Niki Baker of Craighead County

This month, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is recognizing Ronisha “Niki” Baker. This Craighead County recipient is a full-time office manager, mother of three, and social work student dedicated to making a difference.

Niki chose social work as her major because she is passionate about helping others. As the full-time office manager for Secure Foundation Counseling PLLC, Niki credits her colleagues for motivating her professional growth.

“I have always thought my calling was in service to others, but I didn’t know in what capacity,” she said. “When I was blessed with this office manager position, it clicked. After watching my boss and how he helped people, I decided that this was how I could help people.”

Niki graduated with her associate degree last August and now is working on her bachelor’s degree online at Arizona State University. Her career goal is to earn her master’s degree, pass the licensure exam, and become a licensed clinical social worker at her workplace.

For Niki, time management has been her biggest hurdle. Despite the difficulties, she has stayed focused on her goal.

“My biggest win would be completing the associate program and earning my degree,” she said. “There were times when I was unsure if I could do it, but with the grace of the Almighty, I was able to be successful!”

Helping her along the way was ASPSF, which she describes as a “Godsend.”

“I use my scholarship to help with bills, buy groceries, and do some family activities with my girls,” she said. “I also love the workshops! They are very informative and useful. I like that the workshops aren’t just meaningless; they are based on topics that matter to single parents like debt management and budgeting.”

She shows her gratitude by giving back! The last two years, she has participated in ASPSF auction fundraisers.

Mentor and former coworker Connie Ryan encouraged Niki to apply for the single parent scholarship in Fall 2023. Since then, Niki has increased her GPA by leaps and bounds — a feat that has impressed ASPSF Program Manager Carrie Allen.

“Niki has a great energy and maturity about her,” Carrie said. “She came to ASPSF with a lower GPA from when she went to school years ago, but I’ve watched her hard work pay off: She now has a 3.67 GPA!”

As Niki pushes forward, her daughters — ages 21, 20, and 11 —  are also taking notice of her perseverance. Niki’s journey has influenced them, especially her youngest, who now dreams of attending college to become a baker.

To ASPSF donors, Niki expresses deep gratitude: “Thank you for easing burdens and believing in single parents. Your generosity changes lives.”

Congratulations, Niki, on all that you’ve accomplished! You are inspiring, and everyone at ASPSF is cheering you on as you pursue your dream of becoming a social worker. We can’t wait to see all that you achieve!