The Womens Foundation of Colorado Present Lesley Del Rio an Empowering Mother!

Inspired By Empowered Moms

Dear Lesley,

I dropped out of high school during my sophomore year. My intention was never to drop out, but I ended up leaving after struggling to manage my commitments both at work and at school. At the time, I did not think about the long-term effects on my earning potential. None of my immediate family members had completed high school, and no one in my life had stressed the importance of obtaining an education. No one intervened. Everything changed when I was 18 years old. I became pregnant and after a bout of morning sickness at work, I was fired.

My aunt encouraged me to enroll at Florence Crittenton, a high school for young mothers. There were not many people in my life who pushed me to go back to school, but I challenged myself to do it because I wanted to forge a better future for my son. I knew more doors would be opened by completing high school.

While at school, I held various leadership positions that helped me to identify and develop my passions and strengths. I also began advocating for teen parents who do not have the skills and confidence to do it for themselves. I graduated from high school and am now attending the Community College of Denver. In addition to pursuing higher education, I am employed as a Youth Advisor for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. I provide support to community agencies and organizations on issues related to youth sexual health.

Obtaining my high school diploma, attending college and having a career helping others were goals I never imagined for myself prior to having my son Leo. I started thinking about how I could be a better example for him, and I moved forward with my own goals with higher sense of purpose. When I found myself in a cap and gown at graduation, I knew that I could do anything.

With Leo, my goals are different because I want him to have a better future—to go to school and not struggle. My dream is to make a difference by educating people and giving them the knowledge they need to make the right choices for themselves.Now, I see many different career possibilities because I am open to different paths. I finished high school and want to continue to college because I now know I can succeed.

I am so grateful to The Women’s Foundation of Colorado for supporting organizations such as Florence Crittenton that help young women like me achieve success. It is never easy to be a mother, let alone a young, single mother who is struggling to regain stability. I stand proud as Leo’s mother today and know that the support I received gave me the opportunity to believe in myself and excel.

Sincerely,

Lesley Del Rio
Youth Adviser, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Florence Crittenton Graduate

Help other women like Lesley succeed! Make a gift today in support of programs that provide assistance to low-income single mothers and work to reduce the high school dropout rate for girls in Colorado. Each donation helps to ensure that every woman and girl in Colorado reaches her full potential.