From local roots to global impact: First-gen grad overcomes barriers to pursue dreams
Alicia Fritz is a first-generation college student who has paved her own way to achieving her goals. Photo courtesy of Alicia Fritz
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Courage, tenacity, perseverance, passion and love — that’s how Alicia Fritz overcame the barriers that stood in her way to pursue her passions for supporting communities, environmental justice, and solving complex problems.
Alicia Fritz is a first-generation transfer student graduating with a Master of Science in complex systems science from the School of Complex Adaptive Systems, an academic unit within the College of Global Futures. She has been named the outstanding graduate for the School of Complex Adaptive Systems for the spring 2025 semester.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, and raised by a single mother, attending college wasn’t guaranteed for Fritz.
Despite the financial barriers, Fritz took the risk and pushed past her fears of an unfamiliar world to pursue her passions. She relentlessly applied for scholarships and job opportunities, and with each application, she weakened the wall that stood in her way until she had a clear path forward.
“Becoming the first in my family to attend college was such a huge part of my motivation,” Fritz said. “I wanted to make sure I took advantage of every opportunity that came my way as my family wasn’t able to have the same opportunities.”
Fritz attended Phoenix College for two years, where she was first introduced to the emerging field of complexity science and realized that she could utilize her background in anthropology and statistics to study human behavior and cultural dynamics through a systems lens.
After transferring to ASU and learning more about the School of Complex Adaptive Systems, she saw how a degree in complex systems science would allow her to develop an approach to addressing the world’s problems.
“I saw how complexity science could offer powerful, interdisciplinary tools to explore the kinds of questions I was most passionate about,” she said.
“The faculty, the program content, and the values of the school made me feel like I belonged here, and that this was a space where I could really grow and contribute.”
While Fritz may not describe herself as a leader, she is an intuitive and humble visionary with an incredible ability to uplift and champion others on their own journey. She has already made an impact at ASU and beyond by empowering and mentoring future students to pursue their education while building her own skills to solve the world’s most complex problems.
“(I) had the chance to learn about things I’m truly passionate about,” Fritz said. “That kept me focused. It made me want to show that no matter your background, it’s possible to reach your goals and thrive.”
One of the most key parts of her journey has been working with the College of Global Futures’ recruitment and outreach team, where she was able to advance the college’s mission: To foster learning, discovery and partnerships that drive informed, positive action, as we work together to build a better future.
“I believe that amplifying youth voices is essential to advancing planetary health, and it has been a joy to contribute to this mission,” Fritz said.
During her time at ASU, Fritz joined the Green Devils Ambassadors program, participated in the EPICS Climate Futures Workshop and the College of Global Futures Job SHARE program, which strengthened her ability to collaborate, address global challenges and prepare for her career, while discovering a natural ability to lead.
Additionally, she was accepted into the Frasier Global Mentorship Program, which allowed her to participate in the Comparative Hazards Management study abroad program. For this program, she explored how climate change is affecting hazard management protocols and responses in Germany, France and Switzerland.
“Seeing sustainability in action on a global scale helped me realize that the climate space is where I can make the most meaningful impact, especially with my skill set,” Fritz said. “It gave me clarity on my career goals and deepened my commitment to creating systemic change, especially in communities that are often overlooked or disproportionately impacted by climate change.”
Fritz’s contributions and achievements have not gone unnoticed. Recently, she was selected to attend the 43rd Annual Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards as a student representative.
-
Alicia Fritz attends the 43rd Annual Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards with the Global Futures crew.
Photo courtesy Alicia Fritz
-
Alicia Fritz is pictured with her study abroad cohort at the University of Kehl in Germany.
Photo courtesy Alicia Fritz
-
Alicia Fritz tables with her recruitment team, Katie Spreitzer and Shelby Frederick — and Sparky.
Photo courtesy Alicia Fritz
She found a community at the College of Global Futures, both as a student and staff member, that supported and helped her navigate the complex worlds of higher education and professional careers, and now she is ready to share her knowledge and broaden her impact.
"I also wouldn’t have made it without my support network,” Fritz said. “I’ve been so lucky to have had so many loving and kind people by my side throughout this journey, and I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be where I am if not for them. The support from Dr. Laura Swantek, Adrianna Coronel, Dr. Frank Marfai, and the student services department I work with here at ASU, has been tremendous. They’ve guided and supported me in ways I’m endlessly grateful for."
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: One of the most meaningful parts of my time at ASU has been working as a recruitment and outreach management intern at the College of Global Futures. Not only was this role a lifeline that gave me the flexibility and support I needed to finish the last year of my program, but I also got to work with the best team I could’ve asked for. The recruitment and career services folks at CGF have had my back the entire time, and they taught me so much about what it means to work as a team, support a community, and believe in your own strengths. As someone who’s struggled with anxiety and is naturally more introverted, I’ve often found professional spaces intimidating, but my team showed me that those same traits help me connect with others who feel the same way and that I can use my experiences to help others embrace themselves.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Dr. Stephanie Arcusa taught one of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned in her course, CAS598: Applied Complexity in Carbon Management. She explained how climate change is often described as a “wicked problem,” but emphasized that a wicked problem is just one that is poorly defined. A lot of the time, our problem-solving efforts go toward trying to fix the wrong problem, or we frame the issue in a way that makes it impossible to solve. She said something like, “It doesn’t matter what the problem is, what matters is how we think about it.” With everything going on in the world, climate change, humanitarian crises and injustices it’s so easy to feel like nothing will ever change. But that lesson reminded me that change is possible if we shift how we think, how we frame things, and how we approach solutions. It gave me a lot of hope, and honestly helped me reconnect to the problems I want to help solve in a different way.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: The best advice I can give is this: don’t self-reject. At a big university, it’s easy to feel like everyone else is doing more, knows more, or has way more experience. But that doesn’t mean you’re not just as capable. You bring your own unique strengths, perspectives and passions to the table. Don’t be the one to tell yourself “no” before anyone else even gets the chance to say “yes.” You never know what opportunities might come your way unless you put yourself out there. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you’re struggling with academics, finances, mental health or just life in general, there are so many people who truly want to support you. Building a strong community and leaning on it when you need to can make all the difference. You don’t have to do this alone, and you’re not meant to.
More Sun Devil community
Biochemistry graduate finds his path, and a future in pharmacy, through versatility of ASU degree
Math and science have always clicked differently for Parker Henmi.This December, the biochemistry major will graduate from ASU’s School of Molecular Sciences with a clear goal: to channel those…
PhD grad chased her dreams while navigating family and work
A former public school teacher, Mariana Silva has always had a passion for helping kids, especially bilingual children who have or are at risk for a developmental language disorder.So when she…
Industrial design graduate is turning big ideas into real-world impact
From working with Mayo Clinic to converting agricultural waste into biodegradable materials, Malek Attar wants to use design to create a more sustainable future and to improve the quality of…