Voices of Trinity: January 2026 Graduates!

It’s graduation season once more!  I am so pleased to present some of the incredible stories of our newest alumnae and alumni — thanks to all for sharing your stories with our community!  If YOU are graduating and would like to be included on this remarkable list, please send me your story and a photo to president@trinitydc.edu   Read on:

Scolastica Kariithi: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

From Resilience to Restoration

My journey into the field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling began in the Fall of 2022, not in a vacuum of academic curiosity, but in the crucible of life’s most demanding pressures. At the onset of my program at Trinity, I was navigating a four-fold reality: serving as a full-time educator, raising four children, supporting my spouse through a health challenge, and engaging in the rigors of graduate study.

My introduction to the “counselor’s identity” happened late at night, in the quiet spaces between lesson planning and clinical assignments. I learned early that counseling is not merely a profession of words, but a ministry of presence, a presence I fought to maintain even when walking through my door late at night to find my children already asleep. These early sacrifices forged in me a profound understanding of the systems that affect our clients; I was not just studying family dynamics; I was living them.

The path was neither smooth nor linear. In the Fall of 2024, a significant hurdle during my practicum resulted in a delayed graduation. While the delay felt like a setback, it proved to be a period of “liminal space” that deepened my clinical maturity. However, the greatest test arrived in March 2025 with my own diagnosis of an autoimmune illness.Suddenly, the concepts of self-care and organismic trusting—terms I had read in Carl Rogers’ work—became matters of survival. Balancing 700 required clinical hours while managing a chronic illness, teaching, and parenting required more than just time management; it required a reliance on the Grace of God. My journey through illness while serving clients allowed me to embody the “Internal Working Model” of resilience, proving that a counselor’s greatest tool is often their own refined soul.

I am profoundly indebted to the faculty at Trinity. My professors did not just teach empathy; they modeled it. Their unwavering support during my illness and my practicum challenges provided the “Secure Base” I needed to explore my own potential as a clinician. Under their mentorship, I moved from the Action stage of my own development into a place of professional Maintenance and mastery.

The culmination of this journey, completing my 700 clinical hours and successfully passing the licensure exam is not merely an academic milestone. It is a testament to the fact that healing is possible even when the “bottom line” of life seems insurmountable.

As I walk on the stage on January 9^th, 2026, I carry with me a unique clinical lens. I am committed to working with families and individuals navigating chronic illness and life transitions, utilizing a framework that honors both the biological challenges of the body and the spiritual resilience of the heart. I will not just offer my clients theory; I will offer them a lived belief in the possibility of restoration.

Damaris Rodriguez, A.A.
Early Childhood Education

I’m so proud to share my journey earning my associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education as a single mom of four daughters and the first in my family to graduate college.

I came to this country when I was 15, learning a new language and facing many challenges along the way. I became a mom young and had to pause my education for many years, but I never gave up.

After 10 years, I went back to school while working full-time as a prek teacher and raising my girls. Every day I worked hard to be a parent, an employee, and a student all while showing my daughters that even when life gets hard there’s always a door to your dream if you keep believing and working for it.

I’m continuing now to pursue my Bachelor’s degree so I can keep growing, learning, and setting an example for my family.

Alamaze Mitchell-King, A.A. in Health Services

My journey began a few years ago when I made an unwavering commitment to reinvent my life, driven by the desire to show my children what dedication looks like.

The “how” arrived when I saw the DOES Community Support Worker training program—my definitive launchpad. While working full-time as a security officer, I embraced the challenge, making a dedicated weekly trek from Deanwood to THEARC for classes.

This initial success propelled me to pursue a Health Services major at Trinity, where I passionately learned to assist and fiercely advocate for the community and myself, all while drawing strength and motivation from my children.

Guided by inspiring professors and classmates, and with the support of my family, I stand incredibly inspired as graduation approaches, absolutely ready to step forward as the powerful change-maker Trinity has empowered me to be.”

Benjamin Wacks, MAT in Early Childhood Education

On January 8, I will be turning 40 years old and I’ll be the first one in my family to be receiving my Masters degree.

It has been a rewarding experience being part of the Trinity community. Judaism and religious values has always been the center of my educational upbringing. Teaching at a synagogue and studying the past three years at a Catholic university has been very fulfilling. This experience has shown me that morality, ethics, and learning from our history are shared values between both religions.

I will always cherish my Trinity memories and look forward to continuing my educational journey as a proud Trinity Tiger.

Rhonda Bowman, B.S. Business Administration

My journey began in August of 1991, after graduating from Eastern Senior High in Washington, DC.  I began my college studies in Business Administration at Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA.  During my sophomore year, I received a call that changed my life forever. I was pregnant with my first child when I received a call that her significant other had been killed during a robbery.  After this devastation, I decided to leave school at the end of my sophomore year and enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia, where I completed one year of studies in Business Management.  At the beginning of what would have been my senior year in January 1995 (Alexis), I welcomed my first child and was no longer financially able to finish my education.

