Saluting Solymar for Achieving Youth Ambassador Recognition on Youth Success Day!

Eckerd Connects proudly celebrates Solymar for being named a 2025 Youth Ambassador by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). This incredible young woman was honored with other Youth Ambassadors during the DJJ Youth Success Day ceremony on April 15 in Tallahassee. Youth Success Day is a statewide celebration honoring young people who have overcome significant challenges and are now thriving with the support of DJJ and its community partners.

Solymar was nominated by Eckerd Connects’ Project Bridge, a program that helps justice-involved youth transition back into their communities with the tools and support needed for long-term success.

Solymar shared:

“It’s definitely something for the books, an honor, a privilege. They chose me out of who knows how many other youths?”

When Solymar approached Project Bridge, she was a teenager seeking help to get her life on track and achieve some important personal goals.

The program provided much-needed stability and support;

• Life Skills
• Work Readiness Skills
• Central Area Adult Ed. Program
• Community Service

Even though it wasn’t required, Solymar actively participated in community service projects, her favorite being time spent helping the homeless. She excelled in life skills training exercises, and, after a year and a half of educational training, Solymar earned her GED, calling it ‘the best thing ever’ to receive her diploma.

Solymar had an interest in cosmetology and barbering, with a particular passion for braiding hair. This resilient young woman wanted to attend a barbering school in Orlando, but the school was outside her family’s financial reach. The Project Bridge team nominated Solymar for an Eckerd Connects’ Success Award to help with tuition. Today, thanks to the award, 20-year-old Solymar is halfway through the Barber Academy of Orlando, already earning an income from doing hair.

Solymar credits Eckerd Connects for having a huge impact on her life:

“Last year, I set some goals for myself and I hit every single goal. It had felt impossible when I wrote it down. Now I checked off every one. So, this year, I put down bigger, better goals. Now I know it’s not impossible. I tell everyone you can do anything you put your mind to.”

Solymar’s achievements have served as an inspiration to others whom she has gladly helped whenever an opportunity arose.

Congratulations, Solymar, on a job well done. We look forward to seeing your future unfold!