Valerie Ray, under the pseudonym Smiley Grace, is a diligent honor student pursuing a Public and Nonprofit Administration degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Smiley is a survivor of intimate partner violence and a prolific writer. Smiley has worked in various industries, including oil, finance, law enforcement, and non-profit organizations. Smiley and her professor are conducting a preliminary investigation into the compensation packages of CEOs in 501(c) nonprofit organizations in the United States. Smiley is an active member of her community, participating in advocacy work and lobbying the New York State Legislature. As a Malave Leadership Academy (MLA) cohort member, she participated in the IREX Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge, tackling the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2: Zero Hunger and Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all with an Atmospheric Hybrid Water Generator. Smiley is a remarkable individual who inspires others through her work and advocacy. Smiley’s published memoir and scholarly masterpiece “Lord, He Hit Me Again: An Insider's Look at Intimate Partner Violence" is a poignant and eye-opening scholarly literary work supported by data and statistics and a powerful picturesque perspective of domestic victims' traumatic journey. Smiley’s academic journey and life experience have ignited a fire within her, equipping her with the 3Ps: Preparation, Practice, and Performance to pursue her vision of becoming an advocate volunteering to combat elder abuse, domestic violence, and housing insecurity.