In 2006, I saw an ad about online classes, so I enrolled at Ashford University.  I changed my degree concentration to Information Technology and completed a year of studies, and in July 2007, I gave birth to my second child (Lorenzo).  In June of 2023, after navigating through life feeling depleted because I never completed it, I set out to do so long ago. I saw a LinkedIn post about the SPS Program at Trinity that would allow me to attend school and work, so I decided to apply!  I received a call from Ms. Cynthia Bond, who walked me through the process of gathering my transcripts and getting all set up with financial aid and my advisor, Ms. Bullock.  As a DC resident, I qualified for the DC Futures Program, which has been such a blessing. This has helped me fund my education.

Here we are, December 2025, and I have finally completed 120 credit hours. I am set to walk across the stage in January 2026 as a graduate of Trinity Washington University with a B.S. from the School of Professional Studies/Business Administration with a Human Resource Management Degree.  While it has taken a lot of hard work, long nights, and dedicated study breaks, I look back on the 34 years I have been pursuing this goal and am reminded that it’s never too late!  My dad, who was one of my biggest supporters, always said, “Slow and steady wins the race.”    Unfortunately, he passed away in January of 2024. I know he is still watching over me and cheering me on!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11. 

Takeshia Glover, B.A., Community Education

I am overwhelmed with excitement and most of all blessed. My journey in life has taught me lessons that I will forever remember and carry with me as I navigate till the end of time. “ With Faith All Things Are Possible”.   I would have never thought that I would be graduating from college with a Bachelor’s Degree.

There were so many obstacles/ situations that delayed my progression  while working towards my degree but I never up. I wanted to give up so many times I have cried so many nights trying to figure out situations.

I thank God for giving Strength and Courage and most of all the strength and ability to Believe. Trinity Washington University has and will forever be a place and space that I will forever hold in my ❤️

Ashlee Burks, MSA in Dynamic Leadership

When I began my academic journey in 2015, the degree I enrolled in was not Dynamic Leadership—it was something else entirely. Much like my mindset at the time, it lacked intention and direction. I was a student who cared very little about excellence and far more about doing the bare minimum required to pass. College was not a calling; it was an obligation. I showed up just enough to get by—until even that became too much.

Over the years, I withdrew from classes four times. I reapplied three separate times. Each pause felt like failure, and each return felt heavier than the last. Life kept happening—loudly, painfully, and without regard for syllabi or deadlines. Somewhere in the middle of those interruptions, I experienced the loss of my counselor, Dr. Wood. Before his passing, I made a promise that I would come back and finish. For a long time, that promise sat unfinished—waiting for me to become the person capable of keeping it.

That person finally arrived in 2025.

I returned to Trinity Washington University not as the student I once was, but as a woman determined to complete what she started—and to do so with honor. By then, the degree had evolved into Dynamic Leadership, and so had I. I was no longer interested in surviving coursework; I was committed to mastering it. I came back disciplined, focused, and deeply aware that this journey was no longer just academic—it was spiritual, personal, and transformational.

In 2025, something else happened that marked how profoundly I had changed: I wrote and published my first poem in The Trinity Record. That moment mattered because it symbolized what this decade-long journey had truly given me—my voice. Writing God Is Her Reflection was not just a creative milestone; it was a declaration of identity, faith, and resilience shaped by years of pressure and persistence.

In that poem, I wrote that “She is unadulterated, unapologetic resilience—a quality that can only be found at the crux of pressurized coal and the mutation of a diamond’s standalone heart.” That line mirrors my academic journey perfectly. I was shaped by pressure, interrupted paths, and moments of self-doubt—but I emerged refined, not broken.

With the support and inspiration of professors who saw more in me than I sometimes saw in myself—especially Professor Lopez, whose encouragement pushed me not just to pass but to excel—I learned what leadership truly means. Leadership, I discovered, is not about perfection or speed. It is about persistence, reflection, and the courage to return changed.

A decade after I first enrolled, I completed my degree with a 3.5 GPA and earned the distinction of cum laude. More importantly, I completed it with a transformed mindset—one grounded in faith, accountability, and purpose. As Psalm 46:5 affirms, “If God is within her, she will not fail.” I now understand that truth not as theory, but as lived experience.

This degree is more than an academic accomplishment. It is the fulfillment of a promise. It is proof that growth is possible, that detours do not disqualify destiny, and that becoming takes time. I did not take the straight path—but I took the faithful one.

