Mayra is a proud Latina mother of three whose spiritual faith and dedication to emotional healing have shaped her personal and academic journey. Guided by the belief that “her will to succeed is stronger than her will to quit,” she has transformed adversity into a clear purpose: expanding access to mental health support for underserved communities.
She plans to complete her associate degree at Wake Technical Community College this spring while working full-time. She then will transfer to Fayetteville State University in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. Mayra is committed to improving mental health services for Spanish-speaking individuals, offering care in her native language and advocating for culturally responsive support.
Her mentors describe her as resilient, creative, and deeply responsible. Her lived experiences have strengthened her ability to guide her family and others through life’s challenges. Mayra is known as a strong motivator and an emerging community leader who uses her voice to uplift single women pursuing education and career advancement.
With the support of this award, Mayra not only can continue to pay for tuition and books, but it will also empower her to continue building the skills and credentials needed to make a difference in the lives of children and families.