Holiday Happiness Gala 2025: Celebrating Resilience, Community, and New Beginnings
- Mia Jose
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
On December 6, 2025, I was humbled to be invited and recognized at the Single Mom Scholars’ holiday event - an inspiring and impactful celebration where we celebrated several single moms and their amazing achievements. The evening was a powerful reminder of what community, perseverance, and opportunity can create when they come together with purpose. At the heart of the event was a joyful celebration of the 2025 graduates - single moms whose dedication and resilience exemplify strength in the face of adversity in its truest form.
We proudly celebrated Jasmine, who is graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington with her Bachelor’s in Social Work, and Jessica A., who will soon earn her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with an emphasis in Human Resources from the University of North Texas. Brandi was recognized for graduating from Galen University, passing her boards, and becoming a Registered Nurse, while Angela was honored as an upcoming graduate from East Texas A&M with her Bachelor’s in Social Work. We also celebrated Marilyn, Rena, Tayler, and Jocelyn, who have all passed their boards and are now Registered Nurses working in their dream fields. Each of these women represents determination, sacrifice, and hope for a brighter future for their families.
The evening was further enriched by hearing the powerful stories of Jada and Angela. Jada shared her journey of becoming a teen mom and refusing to let her circumstances define her future. Through vision and relentless perseverance, she earned multiple degrees and built a thriving life for her family. Her story was a testament to believing in limitless possibilities. Angela’s story of resilience was equally moving. She spoke openly about overcoming abuse and addiction, and how community support helped her build stability and safety for her children. Now a proud Social Work graduate, Angela hopes to give back by uplifting others walking similar paths.
One of the most touching moments came when each single mother left with arms full of holiday gifts for their children. As we helped wrap gifts for their children, it was truly heartwarming to listen to their stories and witness the deep gratitude each and every single mom expressed for the kindness and generosity shown to them by others. One mom shared that the support allowed her not only to continue pursuing her degree, but also to give her children a Christmas they had never experienced before. Seeing the community rally together was deeply heartwarming.
Holiday Happiness 2025 marked a foundational milestone as the very first celebration of its kind for Single Mom Scholars. I am deeply grateful to The Ryan Foundation and the Ujjano family—who so kindly embraced my mother and me—for their generosity, partnership, and unwavering commitment to empowering single mothers and helping end generational poverty, one graduate at a time. As 2025 comes to a close, I am amazed at the kindness, support, and unwavering generosity that continue to uplift and empower single mothers on their journeys toward education, stability, and lasting change. Events like this remind me that when a community comes together with purpose and compassion, lives are transformed, futures are rewritten, and generational barriers are broken - one single mom at a time.
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