As a single parent, Tamanika values education and has instilled this in her daughter who is graduating high school this year and attending CSU Northridge in the fall. With education, hard work and determination, Tamanika looks to improve the quality of life for her family.

Kai C. Hawkins

As sole support of her children Kai altered her career path to become a phlebotomist with the Veteran’s Administration. This opportunity allowed her to support her family and learn more about how she could use her CNA certificate. She also discovered that working in a skilled nursing facility provided a better salary, which enabled her to return to school. Over the next few years, Kai went to school whenever the family budget allowed. Kai knew from a very young age that she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. Her passion for her profession shows in her driven pursuit of her dream. She left high school early to obtain her GED and Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate. Upon graduation from the CNA program she enrolled in the University of Arkansas while she was pregnant with her first child. The baby’s father expressed interest in marriage and supported her career goals. Over the next 3 years the couple had two more children. Unfortunately, Kai was unable to return to school in order to support her three children.

In 2006, Kai had a life changing conversation with her cousin in California. Her cousin encouraged her to move to California in order to take advantage of the educational opportunities available. She has been on the fulltime Dean’s Honor roll at LA Harbor College. She consistently volunteers time to tutor students and assisted w/ athletic programs. Her ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner is closer than ever.

Shanekia U. Garrett

Shanekia grew up in a multiple generational household of eight people including her grandmother, mother, and older sister. Her mother struggled with alcohol and relationships with abusive men. Shanekia struggled with weight and self-esteem issues through high school but managed to maintain a good GPA and planned a nursing career. She enrolled in Bryman College to become a Medical Assistant. During this time Shanekia was able to assist a young women give birth in a van, as she was unable to get to the hospital on time. This experience impressed her deeply and gave her the realization that she too could impact other’s lives.

In 2004, Shanekia’s mother experienced severe consequences to her past behavior, so Shanekia gave up school to obtain a second job to support her mother and the household.  As her mother recovered with Shanekia was able to return to school to take the necessary pre-requisites for a nursing program and continued to work as a medical assistant. She has been able to enroll in the LA Harbor College nursing program and has been on the Dean’s and President’s Honor rolls. Her ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner specializing in OB/GYN.

Candice L. Cochran

In her own words, Candice, “has a passion for working with and helping others” that came through her own dependency struggles at a young age. Taking charge of her life, she took her first courageous steps to recovery in 2007. After seeking support and finding success, Candice became aware of her own dreams.

Candice enrolled at LA Harbor College. Based on making her own incremental goals, Candace has continuously grown in her college experience. She is a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma sorority, participating as a secretary and treasurer. As a member, she has been a volunteer in beach clean up and campus fundraisers and events. Her ultimate goal is to earn a doctorate degree in psychology. Moreover, she is well on her way as she has made the Dean’s Honors list every semester qualify her for the President’s Honors list.

She is also working as an as-needed monitor for the residential drug treatment center working with recovering women. Paying it forward.

Kristin A. Davi

In 2006, troubled by a recent eating disorder diagnosis, Kristen left her home and family in Northern California to attend CAL State Long Beach. She has had to support herself with this illness receiving minimal treatment due to the cost of healthcare. Her parents and family are unable to assist her financially. She fights each day to maintain a healthy attitude striving to overcome her challenges with therapy and self-education. Based on this regimen she has reached a point where she is able to help others. She is the founder of the student organization HeadSTRONG. The organization attracted 30 members during its first semester in existence. Kristen recognizes that assisting others has helped her as well. She continues to be grateful for this opportunity, which as she says, provides a “healthy distraction for her own recovery”. Her goals include obtaining a Jurist Doctorate degrees with concurrent MBA and then a doctorate in psychology.

Her ultimate goal is to help individuals change their lives for the better. Kristen would like to make HeadSTRONG a for profit org to utilize her education and life experiences to help others.

Hilaida Chavira

Hilaida is the first child in her family to go to college. Her philosophy is to learn how to get through life’s obstacles by being positive and give support and encouragement to others. Hilaida’s dream is dedicated to helping people through excellent healthcare.

During these difficult times, Hilaida helps support her family by working and assisting her mother clean homes. She has been a tutor for the Peer Mentor program for over three years. She participates in high school outreach programs and serves as a role models for other students. Her volunteer roles include Healing Hearts Across Borders and St. Mary’s Medical Center in Long Beach, CA. She also volunteers at the elementary school of her five-year-old brother.

Her ultimate goal is to obtain a Masters in Nursing degree and/or to go to Optometry school to become an Optometrist.