Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives

As a native of St. Louis, Missouri, I spent 20 years raising two sons as a single mother. During that time, I balanced the responsibilities of parenting with the pursuit of higher education, earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Nine years ago, I relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, seeking a fresh start and a way to make a greater impact. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me resilience, compassion, and the power of community.

Professionally, I serve as a special education teacher working with students who are wards of the state. These young people have incredible potential but often lack consistent support systems and access to resources that could help them thrive academically and personally. Through my work, I’ve seen firsthand how poverty, instability, and lack of access to basic needs can disrupt a young person’s life and a family’s future.

I also know this struggle personally; I have lived the reality of unstable housing and limited resources. Also, I have met hardworking individuals with great ideas for small businesses, but no guidance or financial access to make them a reality. Additionally, I have seen families living in motels, unsure of where to turn next. I know firsthand, I was one of them.