Miss Kentucky 2025 Ariana Rodriguez will be the featured guest speaker during the 9th annual Trailblazer Dinner hosted by Owensboro Community & Technical College on Feb. 26.
The event, presented by Independence Bank, will begin with a program fair at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the main program at 5:30 p.m. in OCTC’s Blandford Lecture Hall, located in the Humanities Building on the Main Campus.
Rodriguez, an advocate, storyteller, and founder of The Lucky Ones Foundation, made history as the first foster care alumna to place in the Top 11 at Miss America. She overcame childhood instability and homelessness to reach the national stage, and now uses her platform to support others with similar backgrounds.
Her Suitcase Project provides essential items to youth entering foster care, drawing statewide attention to the needs of vulnerable children and teens.
Guests at the dinner will hear Rodriguez share “a powerful message of resilience, purpose, and hope as she reflects on how education, mentorship, and community played a transformative role in her life,” a release about the event said. “Her story embodies the spirit of the Trailblazer Dinner and aligns with OCTC’s mission to uplift students and help them forge their own paths forward.”
The free event is geared toward middle and high school students and their parents or guardians, but all community members are welcome. A complimentary meal and OCTC swag bag will be available while supplies last.
Registration is required and can be completed at this Eventbrite link.
Sponsors for this year’s event include Independence Bank, Toyotetsu Mid America, OCTC Foundation, Inc., and Owensboro Health. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available.
For registration questions, email [email protected]. For sponsorship information, contact [email protected].
