Community Highlights: Meet Raya White of Raya’s Rays of Light Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raya White.

Hi Raya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a lifetime resident of Ohio, born in 1974. I was a teen mother with dreams and aspirations of becoming a child psychologist. I am a divorced mother of two who sacrificed my career for marriage and parenthood. I began my medical career as a medical assistant in 2004. I later returned to school at the age of 37 to pursue my certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing. After graduation, I immediately returned to obtain my Associates in Registered Nursing. I worked as a mental health nurse working with adolescents which inspired me to return back to school to pursue higher education. I completed a bridge program that included BSN and MSN classes with a focus in Nursing Education. I became passionate about mental health and education, later returning to school at Purdue University Global to obtain my Doctorate in Nursing Practice at the age of 46. After graduating at the age of 47, I returned to Purdue University Global to obtain my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification and graduated at the age of 50. I passed the ANCC Boards in October of 2025, 2 weeks before my 51st birthday.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working towards my goals has been challenging. During my pursuit of higher education, I faced many obstacles that made me question if I could complete this journey. I lost many loved ones during my schooling including 3 aunts, many uncles, my step father, biological father, many close cousins, and ex husband. I was unable to grieve properly due to various deadlines, assignments and challenges faced with finding clinical sites and completing hours. I faced my own breakdown in mental health trying to stay afloat and keep a positive outlook on life. I had to travel out of town during winter snow and spring rain storms, pay for clinical hours and schooling out of pocket, while maintaining my household and health. I worked full-time for a company, managed my foundation, hosted a radio show and podcast and assisted with various projects for others.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Raya’s Rays of Light Foundation?
I am the founder and visionary of Raya’s Rays of Light Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization that offers free services, support, education, services and host local events to bring awareness to mental health. We connect individuals and families with appropriate resources to improved their wellbeing and quality of life. We have hosted community events, public forums, safe space brunches, Zumba wellness classes and more.

What sets us apart from others is the authenticity and genuineness for helping others. We aim to offer services and resources at no charge to help others achieve their goals. We provide a safe, nonjudgmental and trusting environment that is conducive to positive changes.

I am most proud of being an example of perseverance, strength, and resilience. It is imperative that I am an example of going through the healing process, being transparent, vulnerable and eager to achieve my goals. I continue to be unapologetic about my personal healing journey and dedicated to ensuring others have resources to do the same.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the diversity of Columbus, Ohio.

I am not too fond of the changes in weather from day to day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rayasraysoflight.info
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/rayasraysoflight_fdtn?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raysoflightfoundation/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC63auYL2YRQYWbRwzq1ZAsQ

Image Credits
Shae White
Kiara Bell
Cherie Thacker