Diana turned to the Lapeer County Family Independence Agency (FIA) in October 1992. At that time, she was single, pregnant and had been recently laid off from her job. Through the FIA she received Aid for Dependent Children, (now known as Family Independence Program benefits), Medicaid and food stamps.

In February 1993, she gave birth to twin daughters. While she was grateful for the help she received, she was determined to make sure that the support would be temporary and only used to get them through a difficult period. She did not want to raise her children on public assistance.

In the past Diana had worked at Meijers and at various other businesses to support her family. However, none of these jobs had ever lasted very long and she was constantly forced to look for new employment to augment her income. Despite these difficulties she never became discouraged, instead her experiences made her even more determined to find and keep a job. Diana believed that she would have greater employment opportunities if she furthered her education.

In 1996, Diana decided to attend the Detroit College of Business (now Davenport College). She received an Associates Degree in Business Administration on June 21, 1998. While she attended school the MOST program assisted her with day care and gas mileage. The Thumb Area Michigan Works! helped with car repairs, mileage and educational support.

Diana began her current employment at Wendy's in Lapeer in August 1996. She was named Employee of the Month in February 1997 and was later chosen Employee of the Year. When she obtained her Associates Degree she was promoted to a management position.