At Ascentria, we’re proud to celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring the incredible women who lead with courage, empathy, and purpose. Their stories are a reminder that leadership doesn’t just come from titles or accolades—it’s born from lived experience, resilience, and a commitment to serving others.
Amanda Alarcon shared her powerful story with us—a story rooted in service, struggle, and strength, shaped by a deep understanding of the systems that so many people rely on to survive and rebuild.
“As a youth, I was surrounded by others rebuilding themselves with the support of human services—Housing, Food Assistance, Narcotics/Alcoholics Anonymous. These services were lifelines. But as I got older, I began to notice the gaps: women unable to access support while pregnant, survivors turned away at 19 because they were no longer ‘minors.’ I realized our systems weren’t built for everyone—and I knew I wanted to be part of the solution.”
Driven by that mission, she pursued an education in business management and honed her skills through both academic and real-life experiences, especially through family leadership. That blend of professional training and lived wisdom prepared her for something more: joining the nonprofit world to fill in the gaps where others fall through.
“Over my last year with Ascentria, I’ve found a community where people truly help people—across towns, counties, and state lines. I’ve grown as a professional and as a person, thanks to the support of my colleagues and the mission we all share.”
One moment stands out—a story that captures exactly why this work matters:
“I answered a call from a woman seeking help for her disabled grandson. She was tired, defeated, and had tried everything. She told me her story, and I gave her the space she needed to be heard. I told her, ‘This ends with me. I’ll be the one to help you.’ And I meant it.”
Though it was her first month at Ascentria, she sprang into action—reaching out to contacts, gathering information, and staying in close contact with the woman as they worked together on a plan. A month later, the woman called again—not with a crisis, but with gratitude.
“She thanked me for helping. I thanked her for giving me the opportunity to be helpful. It was a beautiful moment.”
Amanda’s drive to help others is deeply rooted in the example set by her mother, Linda—a woman of immense strength and perseverance.
“My mom was an entrepreneur, homeowner, and single mother of two after ten years of fighting for her sobriety and stability. From addiction and drug dealing to opening two businesses and building a home—she changed her life. She lost her battle with cancer in 2015, but she won in life. Her legacy lives on through everyone she touched, and through me.”
This Women’s History Month, we’re not only celebrating well-known trailblazers—we’re celebrating the women in our own organization whose lived experiences are making history every day. Women like this leader, who bring humanity to their work, see the person behind the paperwork, and carry the torch of legacy, hope, and transformation.
To all the women of Ascentria—thank you for showing us what it means to lead with love, live with purpose, and leave a legacy that uplifts others.
