Ally Dukek was named a 2022 Rise’ing Star at our Annual Rise Gala in October. She is pictured receiving her award from Rise President and CEO Lynn Noren and Chief Program Officer Tim Dickie.

Allison (Ally) Dukek has always wanted to work with children, though doctors and family had doubts she would fit into an independent, community-based job due to her disability. Yet, she has persisted. Her first placement in a daycare center was a disappointment when she and her employers and coworkers struggled to work together. But again, she continued forward to a new job, which was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ally eventually began another position at New Horizon Academy in Savage, where she has found success.

Ally is now independent and doing the work she’s dreamed of. She is skilled at handling uncooperative babies and challenging toddlers like a pro. She continues to work against the odds, defining herself on her own terms.