By Emma Godwin, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern
Golden LEAF Scholarship alumna Leleah Maher grew up in Rocky Mount with a passion for making an impact. She attended Nash Early College High School, where she finished high school and earned an associate degree in May 2022. She then attended North Carolina State University as a Social Work major.
The Golden LEAF Foundation means a lot to Maher. Not only did she receive a scholarship, but she was also invited to be the Golden LEAF Scholar Alumni speaker at Golden LEAF’s 25th Anniversary celebration in December.
“I spoke on a stage with some of the state leadership of North Carolina,” said Maher. “Strangers who I did not know from all across the state heard me tell my story, which was so humbling. I was so grateful to have the courage and strength to be the alumni speaker that night. It was a moment I’ll never forget. When I walked off the stage, I realized that this was a once in a lifetime experience.”
Maher’s story is truly inspiring.
After turning 18, Maher found herself homeless. She left her home with a suitcase filled with a few of her belongings as she was heading to Africa for a mission trip with an organization called Ripple Effects. Ripple Effects is a community collaboration hub located in Rocky Mount that offers resource counseling, life skills workshops, case management, and other services designed to address holistic wellness. Upon her return, Ripple Effects, alongside supportive family members, provided housing and other resources to get her back on her feet.
“When you’re put in a space where you do not have any support, you realize how much you rely on others and you can’t make it without that support,” said Maher. “I needed people who could advocate for me and send me back to my faith.”
The counselors at her high school told her about the Golden LEAF Scholarship. Between the resources and support provided by Ripple Effects and the Golden LEAF Scholarship, Maher was able to attend college.
“I want to stress that I was able to graduate college debt free,” said Maher. “That wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Golden LEAF.”
Not only did she credit Golden LEAF with helping her graduate, but she also was a part of the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative. She was able to be a social work intern at Ripple Effects and give back to the organization that helped her.
“Being a part of the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative helped create stability for me and got me on my feet,” said Maher. “During the summer, I was able to save money because I was getting paid for my internship in social work. I was able to support myself thanks to Golden LEAF.”
After graduating from college in December 2024, Maher was hired at Ripple Effects full time. She started the hybrid role of Executive Assistant/Project Manager in January. On the executive position side, Maher is working with the executive staff by overseeing their calendars, inbox management, scheduling events, event planning, and assisting with internal communications between the executive staff and other staff members. On the project manager side, she is the one overseeing mini projects.
“I work a lot with the organization’s events,” said Maher. “We do a lot of outreach. What motivates me to do what I do is making an impact.”
She enjoys seeing the impact this type of work has on people working at Ripple Effects and how it trickles down to the people who are receiving the support.
“I see what is happening out there day-to-day,” said Maher. “Lives are transformed as you see the hope restored in people’s eyes. I get to see people come off the street, being housed, and becoming stable again.”
But she stresses that everyone’s situation is different, and you must think logically about what the person needs instead of just what they want at that moment.
“It’s hard work,” said Maher. “It is not for the weak. It never stops, but the cause is so worth it.”
Maher says her mentor Dr. Keisha B. Spivey has meant so much to her. Dr. Spivey is Executive Director for Ripple Effects and was Maher’s site coordinator for the internship.
“Dr. Spivey helped me grow spiritually and mentally as she has given me her guidance and wisdom,” said Maher.
As a product of rural North Carolina, Maher was eager to come back home and use her own struggle to motivate others. She gets to give back every day to her rural community, by providing counseling and support to those in need.