This week for our “Ready, Set, Leap” series, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu welcomes the very student who first inspired her to begin serving college students years ago! In this episode, we meet Rwanda Carter, ASW, PPSC, Psychiatric Social Worker for LAUSD’s Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP). Born in Belize and raised in Watts, Rwanda shares how her parents’ sacrifices inspired her to uplift her community, build belonging, and lead with purpose. She recalls finding her voice through campus organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK)—programs that nurtured her drive to serve others. Now, as a mentor and advocate, Rwanda has come full circle, creating opportunities for high school students to experience growth, community wellness, and college exploration. Her powerful journey proves that when you invest in underserved communities, the results ripple across generations. Rwanda completed both her Master of Social Work and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at California State University, Fullerton. She is a dedicated social worker committed to uplifting and serving communities with limited access to mental health resources. As the BSAP Psychiatric Social Worker, she promotes mental wellness among historically underserved students through representation, advocacy, and culturally responsive care. Her work centers on reducing stigma, expanding access to mental health services, and empowering Black youth through trauma-informed and identity-affirming interventions. By collaborating with educators, families, and community partners, Rwanda helps create safe, inclusive environments where students feel seen, heard, and supported. Her long-term goal is to influence mental health policy to expand equitable access to care and address systemic barriers impacting marginalized populations. To learn more about Rwanda and her work, visit her at LAUSD.org or connect with her on LinkedIn.