Mona's inspiring journey from mentee to mentor has received both national and international attention and included a stop in the oval office to meet President Obama.

Former USL student Mona Dixon was highlighted on the cover of our Winter 2011 newsletter and her remarkable story is featured in AT&T’s U-verse documentary, Inspired. As a homeless teen, Mona found inspiration and hope through the mentoring she received at the Tempe Ladmo branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, ultimately being named Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) National Youth of the Year in September 2010 and meeting President Obama. Mona received a full scholarship from BGCA to attend Barrett Honors College at ASU and Mona's experience at BGCA came back full-circle when, as a USL 410 student, she selected the Tempe Ladmo Branch as her service placement. "Life is not about obstacles; it's about how you overcome them," Mona reflects. "Growing up being homeless is my motivation to strive for my greatest potential."