Kalisha Gomez: A Voice of Resilience and Triumph at the CalWORKs Association Conference

Riverside City College's CalWORKs student, Kalisha Gomez, recently emerged as one of the Region IX CalWORKs Student Voices $1000 Scholarship winners, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey. Her remarkable achievement led her to a prominent platform at the annual CalWORKs Association Conference in San Diego, CA, April 17-19.

The conference was a pivotal gathering for over five hundred attendees, including CalWORKs community college students, staff, counselors, coordinators, directors, administrators, and county, state, and federal partners. At this event, Kalisha Gomez took center stage as a panelist, representing the voices of resilience, determination, and triumph within the CalWORKs community.

Sharing her journey with a captivated audience, Kalisha narrated her experiences, beginning with her life in Los Angeles and transitioning to a new chapter in Perris, CA, while attending Riverside City College. She is a mother of two young children and aspires to become a nurse by completing the prerequisites for the Registered Nursing program.

Kalisha's compelling narrative resonated with attendees, who were moved by her courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Concluding her panel presentation, she surprised everyone with a rendition of "Hallelujah," showcasing her beautiful voice and earning a huge applause from the audience.

Anne Lenox, CalWORKs Counselor/Coordinator, shared, “Kalisha's ability to persevere and strive to be an excellent student is impressive. She is working hard to become a nurse. Kalisha is a wonderful role model to her children, leading the path of success through education.” 

The CalWORKs Association's Annual Conference, "Leading Transformational Change, One Family at a Time," provided a platform for Kalisha and other CalWORKs students to share their stories. The Student Voices Panel, a highlight of the conference, offered a compelling glimpse into the challenges and successes faced by individuals navigating academic pursuits alongside help from the CalWORKs program.

As Kalisha continues her pursuit of academic excellence, she remains an embodiment of strength, courage, and perseverance. Riverside City College looks forward to her success and the success of all students.