About Us
Our Story
Single Mom Scholars is a nonprofit organization dedicated to walking alongside low-income single mothers as they pursue their college degrees and build brighter futures for their families.
Originally founded in 2002 as Helping Hands for Single Moms in Phoenix, the program expanded to Dallas in 2019 with a bold vision: to remove the barriers that make higher education feel out of reach for single moms and to foster a community where they can thrive—not just survive.
In 2025, we embraced a new name—Single Mom Scholars—to better reflect our identity and the incredible women we serve. The name change marks an exciting new chapter as we look to expand our impact across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and into Houston.
Despite the new name, our mission remains unchanged:
Empower low-income single mothers to attain a college degree, achieve financial independence, build a family legacy, and elevate their communities
At the heart of our work is a belief in the power of education, the strength of single mothers, and the ripple effect that support, encouragement, and opportunity can create, generation after generation.
Together, we’re not just helping single moms graduate.
We’re raising scholars, leaders, and legacies.
Leadership Team
The leadership behind Single Mom Scholar is united by one goal: helping single mothers succeed in college and beyond. With a deep understanding of the challenges these women face, our team brings experience, empathy, and a relentless commitment to building pathways to brighter futures.
Ralph Ujano Jr.
Founder & Board Chair
The Ujano Advisory Group LLC
Lynn Palmer
Secretary
Retired (Lockton)
Jim Aubele
Director
Retired (Ryan LLC)
Greta Cokely
Director
Schumacher Electric
Kevin Good
Director
Conner & Winters LLP
Janice Parker
Director
Kaufman Dolowich Law Firm
Cierra Wirth
Director
First Citize’s Bank
Lisette Treske
Director
Charles Schwab
Krystal DeLeon
Director
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Amy Scott
Director
Ryan LLC
Maureen Locus
Director
Holmes Murphy
Kaylee Contreras
Co Executive Director
Single Mom Scholars
Allison Nichols
Co Executive Director
Single Mom Scholars
Our Impact
We measure success in degrees earned, lives changed, and futures made brighter. Thanks to the generosity of our community, Single Mom Scholar has helped dozens of women pursue their education and build lasting stability for their families.
Dallas Single Mother Poverty Rate
Dallas Children Living In Poverty
Only 8% of single mothers who start college earn a degree within six years
Added to the Dallas economy over the career of each graduate
Graduation Rate
Join Our Mission
Empower low-income single mothers to attain a college degree, achieve financial independence, build a family legacy, and elevate their communities