Sam Fuentes

Sam Fuentes emerged as a resilient advocate following the tragic events of the Parkland school shooting on February 14, 2018, where she sustained life-altering injuries. While she survived the attack, Sam now lives with bullet shrapnel lodged in her legs and behind her right eye, along with the ongoing challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The loss of friends and faculty members deeply affected her, igniting a fierce commitment to combatting gun violence and ensuring that no one else suffers similarly.

Her advocacy is rooted in a tumultuous upbringing. Raised in a trailer park in Davie, Florida, by a single mother who struggled with alcoholism and an absent father, Sam faced relentless bullying and violence, both in her neighborhood and at home. This tumult led her into abusive relationships during her teenage years, culminating in a suicide attempt at fifteen after moving to Coral Springs and transferring to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Despite these hardships, Sam found stability and happiness in her later years, which inspires her to encourage others to seek help and stand up for themselves.

Currently, Sam collaborates with Angel Faces, an organization dedicated to supporting girls who have experienced various traumas. Her journey has transformed her into a powerful advocate for human rights and equality, emphasizing the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. Sam believes in the power of collective action against injustice and inspires others to harness their voices, regardless of the challenges they face.