When Lilian Oviedo enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in the Woodbridge campus, she brought with her a history of academic setbacks, having previously dropped out of college once in Chicago and twice online in California. But what she also carried was determination, passion for criminal justice, and a deep desire to rebuild her future.

After moving to Virginia, Lilian found in NOVA, a place where she could thrive, grow, and prove to herself that she was capable of academic and professional success. She dove into her studies, joined the Criminal Justice Club, maintained a strong GPA, and earned her associate degree in 2017. Her efforts were recognized when she was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community college students.

Lilian’s transformation didn’t stop there. With the help of a NOVA and a criminal justice scholarship, along with a Pell Grant and personal support from family and friends, she transferred to the University of Mary Washington. In 2019, she proudly graduated with her bachelor’s degree, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree and enter a white-collar profession.

Today, Lilian is a recognized expert in trauma and crisis services. Her professional journey includes roles at a legal aid firm, a family homeless shelter, a sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy program, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Most recently, she accepted a position to work on the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) at the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. SAKI is a nationwide effort to prevent and eliminate the backlog of untested physical evidence recovery kits. Lilian’s primary role is to lead training efforts for law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, and other stakeholders focusing on the neurobiology of trauma to improve survivor-centered best practices in the investigation of sexual assault cases.

Lilian credits NOVA as the turning point in her life.

“Community college gave me the confidence I didn’t know I had,” she said. “It’s a place that opens doors for so many people, veterans, single moms and older adults who are starting over. With passion and support, anyone can succeed here.” 

For Lilian, a scholarship was more than financial help, it was validation. “That support changed my life. It confirmed that I had potential, and gave me the means to prove it.”

As we celebrate stories like Lilian’s, we’re reminded of the transformative power of community college and donor support. Lilian’s journey becoming an empowered justice advocate is a testament to what’s possible when opportunity meets resilience.

Your gift helps students like Lilian turn resilience into life-changing careers. Thanks to the generosity of Jon and Heather Seeber, your donation will be matched up to $45,000: Strong Roots, Bright Future - NOVA Foundation.