The girl from Oakland, California who made a difference.

Every space, arena and conversation Cecilia Austin entered into, she would scan to see who to speak to before alerting the world of her presence. She would flash an imperfect smile but behind it would be something no dentist could align properly, something no one could judge but instead embrace: heart.

She took on roles with various organizations, gave life to a creative house where other aspiring journalists could flourish and impacted everyone who saw her or even met her within passing. Every morning, she’d quietly gather her life and ask the day, then the month and later the year to be gentle. To allow her to be graceful despite uncertain moments, proud and engaging to whatever dream she dared write down and later check off.

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