Monica Charles — social work senior

Monica Charles was born to an absent teenage mother, forcing her to guide her way through life at a very early age. Charles, now 51, lives with substance abuse disorder and is over 2,000 days sober. Through the support she receives in her 12-step program and her faith, Charles helps others in similar situations.

A first-generation college student, Phi Alpha Honor Society member for social work and Dean’s List student, Charles is now committed to helping marginalized groups through social work.

“I realized that I need to be an advocate and a voice for those who don’t have a voice,” Charles said. “Too often, people are reduced to these labels, but I’m living proof that labels don’t define us, they don’t capture our resilience, our potential or our ability to change and grow.”