The Beginning

Growing up as a first-generation American daughter to asylum seeking immigrants has very much shaped who I am. My parents escaped a war-torn country, coming to the U.S. with nothing. Growing up poor, truly taught me the meaning of giving back and helping others. My parents were true examples of resilience, patience, community, and the American Dream.

We grew up with so much support from our community and have worked continuously to give back. When my parents finally moved to a small Eastern Washington town in the late 1990s and started their own business, a donut shop, their American Dream was realized.

Growing Up

It was within the walls of the donut shop that we continued our community growing. As a high school student, I often traded boxes of donuts for duties around the donut shop with youth from the community. My friends and I frequently helped many complete free lunch vouchers, college or job applications, and from time to time, assisted parents with apartment applications and other forms. This type of community engagement showed me the importance of empathy, conversation and community.

Many of those we served or helped serve in the community, have grown into their own community advocacy roles as well, either professionally and/or through volunteerism.

M

Active Advocacy

As I grew older and pursued my own life goals, I continued to volunteer and give in many ways to the communities I was a part of. My community within the workplace also grew. I was building a reputation of breaking down silos and implementing sustainable change management in both my volunteer organizations and the workplace.

I began the Master’s in Organizational Leadership program at Gonzaga University in May 2019 in hope of gaining the skills necessary to combat toxic work environments and to help make our communities better.

Time to be Engaged

Through this educational journey, I’ve learned that conversations, though often hard, is where community building can truly begin.

My hope is that through regular and candid conversations with leaders, especially women within my circle, we continue to create the communities needed to make our world a better place.

If you’re looking for inspiration, guidance, or support , visit My Circle or let’s chat!