Meet Veronica Nimri, the KFC Foundation’s 2025 GED Graduate of the Year. A Shift Supervisor at the KFC in Tacoma, WA, Veronica’s journey is defined by determination and a deep commitment to building a better future—not only for herself, but for others who share similar experiences.
Growing up with an unsteady childhood, Veronica leaned heavily on mental health professionals who helped guide her through challenging moments. Those experiences shaped not only who she is today, but also who she hopes to become.
“The professionals who surrounded me and helped me become the wonderful person I’ve grown to be are my heroes,” Veronica shares. “Because of them, I’ve gone farther than I ever thought possible—and it’s my goal and my passion to do the same for other young people in the future.”
“The professionals who surrounded me and helped me become the wonderful person I’ve grown to be are my heroes.”
Despite not finishing high school earlier in life, Veronica took it upon herself to study day in and day out—often balancing long shifts at work with her studies—to earn her GED.
“I wasn’t able to finish high school for the same reasons I needed mental health support,” she explains. “Despite that, I taught myself everything I needed to earn my GED with the KFC Foundation.”
Now that she has earned her GED, Veronica is continuing to build her skills through a manufacturing apprenticeship program, while preparing to pursue a degree in social work or psychology. Her goal is clear: to support others navigating similar challenges and help them see that a better future is possible.
“Veronica’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity,” says Emma Horn, Executive Director of the KFC Foundation. “She embodies the resilience, purpose, and potential that the Foundation exists to support.”
The KFC Foundation’s GED Achievement program provides KFC restaurant employees with free, comprehensive support to earn their high school credential. Participants receive unlimited access to official GED prep and testing, along with guidance from a dedicated GED Advisor. Graduates are guaranteed a scholarship to an accredited college or trade school of their choice (pending eligibility).
Each year, the KFC Foundation recognizes one outstanding graduate as GED Graduate of the Year and awards an additional $1,000 raffle prize to another program participant.
The 2025 GED Graduate raffle prize went to Ryan Goble, a Shift Supervisor at a KFC restaurant in Marion, VA.
###
