What inspired Sophia Flores-Lerma’s ASC Service Award capstone project was something deeply personal to her — supporting pregnant women through all the challenges and surprises the journey brings.
Through the project, Flores-Lerma, a senior in business management, organized a donation drive and raised awareness for Embrace, a pregnancy support center in Wichita and Derby, Kansas, that she once received support from herself. She collected items that can make a real difference for mothers going through difficult situations, like diapers, wipes, formula and baby clothes.
To advertise, Flores-Lerma created flyers and shared the message in both English and Spanish.
“More than anything, I wanted people to understand the impact,” she said. “I wanted them to see that this wasn’t just about donations but about showing compassion and support and reminding someone that they are not alone.”
Challenges amid hardship
While completing the project for her ASC Service Award capstone was entirely rewarding, it wasn’t without challenges. Flores-Lerma pursued the project during one of the hardest seasons of her life: she chose to graduate early, giving herself less time to prepare, and at the same time, her baby was in the NICU.
“There were moments where I felt exhausted, overwhelmed and stretched beyond what I thought I could handle,” she said. “But even in those moments, I kept going. I reminded myself that I wasn’t doing this just for me but for my child, and for every woman who feels like giving up because life feels too heavy.”
The persistence was worth it. Compiling all the donations, Flores-Lerma knew they were going to women who might feel the same fear, doubt or pressure she had once felt.
“Being able to turn my pain into purpose was one of the most powerful experiences of my life,” she said. “This project showed me my strength. It showed me that I can lead, that I can create change and that I can keep going even when life feels overwhelming.”
In the future, Flores-Lerma plans to build a career in business and create opportunities for herself and her family.
“I want to be an example not just for my child, but for anyone who feels like their situation limits their future,” she said.
Her own journey
“When I found out I was pregnant, I was going to school full time and trying to stay focused on my future, but everything suddenly felt uncertain,” Flores-Lerma explained. “People began to see me differently. I was told to give up on school and to ‘just be a mom.’”
Those words stuck with Flores-Lerma because she knew it wasn’t the life she wanted for herself or for her child.
“I knew I was capable of more,” she said. “I believed that every sacrifice I was making would be worth it not only for my future, but for my baby’s future, too.”
During that period, Flores-Lerma found support through Embrace.
“They didn’t judge me or doubt me,” Flores-Lerma said. “They supported me when I needed it most.”
When she gave birth at 27 weeks, it was one of the scariest moments of her life.
“In that moment, I felt completely vulnerable, but I also felt a deep sense of faith. I trusted God fully, no matter what he decided,” she said. “That moment shaped me. It made me realize how fragile life is, but also how strong I am.”
The experience also showed her that even in the hardest moments, there is purpose. That’s why Flores-Lerma’s capstone project meant so much to her.
“It was my way of giving back to something that helped me survive and keep going,” she said.
Ultimately, as an ASC Service Award scholar, Flores-Lerma felt seen.
“As a young mom and a first-generation college student, I’ve faced doubt and judgment,” she said. “But this award reminded me that I didn’t let that define me. It reminded me that I kept going, even when it was hard and that my story has value.”
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