From Challenge to Entrepreneurial Success!

Hello everyone, my name is Judy Ann Abasola, and I’m truly honored to share my journey with the LP4Y program.

As I begin to write this story, I’m reminded of the most unexpected beginning, my parents meeting in a place no one would ever dream of: JAIL. It was an unlikely place for love, but their connection sparked something beautiful. I grew up without my father by my side for the first 21 years of my life. But in the face of that absence, my mother became my rock. Her unwavering love and determination shaped me into the woman I am today.

Looking back, my journey from challenge to entrepreneurial has been far from easy, but every step has been worth it. And today, as a businesswoman managing my growing small business, I can proudly say: LP4Y changed my life. It was a game-changer, more than just a program, it was a turning point. I still remember my first days in the Youth program. It feels surreal to see how far I’ve come. LP4Y equipped me with the skills, confidence, and vision to step into the professional world. It helped me define my life project plan, and today, I am living that dream.

The program focused not only on career skills but also on personal growth, mentorship, and real-world experience. It gave me the solid foundation I needed to stand on my own and chase my ambitions.

To the companies and organizations out there: If you’re considering hiring excluded Youth, do it.

The talent, passion, and dedication are already there. All they need is someone to believe in them. LP4Y taught me that with the right support, anyone can rise. These young people bring new ideas, fresh perspectives, and unstoppable drive. By investing in them, you’re not just changing lives, you’re building a stronger future for your company and community.

When I started working at my first company, they welcomed me with open arms. They saw my potential and gave me space to grow. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth every moment. That supportive environment helped me evolve, even though my path eventually led me in a different direction—towards entrepreneurship.

If I could go back, there are five things I wish I had known before joining LP4Y:

• Be open to learning – Growth is a journey, not a destination. Embrace every lesson.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help – You don’t need to have all the answers. You have a team behind you.

• Network, network, network – Opportunities often come from the people you meet. Build those connections.

• Believe in yourself – Even when it’s hard, trust your potential. You are capable of amazing things.

• Take calculated risks – Step out of your comfort zone. That’s where the magic happens.

You might be wondering how I made it through the six-month training and what happened next. The truth is, the hardest part was finding the right fit afterward. I started in a virtual assistant agency, but it didn’t align with my passion for starting my own business.

Still, I don’t see it as a failure. It was a lesson. It helped me understand what I truly wanted. It taught me resilience, flexibility, and how to stay open to possibilities.

LP4Y didn’t just give me skills, it gave me courage. It taught me to dream boldly, and to go after those dreams with everything I have. With hard work, determination, and the right support system, anything is possible.

So to those of you thinking about joining the program or supporting young people like me: Don’t hesitate.

Take the leap. Believe in yourself or believe in someone who just needs a chance. You’ll be amazed at the impact that one opportunity can make.

In closing, I want to thank LP4Y from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for believing in me when I didn’t yet believe in myself. Thank you for giving me the tools to build a life I’m proud of.

If you’re looking for a program that can truly transform your life, or the life of someone you care about, look no further than LP4Y. It’s a journey that will challenge you, inspire you, and empower you to reach your full potential.

Judy Ann Abasola - STAR from GV C