And I finished—whole, grounded, and finally able to look in the mirror and know the truth:

God is her reflection.

Phyllis D. Gaither, B.S. in Business Administration and Human Resource Management (SPS)

My journey started many years ago, I started this journey in the 80’s graduating from high school and then I attended the Washington School for Secretaries, going for 1 year and leaving there to get employment because like most teens/young adults I wanted to be grown and on my own. So, I entered the workforce and begin working several different types of jobs not really being satisfied with the jobs, so I decided to go and enroll in college (Southeastern University now closed), and then life started happening, marriages, kids, homelessness, jobs.

Years have gone by, and the kids are grown and on their own raising their own families, and it took the pandemic to restart my old/new journey to reentering college again. My youngest daughter was a senior in high school and was on the fence about going to college, so we talked and I told her that if she goes to college, I will go back and complete my college education with her so in August 2020, she and I started our college journey together encouraging each other, helping each other and being each other’s cheerleaders and just getting us through the days of being in college.

Fast forward to the present with a lot of tears and fears and the unknown, I am about to embark on a new journey, chapter and adventure that I wouldn’t have thought would have happened. Believing and trusting in God and wanting to give up so many times and knowing that not only was my kids were watching but my grandchildren were watching as well. One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and that has been and still are the words that I live by daily. Now to the future, I am not sure what God has in store for me, I am trusting in and believing in him for guidance and in his will and his time, but I do know that it looks bigger and brighter every day.

January 8, 2025, I will be graduating from Trinity Washington University, and in May 2026 my daughter will follow with her graduation. Without the love and support of my family and loved ones this journey, who have been a lot harder than I could ever measure, yes there was a lot of worry, stress and frustration, and yet in the end it was all worth it. Thank you to God, my husband, our kids, grandkids and great grandkids, family, our Pastor Kathryn Urby and first gentlemen Gary, and to my Brown Memorial church family, all of those I hold close and dear to my heart. I love and appreciate you all.

Keyon Grayson, Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary Education)

The journey to graduation has been long, rewarding, and transformative.

In 2020, I graduated from Morgan State University in the middle of a global pandemic. Being able to walk across the stage and celebrate that moment was taken away from many of us in the Class of 2020. Just before graduation, I realized that I didn’t truly love the field I was earning my degree in, which was incredibly stressful and left me feeling unsure of my direction—especially during a time when the job market was struggling.

I was blessed to have a friend who told me they believed I could be a teacher. At the time, I couldn’t see it for myself and ran from the idea for a year. In 2021, I accepted my current position as a classroom teacher. Although I had no prior experience, I approached each day as a learning opportunity. Along the way, I built connections that mean the world to me, and I discovered a passion I never expected. I truly love what I get to do every day.

Somewhere in the middle of 2023 a mentor asked me if I ever considered going back to school, which was something I swore I’d NEVER do. Yet here I am two years later, humbled by life’s ability to show you the way, even when you run away from it.

I’m thankful for the supportive and well-versed professors that helped shape my pedagogy. You all have changed my life & indirectly the lives of many others.

This is for every teacher and professor who encouraged me to aspire for more in life. This is for every student Ive taught or will teach. This is for my grandmother, Audrey Grayson who transitioned in November during my final semester. Most importantly, this is for my father, Earl Grayson, who forever supports my dreams and encourages me to be my best self.

Janelle Johnson, Masters in Public Health

My journey at Trinity has been one of growth and resilience. Balancing work, family, and other commitments while pursuing my Masters in Public Health taught me the true meaning of perseverance. Graduating with my Master’s degree is more than an academic milestone; it is a living testimony of resilience, faith, and perseverance.

This journey was not easy, but God carried me every step of the way, especially through seasons when support was scarce and the noise was loud. Balancing motherhood, grief, and purpose, I stayed committed, working in silence and trusting God even when others couldn’t see the vision.

On the hardest days, faith had to be louder than doubt, and obedience mattered more than applause. I pushed forward through moments of exhaustion, sacrifice, and uncertainty, holding onto the future I envisioned and the example I wanted to set for my child. This degree represents answered prayers, quiet tears, strength earned, healing in progress, and purpose reclaimed. I stand proud not just because I finished, but because I persevered through it all.

Kenisha Toye, B.A. Community Education

My educational journey has been shaped by both the opportunities I have embraced and the challenges that have bolstered my resilience and determination. A pivotal moment occurred during my freshman year at North Carolina Central University, where I was awarded a full-ride track scholarship. At that time, I believed I had attained a significant milestone in my academic and athletic pursuits, filled with excitement and pride as I balanced my sports and studies while laying the groundwork for a successful career. However, life took a dramatic turn when my grandmother was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer.

