Erwin Hesse is the author of a three-book literary project chronicling his life and values across generations: an adult memoir, a young adult adaptation, and a children’s book. These works tell the story of a son of immigrants who nearly lost his way, but found purpose through education, discipline, and perseverance. Born in Montgomery County, Maryland, to a house cleaner from El Salvador and a construction worker from Peru, Erwin grew up navigating the pressures of identity, belonging, and expectation. His memoir traces the consequences of early missteps, destructive friendships, and misguided decisions, alongside the pivotal moments that redirected his life. Through determination and hard-earned self-reflection, education became both a refuge and a roadmap forward.
About the Author
Erwin Hesse became the first member of his family to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree. Over the course of a decade, he worked in college admissions at the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and Georgetown University. In 2021, he established and led Amazon’s first-ever recruitment strategy for Hispanic Serving Institutions, increasing Latino representation within the company.
In January 2021, Dr. Hesse founded Admissions Gambit, a college admissions coaching company serving high school students. In July 2025, he was named the inaugural Director of the Center for Innovation in College Admission, a national resource dedicated to equity and innovation in the admissions process.
Erwin lives in Montgomery County, Maryland, with his wife, Andrea, and their three children.
Blue Ridge Collaborative’s Role
Blue Ridge Collaborative is partnering with Erwin Hesse to support the development and production of this three-book memoir project with care and narrative integrity.
Our work includes:
This project reflects BRC’s commitment to stories that expand access to opportunity and representation, illuminating lived experiences that are often missing from mainstream narratives.
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