Daphne Thompson was a freshman at Glendale Community College when she learned about the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program. The straight-A, single mother of four was selected a Nina Scholar in Spring 2012. After receiving her degree at GCC, she was accepted into the Passport Program at ASU where she graduated in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Services and Policy. “For me, being a Nina Scholar was the support I needed. It helped to have someone to talk with about challenges. While the financial assistance was instrumental, I really fell in love with the program as a whole.” She interned at the National Disability Rights Network in Washington, D.C. during her senior year.

Today, Daphne works at Glendale Community College as she pursues her dream career of research and educating the public on the needs of marginalized citizens. She has been accepted into the four-month “50 Women Can Change the World” program, the first cohort in Arizona for nonprofits and designed for women who want to take their leadership skills to the next level. Daphne was described by organizers as “the kind of emerging leader we need.” She says, “Being a Nina Scholar has inspired me to reach high. I want to be like Nina when I grow up. I am in awe and respect of all that she has done for others.”