Increase advocacy and exposure: continue to increase the advocacy efforts of our TRIO/GEAR UP alumni and create student-centered advocacy events.

Again, I thank you for believing in me and my abilities to lead our region towards another 50 years of success. I leave you with this quote: “You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering, and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” Shirley Chisolm

In solidarity, strength, and community, 

Arielle S. Derival

NEOA President 

Pamela Billings met with Sen. Peter Welch on Saturday at the Women's Economic Opportunity Conference to thank him for his continued support of all TRIO programs.