Good morning, Nune,

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions women have made throughout history. From pioneers who have shaped society to the everyday heroines impacting our communities, women continue to inspire change, advocate for justice, and lead with strength and resilience.

In our own community, we are inspired by women whose dedication and courage empower others and create lasting impact.

This month, we honor the incredible women who play essential roles in our mission, programs, and the communities we serve. Join us in celebrating their contributions, both past and present.

For Santa Maria Workforce Coach, Angela, social work is more than a job—it’s a calling. “I knew that I wanted to make a living and a difference,” Angela says of her career. Her journey began as an intern at the Public Defender’s Office, where she advocated for rehabilitation, especially for those facing mental health and substance use challenges.

Next, Angela interned for the Cincinnati Homicide Unit and Victim Assistance Liaison Unit (VALU) to continue pursuing a career that would allow her to make a real difference in people’s lives. She provided comfort to families experiencing unthinkable loss, helping them navigate the justice system with care. The work was emotionally challenging, but Angela’s passion for advocacy held strong.

Today, Angela remains dedicated to serving her community by working as a Youth Workforce Coach in the Work Experience program here at Santa Maria, having come full circle in her career back to her community. A lifelong resident of Price Hill and a graduate of Oyler School, she is deeply connected to the people she helps every day. “This is my community—this is where I’ve always lived.”

With her own experiences providing the foundation for her empathetic approach, she reminds her clients that their struggles don’t define them. “I tell my clients, ‘I am you, and you are me. I just had great opportunities and got very blessed.’”

On her hardest days, Angela finds strength in her own journey. A first-generation college graduate, she’s come a long way—and she’s not stopping now. “I didn’t come this far just to go this far,” she says.



Angela’s dedication to advocacy and community service is an inspiration. We at Santa Maria are lucky to have her making a difference every day!

Read on for another story showing Angela's impact!

Every day at Santa Maria, we are inspired by the women rising above adversity, even when life feels uncertain, and forging paths toward better futures. They are the mothers, daughters, and leaders who, despite facing challenges, choose to invest in themselves and their families. Like JaJah, who, at just 17, refused to let her circumstances define her.

JaJah found herself standing at the crossroads of uncertainty, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders as she prepared to welcome her baby, Jah’Laya, into the world. With dreams of a brighter future for her daughter and herself, she knew that change was possible, but she needed guidance. That’s when she met Angela, her Workforce Coach through Santa Maria’s Youth Work Experience program, and everything began to shift.

Angela saw something special in JaJah—determination, even in the face of adversity. Together, they set goals: JaJah would work toward becoming a phlebotomist and, eventually, a medical assistant. With Angela’s support, JaJah dove into job-readiness training, developing essential skills and, perhaps more importantly, the confidence she needed to believe in herself.

Now 18, JaJah is not only excelling in her studies but also acing practice exams. Each step she takes brings her closer to the life she had always envisioned for herself—a life filled with opportunity, purpose, and security for her daughter. But it wasn’t just about her career; JaJah’s love for her daughter, Jah’Laya, continues to fuel her efforts.

Angela speaks with admiration about JaJah’s parenting. “A notable thing about JaJah is that she really is a great parent,” says Angela. “She’s truly on top of things when it comes to her daughter, Jah’Laya, no matter what."

With the support of Angela and Santa Maria, JaJah is not just surviving; she is thriving. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the power of community.