In the fall of 2024, I walked into Milby High School carrying more than just a message—I carried a mission. I was invited to speak to a group of students, many of whom were battling silent struggles behind brave faces. I shared my story—not just the highlights, but the heartbreak. I spoke candidly about searching for love in all the wrong places, about being told I would be just another statistic, and about the journey of rising above labels, limitations, and generational pain.
The gym corner where we met was quiet, except for a few hidden tears. Some students cried—not because they were weak, but because they finally heard someone say out loud what they had been feeling for so long. I wasn’t there to lecture them. I was there to remind them of their worth, to mirror their strength back to them, and to call forth the HERO within.
That day lit a fire in me—and in them.
After that first talk, I met with the principal, who believed in the vision and gave me the green light to host a student symposium for 200 students. We called it HERO: Helpful, Encouraging, Respectful, On Task. What started as one heartfelt conversation became a movement.
That symposium turned into a ripple effect. The energy in the room was electric—students were engaged, inspired, and open to growth. Many shared their own stories, their pain, and their dreams. And for the first time in a long time, many of them felt seen.
Fast forward to today—April 2025—and I’m proud to share that the HERO Program has now reached approximately 1,500 students with more to go. Each one of them holds the potential to be a light in their homes, schools, and communities.
HERO is not just a program—it’s a calling. It’s a reminder that no matter where you come from, you are never too broken to be rebuilt, never too lost to be found, and never too young to lead.
And it all began with a simple decision to share my truth.