Rachael Ferguson

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I attended Sinclair Community College 2016-2019, and I had two young children while enrolled at Sinclair (now grown). My major was Modern Languages, with a certificate in Global Studies.  Upon graduating from Sinclair, I attended Wright State University. I currently work as a civil servant at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, and I opened a non-profit, Footprints with Hope. My non-profit works with displaced communities in Colombia, focusing on women and children. We have a program which teaches women their rights by law, rebuilds confidence and worth through self-esteem workshops and we teach them a vocational skill. We also have a clean water initiative and take teams every year to work in the communities. 

What inspired you to pursue your career path, and how did Sinclair help you get there?

From the time I was 16, I wanted to earn my college degree in Spanish, but I became a young wife/mom and put school on hold. In 2016, I was able to travel to Colombia and knew it was time for me to fulfill the dream of obtaining my degree. Upon my return home from the trip, I reached out to Sinclair to learn about programs, scholarships, and requirements. I enrolled within a few weeks and started classes that summer. The scholarship platform that exists at Sinclair really assisted in my ability to attend as a young mom on a budget, as Sinclair offered many options, I simply had to apply. 

How would you describe the impact Sinclair had on your life, both in and out of the classroom?

Sinclair drove my ability to believe in my dream and grew my abilities beyond what I thought possible. Not only did Sinclair help me with financial aid and scholarships, but a few professors and staff provided guidance to start up my foundation, Footprints with Hope. My Spanish professor, Connie Zornes-Padovani, helped me craft my honors project in 2019 to visit multiple Colombian communities, learning both language and culture, which became the baseline for the foundation’s guidance. Mr. David Bodary, Service Learning Coordinator and Professor of Communications at Sinclair, provided contacts around Ohio who delivered me guidance on opening a foundation, and encouraged my dream of helping the less fortunate.  Due to those connections and assistance, 5 years later (today), Footprints with Hope has raised over $500,000 to help the displaced communities in Colombia. I also was introduced to International Relations through Sinclair, which helped drive the ability to understand country policies from a different perspective, assisting in Footprints with Hope’s success. 

How has your definition of success changed from when you were a Sinclair student to now?

When I was a Sinclair student, I had dreams, but didn’t always know how to bring them to life. As I studied, I grew in my knowledge and had the support of educators around me, so my dreams became goals, and goals became a reality. Success became about growth and applying the growth to make a difference in those around me, rather than just achieving a goal on my list.  

What is one piece of advice that you would give to current Sinclair students?

Listen to what others have to say, and be willing to take feedback and apply the feedback. Those who support you will help you achieve your dreams, surround yourself with them.