Cassandra Lewis, 20, is on a mission. “I want my daughter to be able to say that her mom is a very strong, independent and hard working woman. When times were tuff my mom did not quit. She was determined to do what she needed to do for herself and for me,” she says.

A recent graduate of YWCA Northern Rhode Island Parenting in Progress program, Lewis received her GED in April and will be attending CCRI this fall. She admits that raising an 8-month-old child, working and attending school will not be an easy task.

“This summer I will have to prepare myself both physically and mentally for college,” she says.

In an effort to do this, Lewis obtained a job as the YWCA beautification coordinator and is responsible for updating agency bulletin boards, painting murals and sprucing up the exterior of the facility. She has also been selected by the New England Regional YWCA to participate in its’ year long 30 under 30 young leadership program.

Lewis, a talented artist who works in a variety of mediums, favors sketching in charcoal. And she has set her career goal to become a professional photographer.

“I’m young to be a mom, but it’s not holding me back. Being a mom is not an excuse to say you cannot do something. Never say you can’t do it. Always say you can. I’m living proof that you can,” she says.

- She Shines