Coco entered the dependency system shortly before turning 18 due to domestic violence between her father and stepmother. She also experienced abuse by her stepfather. Because she entered care so close to adulthood and aged out in non-relative care, she did not qualify for many of the benefits typically available to youth in the system, so she struggled tremendously. Despite these significant challenges, Coco earned her Associate of Arts degree from Miami Dade College. She currently runs her own cleaning business while also working part-time at a restaurant. She is an extremely hardworking and motivated young woman!