Romonia Dixon

Mona Dixon, a student at Arizona State University and Taco Bell Graduate to Go Ambassador, spent most of her life either homeless or moving from one homeless shelter to another. Dixon was selected by Boys & Girls Clubs as its 2010 National Youth of the Year. And her first two duties weren't bad at all: speaking with BGCA spokesman Denzel Washington to address the high school dropout crisis in America and later meeting with President Obama in the Oval Office!

For much of Dixon’s life, she and her family were in a constant state of change, moving from one homeless shelter to another in city after city. Her family were often separated on a daily basis to ensure that everyone had a warm place to sleep each night. These difficult and challenging experiences led Dixon to seek out a place that she could call "home."

Five years ago, Dixon found a place to call home when she joined Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley. From her first day at the Club, she took advantage of every available opportunity to teach younger children about the importance of being responsible, caring, productive members of society. To help ensure her family’s continued stability, Dixon contributes to family income by working part time. She believes in turning setbacks in life into motivators to succeed and uses her story to inspire others.

Dixon graduated third in her class at Tempe High School with a 3.92 GPA. She was also captain of the basketball team and participated in the National Honor Society, Stand and Serve (a peer leadership group), Student Council and the Math Team. Dixon is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management and is a supply chain intern this summer at Taco Bell headquarters.