LaKendra Mackey: From Homeless Veteran to College Graduate — Redefining Resilience

It’s never too late to rewrite your story — and LaKendra Mackey is living proof.

A previously homeless veteran and devoted mother of six, Mackey fought against overwhelming odds to become a first-generation college graduate, earning her degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her remarkable story of perseverance and purpose has inspired thousands after being featured on Fox 5 Atlanta and recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for her commitment to service and education (Fox 5 Atlanta, VA News).

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From Service to Struggle

Before her journey in higher education, Mackey spent ten years serving in the United States Navy, where she developed a deep sense of discipline, leadership, and service to others. During her active-duty years, she earned an associate degree from the University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College, showing early signs of her academic potential (University of Arkansas System).

But when her military service ended, life became extraordinarily difficult. Transitioning back to civilian life, she faced homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), all while raising six children — one of whom has special needs.

“It was one of the lowest points of my life,” Mackey later shared. “But I looked at my kids and realized they were watching me. I wanted to show them that it’s never too late to rise again.” (Fox 5 Atlanta).

Her children became her greatest motivation to return to school — not only to secure a better life for them, but also to empower herself to help others experiencing similar hardships.

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Finding Purpose in Education

Determined to create a new chapter, Mackey relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas, where she enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) to pursue a degree in social work. There, she discovered the university’s TRIO Student Support Services — a federal program designed to assist first-generation, low-income, and disabled students in achieving academic success (U.S. Department of Education).

“TRIO has helped me in a lot of ways to stay afloat in my courses,” Mackey told UA Little Rock News Center. “The advisors let me talk to them and give me a sense of relief that it’s just not me. They take your small successes, and they make it into a big deal.”

TRIO provided her with mentoring, financial literacy resources, and emotional support — all of which became critical lifelines during her studies. The program also connected her with other first-generation students who shared her determination to rise above life’s challenges.

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Defying the Odds

As a non-traditional student balancing parenting, work, and school, Mackey often faced self-doubt. Yet, she never allowed her circumstances — or her identity — to limit her ambition.

“I feel like I have to prove that I have a right to be here because of my age, my race, my gender — everything,” she said. “I’m showing my daughter and my sons that you shouldn’t let obstacles stop you from achieving a degree.” (Fox 5 Atlanta).

Her professors and peers describe her as “a quiet force” — someone whose humility is matched only by her drive. “LaKendra brings empathy and leadership to every classroom,” one of her instructors told The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “Her life experience adds incredible depth to her work in social justice and mental health advocacy.”

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A Mission Rooted in Service

For Mackey, earning her bachelor’s degree in Spring 2021 wasn’t just a personal victory — it was a turning point toward a life of purpose. After graduation, she was accepted into Little Rock’s Master of Social Work program, continuing her mission to advocate for veterans, women, and families with disabilities (UA Little Rock News Center).

“I want to be the same kind of help to others that people were to me,” she said. “So many veterans return home and struggle with mental health or housing instability. I understand that pain, and I want to make sure no one feels forgotten.” (NPR, 2021).

Her story reflects a broader national issue: according to USA Today, roughly 40,000 veterans experience homelessness each year, and thousands more battle mental health challenges like PTSD. Mackey’s success highlights the transformative power of education and community support in breaking that cycle.

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Inspiring a Generation of Overcomers

Mackey’s journey — from Navy veteran to homeless mother to college graduate — is a story of resilience that transcends statistics. Her achievements serve as a reminder that success isn’t defined by where you start, but by how fiercely you keep moving forward.

She often tells other non-traditional students and parents: “You can’t let your circumstances write your ending. You get to write your own story.”

With her master’s degree on the horizon and a career in social work ahead, LaKendra Mackey continues to prove that it’s never too late to dream, to learn, and to rebuild.

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Congratulations, LaKendra — you’ve not only changed your story but are helping others rewrite theirs.