Cassandra is 26 years old and the sole support for herself and her 3-year-old. She is pursuing the Dental Assistant Professional Certification training at Edmonds College and expects to graduate in August 2025.  Cassandra’s dream is to create positive experiences for patients so they will be empowered to take an active and consistent part in their own dental health. She also dreams of stability for her family while navigating through unexpected financial and emotional obstacles after experiencing domestic violence. One of Cassandra’s references at Edmonds College had this to say: “Cassandra is unwavering in her dedication to create a solid foundation and better life for herself and her family. She is motivated, resourceful, and demonstrates the ability to advocate for herself and seek support, when necessary, which I believe to be important skills as a woman, student, and single mother. Cassandra is intelligent, resilient, kind, caring, strong and has overcome a great deal of adversity to get here. I see her as a cycle-breaker and a beacon of love and light, not only for her child but for others living in similar circumstances.”

This year’s winner is Farhiyo of Seattle. She is attending North Seattle College pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She has three children 7, 10 and 11 years of age. Her estimated date of graduation will be January 2027.

Kristen is pursuing an associate degree in nursing at Shoreline College, while working part time and maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. She plans to apply to work as an ICU nurse, to get a doctorate degree and become a CRNA. Kristen became the primary caregiver and financial supporter for her disabled sister in 2014 after the death of her father. She also volunteers at Operation Night Watch to cook meals for the homeless. One of Kristen’s professors describes her as taking her life traumas and adversities and using them to set higher goals for herself while helping others. They believe she will use the LYD Award “to care for her family, others in the community and to finish her nursing degree.”

The 2022 award winner is a single mom of an 11-year-old daughter. She is enrolled at North Seattle College/UW Tacoma Milgard School of Business, maintaining a 3.96 GPA, and is a first-generation college student. Her career goal is to teach financial literacy to people who may not have access to this education, such as BIPOC communities, single mothers, and young people in the foster care system.