I was brought into the ministry of Radiate Coalition on September 8, 2011 and left in January 2016. I lived there for four years and four months.
I was born into a dysfunctional family where violence and psychological abuse were common. In addition, I experienced sexual abuse from people close to my family. Because of these situations, I grew up longing to be far from home. At the age of 14 I ran away because I did not feel safe there.
As I walked toward the city, I asked for a ride. A vehicle stopped and I got in. I remember that I could barely speak because I was so frightened. The person who picked me up took me to the police, and from there I was placed under the care of social services.
During that time, I made a promise to myself that I would not be a burden to my family after everything I had gone through. I spoke with the authorities because I wanted to continue my education. While I was at social services, I was interviewed by employees of Radiate Coalition. That is how I entered the program on September 8, 2011—a moment that marked a 180-degree turn in my life.
When I arrived at Radiate Coalition, I knew that God existed, but I did not know how to have a relationship with Him. Through Radiate Coalition, I learned that I could pray to Him anytime, not only when I was in church. I also learned that faith could help heal my wounds from the past and bring hope and blessing to my present and future.
Radiate Coalition played a crucial role in shaping me into the person I am today. They gave me the tools I needed to move forward: the opportunity to continue my education through middle school and high school, and to learn important life skills such as following rules, respecting schedules, cooking, and staying organized.
Because of those lessons and my determination to keep moving forward, I graduated with a degree in Journalism in 2025. Today, I work at one of the largest media companies in the country in the production department as a Junior Coordinator, where I am able to apply several areas of my professional training.
My dream is to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree so that one day I can teach at a university in my country, whether public or private. I also hope to start a podcast where women can share their stories and talk about how they have overcome the adversities they have faced in their lives.
I want to thank every person who continues to support Radiate Coalition. I know firsthand that this organization changes lives—I am living proof of that. I thank God and life for placing Radiate Coalition in my path and giving me the opportunity to keep moving forward and striving every day.
