Diana Calderon helps Valley kids to a brighter future

A woman in the Valley shares with us how students who have had a tough life are getting the help they need to have a successful future.

Diana Calderon has wanted to be an artist her entire life.

Today, she's living out her dreams while helping young, underprivileged kids achieve theirs.

As an AmeriCorps National Service Alum, Diana dedicated 1,800 hours of community service to at-risk youth.

She continues to work with at-risk youth, serving as art coordinator and instructor at what she calls her dream job.

Diana is the art coordinator and instructor for Las Artes de Maricopa in Maryvale. She tells us the program was developed for disadvantaged youth ages 16 to 21 who are trying to overcome difficult situations in their lives.

While pursuing their GED, students participate in several different public art projects as they learn job-readiness skills like money management, job interviews, and writing a resume.

Diana tells us one of the things that inspires her most is watching these students overcome these obstacles and start believing in themselves.

To see some Diana's work, head to her blog .

You can learn more about the Las Artes De Maricopa in Maryvale on their website .

You can also learn more about her volunteer organization, Caritas in Veritate on their website .