I have always been compelled to help others. As a child, I was constantly helping my family and friends any time they’d ask. I’d take in stray animals, knowing I wasn’t allowed to keep them, and hide them until they were well enough to be on their own. I was the person in middle school that organized clothing and food drives.

I did not grow up wealthy, but I knew that I was privileged in other ways. I didn’t always have my voice, but over the years I learned how to use my privileges to help others. In my work and personal life, I am now always on the lookout for ways to be an advocate for others.

I’ve learned over the years that we all can be advocates for others. The key is listening. We can listen to the needs of a group of people, and then listen to the struggles they face and how we can help. I have made it my goal to do exactly this in my career. I’m happiest when I’m helping others, and that’s exactly what we do here at Recharge America.

I’m fortunate enough to have three amazing children who are following in my footsteps, helping others, and becoming advocates, not just allies. We spend our time gardening, traveling with my sister and her children, and attending cheer, soccer, and mountain biking events. We also have 3 dogs, 2 chickens, and at this point we’ve rescued 6 cats, but that number seems to grow every few months. Our goal is to move onto a small farmette so we can grow more food to share with others, and rescue any animal in need.