When Fernanda Zamora walked into her first Seeds of Hope Young Women’s Leadership Experience as a high schooler, she was searching—not just for answers about leadership or spirituality, but for something more personal.
“I was in the process of discovering my identity and deepening my relationship with my faith,” she recalls. “The program gave me a chance to explore both in a way I hadn’t before—and it changed everything.”
Hosted by the Felician Sisters, Seeds of Hope is more than a summer program—it’s a launchpad for young women discerning their values, voice and vocation. Through reflection, service, community and hands-on leadership experiences, the program empowers participants to step into their authentic selves and begin shaping the world around them.
“I’m so glad I pushed myself to take that first step,” Fernanda says. “It was truly transformative.”
LESSONS IN TRUST AND CHALLENGE (COURSES)
Ask Fernanda her favorite part of the program and she won’t hesitate:
“The challenge course!” she laughs. “It was more than just fun—it helped build trust and encouraged teamwork. We were cheering each other on, lifting each other up—literally and figuratively.”
BEYOND THE LABELS
For Fernanda, one of the most powerful lessons was learning to embrace who she was—fully and confidently.
“It’s okay to be different from what’s considered ‘popular,’” she says. “Your true self is not only valuable but necessary.” That spirit of authenticity has carried her into every leadership role since—from mentoring at her university to leading in the workplace with purpose and compassion.
“Seeds of Hope laid the foundation,” she explains. “It gave me the confidence to lead with integrity.”
But even with all the energy and excitement, the experience required vulnerability.
“Opening up in such a short timeframe was tough,” she admits. “But the more I embraced the discomfort, the more I grew. Seeds of Hope taught me that leadership requires both courage and connection.”
REAL LEADERSHIP. REAL RELATIONSHIPS. REAL IMPACT.
Fernanda’s story is just one example of how Seeds of Hope is shaping a new generation of female leaders grounded in faith, service and self-awareness. The program introduces participants to diverse leadership styles and helps them identify their own strengths.
“It helped me understand how I lead best—and how I can keep growing,” Fernanda says. “That kind of self-awareness is so important.”
She also cherishes the lifelong relationships she formed through the experience.
“One of my friends flew across the country to visit—we went sightseeing and bungee jumping!” she says. “And I still keep in touch with former mentees. The connections I made through Seeds of Hope are truly lasting.”
A SPARK FOR MISSION AND PURPOSE
Beyond leadership, Seeds of Hope helped Fernanda discover a deeper calling: mission work.
“It made me realize how much I love volunteering,” she says. “After I finish my doctoral program, I hope to join the sisters in missionary work. It’s become part of my life’s goals.”
FROM PARTICIPANT TO PEER MENTOR
One of the most meaningful chapters in Fernanda’s Seeds of Hope journey came after her initial experience—when she returned to serve as a peer mentor and later as an assistant coordinator to the program.
“Coming back in a leadership role was incredibly fulfilling,” she says. “It was a chance to give back and walk alongside other young women, just as someone had done for me.”
What stands out about Fernanda is how she took what she learned and paid it forward. Becoming a peer mentor and then a program assistant wasn’t just a next step—it was a sign of how deeply she internalized the values of Seeds of Hope and wanted to extend them to others. As a mentor, Fernanda modeled servant leadership and provided encouragement to newer participants navigating the same path she once walked. Her presence reinforced the program’s mission: empowering young women not only to lead but to lift others as they rise.
ADVICE TO FUTURE PARTICIPANTS: BE BRAVE, BE OPEN.
What would Fernanda say to someone thinking about signing up?
“I can honestly say this experience will change your life,” she says. “You’ll laugh, you’ll grow and you’ll make friendships that last. But most importantly—you’ll realize you’re not alone.”
Her advice? “Be open-minded. Be vulnerable. You never know who you might inspire just by being yourself.”
From courage on the challenge course to compassion in the community, Fernanda Zamora is living proof: when you give young women space to grow in faith and leadership, the seeds you plant can change the world.
July 11-18, 2026 is the next Seeds of Hope Young Women’s Leadership Experience at Maryville Retreat Center, Holly, MI.
