One of the most significant obstacles I have faced was during my first year of college. As the first person in my family to attend a four-year university, I was navigating an entirely new world on my own. My parents, who are deaf, could not offer advice on things like financial aid forms, academic advising, or campus resources. I was balancing a heavy course load with a part-time job to help cover expenses, and I felt a constant pressure to succeed not just for myself, but for my entire family. Halfway through my first semester, the stress became overwhelming. I was working late, studying late, and I felt isolated. There was a moment I considered giving up, thinking it would be easier to just go back home and find a full-time job. But then I thought about the example I was setting for my younger siblings. I was their hope for a different future, and I couldn't let them down. I decided to change my approach instead of giving up. I started visiting my professors during their office hours, sought out tutoring centers, and connected with other students who were also working their way through college. I learned to ask for help, something that was difficult for me, and discovered a support system I didn't know existed. Overcoming this obstacle wasn't about pushing through alone; it was about learning to lean on others and building my own community. My experience with overcoming obstacles has directly informed my approach to leadership. I believe true leadership is not about having all the answers, but about empowering others to find their own. This is the philosophy behind my nonprofit, Interpreting Life for You. As the founder, my role is to guide and equip deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals with the tools they need to live independently. I don't just solve their problems; I teach them how to solve their own. For example, instead of simply interpreting a conversation with a banker, I will teach them how to use video relay services and prepare them with the vocabulary and questions needed for future conversations. Leadership, to me, is also about seeing potential where others might see a barrier. As a special education bus monitor, I lead by example, treating every child with respect and helping them find their voice, even if they can't speak with words. In my personal life, I see leadership as my husband coaching young women in basketball, extending his knowledge and passion to a new generation of athletes. We both demonstrate leadership by investing in the growth of others, showing them they are capable of achieving more than they ever thought possible. I have learned that the greatest leaders don't create followers; they create more leaders.

Growing up as the oldest of seven children to deaf parents, I was immersed in a world of silent strength and unwavering resilience. My childhood wasn't just about playing games; it was a masterclass in communication and advocacy. I learned early on to bridge the gap between two worlds, interpreting not just language, but life itself. This unique upbringing instilled in me a deep-seated commitment to service and a passion for empowering others, a passion that ultimately led me to become the first person in my family to graduate from college. My journey continued as I became a wife and a mother to three wonderful children. Balancing family life with my professional aspirations has been a testament to the organizational skills and tenacity I developed in my youth. It was in 2020 that I decided to formalize my life's mission by founding my nonprofit, Interpreting Life for You. The goal of my organization is simple yet profound: to teach deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals how to live independently. We go beyond basic sign language interpretation, focusing on practical life skills like navigating financial systems, seeking employment, and advocating for one's own needs. We believe that with the right tools, these individuals can overcome societal barriers and lead fulfilling, self-sufficient lives. My work extends into my community as a part-time special education bus monitor. In this role, I have the privilege of helping children with special needs navigate their daily routines. It's a job that reinforces my belief in the importance of every individual's journey and the power of a helping hand, no matter how small the gesture may seem. These experiences, both with my nonprofit and as a bus monitor, are a constant source of inspiration and reinforce my dedication to creating a more inclusive and understanding world. When I am not focused on my work, I cherish my time with my family. My son's passion for baseball has made me a dedicated fan, and I love watching him grow both on and off the field. Similarly, my husband's talent for basketball extends beyond the court; he coaches a select group of young women, mentoring them and teaching them the value of teamwork and discipline. Watching him share his knowledge and passion with the next generation is a constant reminder of the ripple effect that one person's commitment can have. My life’s purpose is to continue this ripple effect. The skills and experiences I have gained from my unique upbringing, my family life, and my professional endeavors have prepared me to be a powerful advocate for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. My desire is not just to help others, but to empower them to help themselves. With every step I take, whether it is through my nonprofit, my job as a bus monitor, or as a mother and wife, I aim to create a lasting impact and build a more accessible and equitable world for all.