Victoria Cuba, a student attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa is nothing less than a survivor. She has embedded in her heart and everyday life the importance of Ohana (family), `ike (knowledge) and Aloha (love).

Through her tenacity and dedication to her education, she was chosen among a pool of applicants across the nation with the highest honor to be a GEAR UP Alumni Leader. This afforded Victoria the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC during June 13th-20th to make a difference not just for her own education, but also for the education and empowerment of her own community. While in DC, Victoria received a phone call with the news that her family would be evicted again in two days for the third time. 

Despite the phone call, Victoria brought her community to the White House. As an ambassador for First Lady Michelle Obama’s #ReachHigher initiative she further advocated for the attainment of higher education for low-income students.

Victoria’s mission doesn’t stop here. In an effort to help further her mission of education advocacy for herself, community, and those behind her: the GUALA class of 2015, (a cohort of 30 students from across the country who joined her in DC) started this fundraiser to not only aid in her academic endeavors, but her family’s future.
She exudes every sense of what makes someone special and we ask for your support in continuing to tell her story. #GEARUPWorks