# She Almost Joined the Navy. Then She Built a Life of Leadership and Service at Bloomfield College Lisha Brito didn’t plan on going to college – but what she found on Bloomfield’s campus helped her grow into a confident, purpose-driven leader with big dreams for the future. ![Woman is sitting down in an empty classroom smiling. ](/sites/default/files/styles/660x400/public/2026-03/010826_87408_Lisha-Brito_MP.jpg?h=f03d1f75&itok=1qcvQQLw) Back in 2021, college wasn’t even on Lisha Brito’s mind. “I was going to go into the Navy,” she says. “But circumstances changed, and I decided I wasn’t ready to leave home. I wanted to be around my family.” She started looking at local schools, including [**Bloomfield College of Montclair State University**](https://www.bloomfield.edu/) — then still Bloomfield College. But walking into orientation, her heart was still with the Navy. “I was kind of discouraged,” she admits. “I went in like, I don’t want to talk to anyone. I’m just in it for the school. I’m not here to make friends.” Everything changed when a student ambassador – known at Bloomfield as a [**storyteller**](https://www.instagram.com/BloomfieldStorytellers/) – noticed her sitting alone and invited her to join a table. That one moment of connection was all it took. “Ever since that day, Bloomfield became home to me.” ### “They Gave Me Advice My Parents Couldn’t Give Me.” As a first-generation college student and the daughter of Dominican immigrants, Brito had to figure out a lot on her own. “Filling out my FAFSA? I couldn’t lean on my parents for that. They didn’t know how any of this worked.” That’s where Bloomfield’s [**EOF**](/admissions-aid/financial-aid/educational-opportunity-fund-program "Educational Opportunity Fund Program") and [**TRIO SSS**](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/bloomfield/trio-student-support-services-sss) programs stepped in. “EOF really helped me a lot. My counselor was very supportive,” she says. “They gave me advice my parents couldn’t give me – academic, financial, and emotional.” She also found support in unexpected places. “Even the people in the mailroom and the dining hall – they made a huge difference. They always noticed if I was there, and asked how I was doing. When I was a pescatarian, they’d make sure meat never touched my plate. And when I started eating meat again, they all noticed!” ![Woman is sitting in an empty classroom smiling. ](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_100/public/2026-03/010826_87376_Lisha-Brito_MP.jpg?itok=RCPkjmNN) ### Cheer, Sisterhood, and Showing Up for Others Brito joined the cheer team as a freshman and eventually became its president. “My coaches really do run a strict program,” she says with a laugh. “But Cheer helped me hold myself accountable. It made me a better public speaker, helped me handle criticism, and made me less afraid of life in general.” That confidence laid the foundation for her next big leap. “I don’t think I ever would have joined Sigma Gamma Rho if I hadn’t done cheer,” she says. “Being on the team taught me how to show up, how to be seen, and how to lead.” In Fall 2024, Brito crossed into [**Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc**](/campus-life/clubs-organizations/greek-life "Greek Life")**.,** drawn by its mission and community service. “One of their main partnerships is with St. Jude’s, and my family has been donating to St. Jude’s since I was in high school. I took that as a sign.” Now, she mentors younger girls through the sorority’s affiliate programs. “We go to high schools, do tabling events, even slumber parties and etiquette dinners. I never had that kind of guidance growing up, so I love being part of it now.” ### After Graduation: Generational Wealth and Giving Back Graduating with a degree in accounting and a minor in [**Africana Studies**](https://www.montclair.edu/academics/programs/africana-studies-minor/), Brito plans to open her own business and a nonprofit for financial literacy. “I want to help minorities, emancipated minors, and small businesses really start building generational wealth,” she says. Eventually, she hopes to become both a financial advisor and a college professor. ### Advice to Her 18-Year-Old Self “If I could go back, I’d tell myself: go to the events. You’re not just getting free stuff – you’re building relationships and knowledge.” And if your friends don’t want to go? “Go by yourself. Don’t let anyone hold you back. The party will always be there. Take advantage of every opportunity. Bloomfield’s always doing something. Just show up.” *This story is part of a series celebrating Montclair State University’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.* Story by **Jayda Brown**. Photography by University Photographer [**Mike Peters**](/faculty-staff/mike-peters "Mike Peters"). ### Ready to Start Your College Journey? ***Prospective Students or Parents:*** Learn more about [**Bloomfield College of Montclair State University**](https://www.bloomfield.edu/). ***Journalists:*** Contact our [**Media Relations**](/offices-departments-centers/media-relations "Media Relations") team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2026. Published January 12, 2026 Type [Graduate Spotlights](/news-media/news-stories?type%5B152%5D=152) Topic - [Alumni](/news-media/news-stories?topic%5B76%5D=76) ## Contact the Media Relations Team [Media Relations](/offices-departments-centers/media-relations) The Media Relations Office is the official source of information for Montclair State University and is the primary point of contact for members of the media requesting institutional information and/or interviews with faculty, staff and administration. - Elyse Toribio - - Telephone [973-655-4334](tel:973-655-4334) - Andrew Mees - - Telephone [973-655-3101](tel:973-655-3101) ## More News & Stories - ![Pediatric patient sitting in dentist chair with Dr. Suffiyah Webb posing next to him ](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-10/Dr.%20Suffiyah%20Webb.jpeg?h=c7683b14&itok=LuXHWJDZ) Student Outcomes [ From Montclair's Health Careers Program to Hometown Pediatric Dentist](/news-media/news-stories/alumni-voices-montclairs-health-careers-program-hometown-pediatric-dentist) October 5, 2026 - ![Edward Gonzalez stands with his arms crossed in front of famous ballplayers of the Negro Leagues.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-09/092526_30388_Students%20at%20Muth%20Museum_MP%20%281%29.jpg?h=60a32f43&itok=kO6a7uG6) Front Page News [ Montclair Students Keep Negro Leagues History Alive at Hinchliffe Stadium](/news-media/news-stories/montclair-students-keep-negro-leagues-history-alive-hinchliffe-stadium) October 1, 2026 - ![Franco Leon, wearing a red EOF T-shirt sits with hands clasped, smiling and looking up attentively during a conference session.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-08/Untitled%20-%20August%2003%2C%202026%20at%2011.23.20.jpeg?h=c282529e&itok=lk4Sv77t) Front Page News [ Access Isn’t the Finish Line: Inside EOF’s Push to Carry Scholars Into Careers](/news-media/news-stories/access-isnt-finish-line-inside-eofs-push-carry-scholars-careers) July 29, 2026 [All News & Stories](/news-media/news-stories)