Can government programs eradicate poverty in America? From Star Parker’s perspective, the welfare state only makes poverty worse. Having lived on welfare and having experienced its dampening impact on her spirit and community, Star carries a passion for its eradication from the ground up. She is the Founder and President of Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE), a Washington DC based public policy institute that promotes market-based solutions to fight poverty. Her perspectives may help to awaken America, one person at a time.