Announcing Our 2025 Mother of the Year

Laura, a mother and shining example of resilience, first came to AVANCE-Austin, looking to rebuild her life and create a brighter future for her children. She had big dreams, but like many other mothers, faced barriers—especially the high cost of childcare, which made working and going back to school feel out of reach.

Then she heard about a new program that sounded too good to be true: AVANCE to College (A2C). College classes and free childcare? But Laura took a leap. She didn’t look back.

A2C equips Latina caregivers with the tools, guidance, and support they need to pursue postsecondary education and family-sustaining careers. Launched in 2023 in partnership with Austin Community College (ACC), A2C was created to help Latina caregivers navigate educational systems that have not always reflected their realities. It is culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and logistically and financially accessible.

Built on AVANCE-Austin’s highly impactful, two-generation model, the program provides:

• Culturally responsive, Spanish language curriculum focused on parenting, leadership, and college and career readiness;
• Classes held on the ACC campus, where participants are fully immersed as students;
• Dedicated Student Navigator providing one on one support, connecting families to resources, and guiding caregivers toward their goals; and
• Free childcare, removing one of the biggest barriers to access postsecondary education.

For Laura, A2C was her first time on a college campus. Through the program, she tapped into campus resources, gained confidence to enroll in credit classes, deepened her understanding of her children’s development, and even found joy in creating learning toys to support their growth. Along the way, she also received mental health support, essential encouragement during a challenging time in her life.

Laura’s story is one of strength, growth, and hope. She embodies what’s possible when a mother is given the opportunity, support, and belief she needs to succeed.

Laura Valle with her son, Yon, at the AVANCE to College graduation in May 2024.

Join us as Laura shares her remarkable journey in her own words.

Join us at the Valor y Sueños luncheon

Help us honor Laura and the many courageous women creating change for themselves and their families through AVANCE-Austin.