Rebecca at "Reach for the Stars" | Ann Richards Leadership School Event

Rebecca and Ann in 1989 entering the "Welfare to Work" program working for Ann,.

We had the opportunity to be a sponsor and attend the annual Ann Richards Leadership School for Girls “Reach for the Stars” Event in Austin Texas on February 25. We celebrated and honored several hundred graduating seniors ,all of which are headed to pursue higher education post their graduation this May. This particular event had special meaning to me in that I got to serve early on in my state government career in the front office staff for Ann Richards back in 1989. I was a single mom on welfare and entered the Job Training Partnership Act program which landed me a hourly job serving as Ann’s receptionist when she was the State Treasurer – then running for Governor of Texas.

Today over three decades later, being a sponsor of this tremendous night and getting an opportunity to meet some of the girls graduating and hear their stories of courage and hard work to literally “reach for the stars”, brought me back to my young Latina days struggling in my own attempt to just get ahead and get a break – Ann gave me that break! As we achieve success in life, my moto has been always been pay it forward and support those that will come after us! This event was all about girl empowerment and I was honored to be a part of it. To learn more about our inner city Scholarship Program for high school graduating seniors and participating in our matching grant program, visit https://www.launchpadthecenter.org/donate. Every dollar you give will be matched by me and 100% of your donation will go to the students participating in our program this fall! To subscribe or learn more about my LostGirl story as well as keep in touch visit my website at www.rebeccacontreras.com, subscribe today!