This month, Arkansa’s single parent Scholarship finds Ronisha “Niki” Baker. This recipient in Craighead County is a full -time office manager, mother of three, and social work students dedicated to making a difference.
Niki chose social work as her major because she is passionate about helping others. As a full -time head of the Secure Foundation Counselling PLLC, Niki credit her colleagues to motivate her professional growth.
“I’ve always thought my vocation was in service to others, but I didn’t know in what trait,” she said. “When I was blessed with this Office Manager position, it clicked. After seeing my boss and how he helped people, I decided this is how I could help people. “
Niki is educated with his associate degree last August and is now working on his bachelor’s degree online at Arizona State University. Her career goals are to serve her master’s degree, pass the license exam and become a licensed clinical social worker in her workplace.
For Niki, Time Management has been her biggest obstacle. Despite the difficulties, she has been focused on her goal.
“My biggest victory would be to end the associated program and earn my degree,” she said. “There were times when I was unsure if I could do it, but with the grace of Almighty I was able to succeed!”
Helping her along the way was ASPSF, which she describes as a “God end.”
“I use my scholarship to help with bills, buy groceries and perform some family activities with my girls,” she said. “I also love workshops! They are very informative and useful. I like that workshops are not just meaningless; They are based on topics that matter to single parents such as debt management and budgeting. “
She shows her gratitude by giving back! For the past two years she has participated in the ASPSF auctions Fundraisers.
Mentor and former colleague Connie Ryan urged Niki to apply for a single overall scholarship in the fall of 2023. Since then, Niki has increased his GPA with jumps and borders – a business that has impressed ASPSF program leader Carrie Allen.
“Niki has a great energy and maturity around her,” Carrie said. “She came to ASPSF with a lower GPA from when she went to school many years ago, but I’ve seen her hard work pay off: She now has a 3.67 GPA!”
As Niki pushes forward, her daughters – aged 21, 20 and 11 – also pay attention to her stamina. Niki’s journey has affected them, especially her youngest, who now dreams of going to college to become a baker.
To ASPF donors, Niki expresses deep gratitude: “Thank you for facilitating burdens and believing in single parents. Your generosity changes life. “
Congratulations, Niki, with everything you have achieved! You are inspiring and everyone at ASPF is cheering on when you pursue your dream of becoming a social worker. We can’t wait to see everything you achieve!
