From Student to Speaker: Julissa Soto Honors DPS GED Graduates

Date of Event: June 7, 2025
Location: Denver, Colorado
Event: Denver Public Schools GED Graduation Ceremony
Role: Keynote Speaker

On June 7, 2025, Julissa Soto returned to a space that once held her greatest challenges—this time, to celebrate a new generation of resilient learners. As keynote speaker for the Denver Public Schools GED Graduation Ceremony, Julissa addressed over 200 graduates and their families with a message that was deeply personal and powerfully inspiring.

“Not long ago, I was the one sitting in those very classrooms—struggling to understand a new language, a new culture, and a system that didn’t always feel built for someone like me.”

At just 16 years old, Julissa was a mother of two, a survivor of abuse, and someone the world didn’t expect to succeed. But she did. And now, she uses that lived experience to stand as a mentor, advocate, and witness to the power of resilience.

A Celebration of Determination

This year's ceremony honored GED graduates from across the city—many of whom are parents themselves, balancing childcare, work, and the pursuit of education through the DPS Community Hubs. These programs go far beyond academics, providing:

• 👶 Childcare

• 💼 Career coaching

• 💵 Financial support

• 💖 Hope and community

Julissa’s keynote was a tribute to that effort—to the long nights, the early mornings, and the unwavering belief that it’s never too late to change your story.

A Message to the Graduates

With passion and conviction, Julissa reminded each graduate of their worth and their power:

• You are resilient.

• You are powerful.

• You are UNSTOPPABLE.

Her words weren’t abstract inspiration—they were grounded in real life, spoken by someone who had lived the same fight. The same fear. The same hope.

“I didn’t give up. And neither did you.”