Dana Rutherford's journey through life is a testament to resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Dana’s early years held the promise of a bright future; However, life took an unexpected turn when in 2004, she lost both her parents just 3 weeks apart due to prescription drug addictions, as well as her little brother years later to the same fate at the age of 24.Dana married at the age of 18, but the relationship became toxic. Over the years, she became a dedicated stay-at-home mother, raising 3 children while enduring an abusive relationship. After nearly 15 years of marriage, Dana found the strength to leave, and she and her children faced homelessness for nearly 4 months. It was during this time that she began to rediscover herself and her determination to create a better life for her sons making the courageous decision to return to school, determined to rewrite her story.After completing her associate degree, Dana discovered that her dream school, the University of Florida, offered an online program. To her delight, she was accepted into the bachelor’s program at the age of 34, officially becoming a Florida Gator.At 36 years old, Dana walked the stage in cap and gown for the very first time. Her incredible journey led her to be the Online Student Commencement Speaker for the Graduating Class of 2022. Dana’s impact has been profound working in multiple local and national nonprofits in areas such as marketing, advocacy, fundraising, event planning, volunteer management, communications, programs, public speaking, and more.Dana’s dedication doesn’t stop there. She founded “The Trauma Survivor’s Guide to Life Abundantly,” a vital resource aiding survivors in rebuilding their lives after trauma or crisis. Her written blogs, which have been reposted by numerous sites and viewed worldwide, provide solace and guidance to countless individuals.Her selfless service earned Dana the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award for her countless hours of volunteer work. As a devoted mother, wife, and stepmother, she continues to prove that one can rise from the depths of adversity to inspire and empower others to create their own incredible stories of triumph. Dana Rutherford is a shining example of what it means to never give up on one’s dreams and to always strive for a life lived abundantly.