Maria Leads the Way

Maria was a shy 12-year-old when she first walked through our doors. Through the Leadership Academy, she gradually found her voice and discovered a passion for community service. Her mentor, Sarah Thompson, helped her develop the confidence to speak up and take initiative.

By her senior year of high school, Maria had organized three community clean-up events, started a peer tutoring group, and been elected student body president. She credits the Leadership Academy with giving her the tools to lead.

"Bright Futures didn't just give me a mentor," Maria explains. "They gave me a family that believed in me when I didn't believe in myself."