Her illness compelled me to make one of the most difficult decisions of my life: to step away from my scholarship and education to support my family during this critical period. This sudden shift imparted a sense of uncertainty and fear. I questioned whether this would signify the conclusion of my college journey and whether I would inadvertently become just another statistic, a person who allowed hardship to derail their aspirations. Having observed numerous individuals in my community permit their challenges to dictate their paths, I continuously wondered whether I would succumb to a similar fate or rise above it.

I faced this challenge because life is inherently unpredictable, and at times, family responsibilities overshadow personal ambitions. It was not a deficiency in ability or motivation; rather, the circumstances necessitated sacrifice. This moment not only tested my commitment to education but also my character and resilience. I faced a choice: to succumb to despair or to persevere.

Ultimately, I resolved not to allow this obstacle to define my narrative. After a period away from academia, I reapplied to college, this time at the University of the District of Columbia, where I pursued an associate’s degree in early childhood education for Pre-K to third grade, serving as the Student Government Association President and graduating with honors.

I continued my pursuit of becoming an educator by applying to Trinity Washington University, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Community Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude and being inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Adults Honor Society. Trinity University has an esteemed program, and I am currently finishing my first semester of graduate school, pursuing a master’s degree in special education. My grandmother, I have achieved the milestone of becoming a first-generation college graduate, and my daughter witnesses a Black woman with intelligence, beauty, and style.

Kimberly Boddie, B.S. in
Business Administration

My college track at Trinity has been challenging. I was reluctant to begin the path initially. Dean Mary Romanello encouraged me to try it again. I attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore from 1995 to 1999. Not graduating was my greatest failure to date. My mental capacity had spiraled downward. I didn’t know where to turn. Picking up my educational track in Fall 2019 was frightening. I wanted to make my mother proud, so I persevered. Attending night classes was a challenging task at first.

During the Spring 2020 semester, I began to feel some debilitating discomfort. I was unable to finish the semester due to hysterectomy surgery following a major fibroid issue. Subsequently, I was unable to pick up any summer courses due to double mastectomy surgery stemming from granuloma mastitis. Contemplating taking some fall courses, I was informed that I had lupus.

At the onset of the summer of 2021, I felt as though I could muster through the course load. I was sadly mistaken, unfortunately. The mental and physical aspects of my body were not congruent. Through physical therapy, a job coach, and spiritual restoration. I decided not to continue at that time.

Overcoming the shock of my health decline. My new boss, Dean Brigid Noonan, suggested that I continue my path because I was so close to completing my Business Administration degree. In Fall 2023, I picked the mantle back up. Now in August 2025, I can say I’m a college graduate from the illustrious Trinity Washington University. Thank you, Trinity Washington University, for allowing me to pursue my dream. I’m now an employee and alumna. It’s a great honor to work and study here.

Nicole Lopez, B.A. Community Education

I came to the United States from Colombia at the age of sixteen, full of hope but unable to speak English. As an international student, everything felt overwhelming at first—the language, the education system, and the responsibility of building a future far from home. Still, I believed that education could open doors, even when the path forward was unclear.

Learning English was one of the greatest challenges of my life. I had to learn quickly, especially during the COVID pandemic, when classes shifted online and isolation made the process even harder. There were moments of frustration and self-doubt, but I remained committed to my goal. Over time, what once felt impossible became achievable.

Driven by a passion for serving others, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Community Education with a minor in Psychology. Throughout my academic journey, I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone. I became part of the Honors Program, joined the volleyball team for a semester, earned scholarships, and was honored to be inducted into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Through dedication and perseverance, I am proud to graduate cum laude—an achievement that once felt unimaginable when I first arrived without knowing the language.

In my final semester, I faced one of the most challenging moments of my life when I became pregnant. I feared that I would not be able to graduate. During this time, I was incredibly fortunate to receive the support of Dr. Lee and Dr. Winther, whose compassion, flexibility, and encouragement helped me persevere. Their belief in me gave me the strength to continue during a season filled with uncertainty, and I will always be deeply grateful for their support.

Today, I proudly graduate cum laude with my Bachelor’s degree in Community Education and a minor in Psychology. This milestone represents resilience, sacrifice, and the power of community. This is not the end of my journey, but the beginning of a life dedicated to love, service, and creating a better future for you and for the community I serve.

Shy Johnson, B.S. in Business Administration and Human Resource Management

My academic journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to growth. While navigating life’s responsibilities and challenges, I successfully earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management. This achievement represents more than the completion of a degree; it reflects years of perseverance, discipline, and belief in my purpose. Through my studies, I gained a deep understanding of people-focused leadership, organizational effectiveness, and the importance of creating inclusive, supportive workplaces. Completing this journey is a testament to my strength, my dedication to excellence, and my readiness to lead with intention and impact.