Growing up in a low income family, it was difficult to dedicate family funds on my professional and leadership development. I attended many short free or low cost workshops and conferences, but nothing as full-featured as LEAD. Thanks to LEAD’s scholarship program, I was able to benefit from the several month course allowing me to measure my personal growth over time. I made sure to take advantage of every opportunity LEAD offered to learn from and serve my community. I thank LEAD for furthering my love of my community and civic engagement, while providing me with the professional framework to succeed in my professional aspirations.

During my first experiences in a politician’s office exploring the world of political science, one thing became very clear to me: Politicians live an enormously busy life.  The office I worked in, while calm and quiet, was a strong support team. Our responsibility was to make sure the politician we worked under was prepared to serve its constituents.

They connected me with civic leaders and enabled me to ask them questions, build personal relationships, and gain mentors. I learned about different career pathways in public policy, advocacy and service, and built a base of people to support me as I build my pathway.

I got my life back. I came [to AACI], and they helped me with everything. I was lost. But now I know that I am free and I have my own life.