Stories are what drive the Kids’ Chance mission. Hearing directly from scholarship recipients and volunteers as they reflect on their experiences not only reiterates the importance of our organization’s work, but also reinvigorates our community and those who make it all possible. 

At the 2023 Kids’ Chance for America National Conference, there was not a dry eye in sight as three inspiring Ambassadors took to the stage and shared the impact Kids’ Chance has had on their educational journeys and the trajectory of their lives. 

Arianna of Kids’ Chance of Maryland (KCMD) considers herself a “zealous and energetic public speaker,” no doubt due to her bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Temple University. She is comfortable presenting in front of large groups and has volunteered for KCMD for several years. 

Arianna’s mother was injured in a workplace accident, leaving her immobile for years and Arianna unsure of her future — until she found KCMD. As a past recipient herself, Arianna loves mentoring other students and helping them achieve their dreams, using social media to spread awareness and connect with the wider Kids’ Chance community. She also loves fashion, which you can tell from the very first time you meet her!

Arianna is currently working for Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company, a job offered to her by the president of Kids’ Chance of Maryland (KCMD), Tom Phelan. 

Michaela of Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania (KCPA), who lost her father at the age of four, served as a volunteer for her home state’s organization for many years, appearing at golf outings, fundraisers, and conferences for workplace safety. She has prioritized sharing and embodying the Kids’ Chance mission at every opportunity because it aligns so closely with her own values. 

Michaela attended Drexel University’s Pennoni Honors College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Journalism and Communication Studies in 2022. She is presently working in real estate law as a litigation paralegal and plans to attend law school. She credits her mentor, KCPA board member Marla Joseph, with helping her get her first job in the legal sector.  

Michaela is excited to help Kids’ Chance foster relationships and develop strong connections while also sharpening her own professional skills and strengths. 

Olivia of Kids’ Chance of Florida (KCFL) lost her father to a workplace accident shortly after turning 16. Her father was the sole financial provider for her family, and his loss caused a major change in lifestyle for Olivia and her mother. She recalls being fearful of losing their house and not having enough food — with no idea how she would ever pay for college.

That’s when KCFL stepped in and “greatly affected my educational future," according to Olivia. She now holds a bachelor’s in Marine Science from Jacksonville University and a master’s in Marine Science from Nova Southeastern University, thanks in large part to the scholarships from KCFL. These funds allowed Olivia to close multiple financial gaps during both her undergraduate and graduate schooling, so she could focus on her studies and future career in marine science. 

Kids’ Chance holds a large place in Olivia’s heart because of the impact it has had on her and her mother. As an Ambassador, she hopes to mentor and guide students who are going through the heartache, loss, and uncertainty that she has experienced.  

Without the continued support of our community, donors, and volunteers, these impressive young women may not have had the opportunity to pursue their passions and educational goals. We were honored to have Arianna, Michaela, and Olivia speak at this year’s national conference, and look forward to hearing from them at various events and meetings throughout the year as they spread the Kids’ Chance mission as Ambassadors. 

‍Photo: (From left: Kids' Chance of America Ambassadors Olivia, Michaela, Arianna)