For the Moncada Soto family, the Emily K Center is a shared experience that shaped the journeys of three siblings. Cinthia, Carlos, and Ashley each came to the Center at the start of high school and discovered the same community of care that guided them through some of their most formative years.
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Moncada Soto Siblings
Growing Up With the Center
Cinthia was the first to join, participating in Scholars to College (2014–2018) and Scholars on Campus (2018–2022). Her journey came full circle in 2024 when she returned to serve on the Center’s Advancement Committee. Carlos followed, participating in Scholars to College and Scholars on Campus (2018–present). Ashley joined Scholars to College in 2021 and is currently a first year student at NC State University in the Scholars on Campus program.
When reflecting on their time at the Center, all three highlight one consistent factor: the people.
For Cinthia, the relationships she formed were transformative. “I fully believe because of the support I received from the Emily K Center, I am where I am today,” she shared. That guidance helped her earn the Golden Door Scholarship and attend Guilford College on a full ride. To this day, she stays in touch with mentors from Scholars to College, meeting with them throughout the year and continuing to seek their advice.
Carlos says that programs at the Center feel practical and personal. “Being at the Center helped me become a better version of myself,” says Carlos. “I always felt like I belonged. I look back and remember how much I enjoyed being part of that community, a place where I could see pieces of myself reflected in others.” With mentorship and encouragement from the Center, Carlos also earned the Golden Door Scholarship.
Ashley found support both academically and personally. When math or chemistry felt overwhelming, tutoring was there. When college and scholarship applications felt intimidating, feedback from staff and mentors helped her feel more self-assured. “It was a big help to receive feedback on my scholarship and college application drafts,” she said. Ashley earned multiple scholarship offers, including awards from the Latino Credit Union, the DPS Foundation, and Rotary Club of Southwest Durham.
Becoming More Than Students
Academics were only part of the growth that happened at the Emily K Center. Equally important were the life and leadership skills that each sibling developed along the way.
Cinthia shared that curriculum nights after long school days required persistence, but they were also where things began to click. She learned time management, organization, and networking, and experiences like speaking at the Mother’s Day Ball gave her a sense of accomplishment. “The most important thing I learned was to never give up and to always ask for help when needed,” she shared.
Carlos found growth from both structure and community. Mock presentations helped him build confidence early on, while senior-year college application support guided major decisions. Some of his most meaningful memories are nights at the Center – working on projects, swapping drafts, filling out applications, and laughing through the stress together. Those moments of teamwork, challenge, and celebration shaped not only his academic path, but his sense of community.
Ashley’s growth came from stepping outside her comfort zone. She practiced communication skills, presented in front of peers, and attended career exploration nights that exposed her to new possibilities. “I would never think that I could speak in front of a crowd,” she reflected, “but it showed me how much growth I’d had.” One defining moment came during a summer transition trip to Wilmington, NC, which strengthened her bonds with peers through activities, late-night conversations, and simple moments together.
Where They Are Now
Today, Cinthia, Carlos, and Ashley are building full and impactful lives shaped partially by their experience at the Emily K Center.
Cinthia is an Oncology Research Coordinator at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center and recently purchased her first home with her husband. She enjoys taking spin classes, reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Carlos is in New York preparing to graduate from Hamilton College, where his journey included scholarships, awards, internships, undergraduate research, and leadership experiences. He loves playing sports, coding, and reading. At Hamilton, you’ll find him playing Super Smash Bros. with his fraternity brothers and goofing around in the snow.
Ashley is now a student at NC State University, studying business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship in hopes of owning her own coffee shop one day. She enjoys baking, going to the gym, and picking up a new show to watch. Stranger Things was a recent favorite!
Their story is a reminder that when students and families are supported consistently and holistically, the impact extends far beyond one student or one moment. It becomes something that lasts for years to come.
Read more stories at emilyk.org/20-years