Writers’ Biographies Emma Aviles-Rodriquez Emma Aviles-Rodriquez graduated from Madonna University and the SWEEP program in May 2013. She received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. As a mother of two girls (a two-year-old and a three-year-old), her degree is a great accomplishment, but she cannot define it as her full success. Currently she works as the Springwells Village College Access Network (SVCAN) Coordinator. Her passion is to find better opportunities for other students to be successful. Emma understands how difficult it is to overcome obstacles to achieve her goals, but she believes that her faith in God and Our Lady Guadalupe can make everything possible.
Donnie Barnes Donna graduated from Madonna University’s SWEEP Campus in 2004. She retired from Vistas Nuevas as a family service worker. She is a pastor’s wife, encouraging youth with challenges. She was residing in Southwest Detroit when she graduated from the SWEEP program with honors.
Janice Barreto Janice was born in Puerto Rico in 1972 and brought to Detroit when she was six months old. She was raised by her mother in Southwest Detroit after her parents’ divorce. Janice graduated from high school, got married and had her first son in less than one year. After working odd jobs here and there, she began working at Vistas Nuevas Head Start in 1996. She enrolled at WCCC for night classes. She then transferred to Madonna University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2005. Janice later earned a master’s degree from Oakland University in 2012. 39