TAMPA, Fla. — Each year, the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association (HPWA) hosts a scholarship gala, as a cumulation of all the hard work its students have put into their education.

College isn’t a path that everyone chooses, but for Chansonette Gibbs, it was a decision she’ll never regret.

“It’s been incredible, my daughter is amazing, she’s actually the reason I came back to school, she was having a hard time in school with her math and with her reading.”

What You Need To Know

  • Organization helps guide women into professional careers with mentorship
  • Each year, a gala is held to award scholarships for women to continue their educational careers
  • Chansonette Gibbs is one scholarship recipient who decided to go back to college after dropping out

Gibbs says it wasn’t easy, after attending college in the past, she never thought she would find herself in a classroom again.

“I decided to take a chance on myself and invest all of what I’ve given everyone else back into me, “ she says.

But being a mom and a student meant some sacrifices.

“Going back to school and making that decision not to work two or three jobs just to maintain myself, and take care of my daughter it was a terrifying feeling.”

Then, she found HPWA.

“A lot of us are single parents, we’re going through the same struggles, so we use that to bond,"Gibbs said.

HPWA pairs each student with a mentor who’s in a job that the student is interested in. Mentors and mentees are required to collaborate and set goals. For example, Gibbs meets with her mentor, Karina Pimentel, once a month.

"Giving back at work is one thing, but being able to step out of your comfort zone to be able to help someone else is also empowering," said Pimentel.

Pimentel has served as a role model and friend for Gibbs. She has guided her through scholarship applications, including one from HPWA.

“They have all contributed to my success, if it wasn’t for these organizations, for these people stepping in and being the difference for me, I wouldn’t be here right now,” says Gibbs.

Since going back to school, Gibbs has received multiple work certificates, and she plans to transfer to USF next year.

“If I didn’t go seeking, I never would have found, so for me this is destiny.”

Life comes with a lot of decisions, and for Gibbs, her educational decisions are helping to build a better future for her family.