Dr. Love's Graduation : A Triumph Over Adversity

Greetings, I am reaching out with a heart full of hope and gratitude. After more than 30 years of unwavering dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice, I have finally earned my Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) specializing in Organizational Leadership. However, I need your help to take the final step of this journey by attending my graduation commencement ceremony Florida July 8th - 13th. As a single mother of six amazing children (ages 33 to 16) and two grandchildren (ages 5 and 3), my academic journey has been anything but traditional.

For the past decade, I’ve worked in higher education, for the last four years support 600 students each term who are earning their MSW or MHS degrees as a Student Success Advisor. . I also donate personal time to help my former DBA classmates to help complete their DBA. I want to pay it for it for the people that help me get to where I am today. Along the way, I have worked two jobs to support my family and keep my dream alive, all while carrying a student loan debt of nearly $162,000 with monthly payments exceeding $1,100.

Through every obstacle such as battling cancer multiple times since I was 18, enduring financial hardship, overcoming an abusive marriage, and mourning the tragic loss of my firstborn son at the hands of his doctor I refused to let my dreams slip away. I paused my education when life demanded it, but in 2017, I found my way back, earning my dual bachelor’s degree, followed by my master’s in 2021. In 2024, after years of sacrifice, I completed my doctorate.

I want to attend my commencement ceremony not only for myself, but for my youngest daughter, who is 16 years old. She has watched me persevere through decades of hardship, and this moment is an opportunity to show her firsthand what hard work and determination can achieve. I want her to see me walk that stage, surrounded by classmates and close friends, celebrating this milestone together.

However, I cannot afford the trip without support. Between financial constraints and medical expenses including an upcoming surgery later this year it has been impossible to set aside the funds to attend.

I am asking for your kindness to help cover the cost of travel and accommodations so that my daughter and I can attend this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a difference. If you are unable to contribute financially, simply sharing this campaign would mean the world to me.

As my birthday approaches at the end of July, this graduation is the best gift I could ever ask for, a celebration not just of academic achievement, but of resilience, perseverance, and the power of never giving up.

Thank you for reading my story and supporting this dream.

With gratitude,

Dr. Love