Thomas Awiapo has a truly inspiring story of survival and success. Orphaned before the age of ten, Thomas survived bleak poverty and hunger in his small African village. His search for food led him to school at age 12 where he eventually won scholarships to attend college and later earned a Master’s degree from California State University.  Today, Thomas works for Catholic Relief Services training community leaders throughout Ghana, where he lives with his wife and four children.  His story of initiative and his joyful presence has brought inspiration to thousands of people in the U.S.