Celebrity Info
She’s a powerful motivational speaker and accomplished author, widely recognized for her bestselling memoir Breaking Night, a gripping account of resilience that chronicles her journey from homelessness during adolescence to gaining admission into Harvard University. Her story, centered around overcoming immense adversity, has inspired countless individuals worldwide. As a driven entrepreneur, she took bold steps to create positive change by founding Manifest Living, an organization dedicated to empowering others to transform their lives through intention and purpose.
Before rising to prominence, her early life was marked by hardship. Born in the Bronx, New York, she grew up facing the challenges of having parents struggling with drug addiction. Tragedy struck when her mother passed away due to complications from AIDS, leaving her and her father—himself living with HIV—without stable housing. Despite these overwhelming circumstances, she persevered, eventually building a fulfilling personal life. She married James Scanlon, and together they welcomed two children: a son named Liam and a daughter named Maya Jean. Through every chapter of her life, her strength and determination have remained at the core of who she is—a true testament to what’s possible when hope meets action.
She was determined to break free from the cycle of homelessness, and through sheer perseverance, she managed to graduate from New York City’s Humanities Preparatory Academy in just two years—a remarkable achievement that paved the way for her next big step. Her hard work paid off when she got accepted into Harvard University, where she continued to build a brighter future for herself. Along the way, her sister also found her own path out of poverty, earning a degree from Purchase College and going on to become a dedicated special education teacher. Their journey wasn’t easy, but her resilience made all the difference. She proved that with determination, even the toughest circumstances can be overcome. Her story continues to inspire those who face similar challenges, showing that education can be a powerful tool for change. Her rise from hardship to success stands as a testament to what’s possible when someone refuses to give up.
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