Every March, we celebrate National Women’s History Month to honor and recognize women’s role in shaping society. At Academy of Hope (AoH), hundreds of women have walked through our doors to pursue their educational and career goals after their schooling was previously interrupted by childcare, systemic barriers, or unexpected life situations. Taking the step to return to school has transformed their lives, leading them to opportunities and a chance to give back to their family and community. Read more about these life-changing moments:
Deborah Brown, Class of 2026
Inspired by her children and grandchildren with high school diplomas, Deborah Brown wanted to follow in their footsteps. She motivated herself to accomplish her goals by purchasing a cap and gown to admire, and by enrolling in AoH’s National External Diploma Program (NEDP). With hard work and a support system of teachers, assessors, and volunteer tutors, Deborah earned enough credits to graduate in under two years. She will walk the stage this June.
After graduation, Deborah plans to own a transportation company serving the elderly and children or pursue a career in healthcare. Her advice to other learners: “Don’t give up, just keep pushing. Remember, God didn’t bring you this far to leave you.”
Valerie Person, Class of 2018
Valerie Person is a pure example of perseverance, growth, and triumph. After battling addiction for years, Valerie knew she wanted to “turn pain into purpose.” She enrolled at AoH in 2014, graduating four years later with her high school diploma. Optimizing the momentum, Valerie would continue her education, earning an associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree, all after the age of 50.
Inspired to share her story, Valerie became a published author. In her book, “You See the Glory but Don’t Know the Story,” Valerie details the struggles of addiction and healing, encouraging others that it isn’t too late to transform their life. She does the same at AoH’s alumni program, Hope Forward, connecting with other graduates as they stay focused on their personal and professional growth.
Jasmine Burrell, Class of 2025
Jasmine has always wanted to be a surgical nurse. But when she tried to enroll in university, she discovered her high school diploma was invalid: the online program she graduated from lost its accreditation.
Despite the devastating news, Jasmine persevered and enrolled in AoH’s NEDP program. She dual-enrolled in AoH’s Nurse Aid Training (NAT) courses, earning credits for the industry certification while earning her high school diploma. She’d attend both 2025 graduations, changing from her gown to scrubs, proud of herself for not letting a setback hinder her dreams. Her story has inspired many, leading to several scholarships for her secondary education at the University of the District of Columbia.
Wynter Jackson, Current Accenture IT Apprentice
After returning to D.C. from college, Wynter Jackson realized she wanted to work towards a career that had a lasting impact on society. As a gamer and digital artist, her interests in technology inspired her to enroll in AoH’s CompTIA Tech+ program. In the program, Wynter learned about the basics of technology, industry terminology, and career opportunities.
When she progressed to CompTIA A+, Wynter and 20 other AoH learners were offered a paid IT internship by Accenture in partnership with PeopleShores. She began the position in spring 2025 and has since worked with real clients in training and automating their generative AI in their internal programs. She even obtained a CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) certification through Accenture, a credential mainly earned by more experienced professionals.
Wynter says AoH and Accenture have boosted her enthusiasm, knowledge, and discipline in the field. She hopes to continue at Accenture and start a passion project combining her love for art and technology to create an ethical AI model for image generation.
Help Us Celebrate in the Future
At Academy of Hope, women have experienced the transformative power of adult education—but the need remains significant. Nearly one in five adults in Washington, D.C., lacks a high school diploma, and many others are underemployed or without the credentials required for family-sustaining wages. These barriers disproportionately affect women, limiting economic stability and career mobility. Sustained investment in adult education is essential to ensure more women are informed, credentialed, and empowered to drive meaningful change across the District.