From the heart of South Central California, I emerged – not just as the woman I once dreamt of becoming, but as a beacon of hope and resilience. My journey began amidst the challenging backdrop of drug abuse, teen pregnancy, a pervasive poverty mindset, and a glaring absence of structure and guidance. Despite these hurdles, I always harbored a vision of myself as a catalyst for change, helping others navigate and rise above the very adversities I faced, including domestic violence, gang influences, and the relentless pursuit of survival.