Friends,

As many of you know, I recently graduated from California Indian Nations College and am continuing my education toward my bachelor's degree at Arizona State University. I am a career birthworker: a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), full-spectrum doula, childbirth educator, and advocate for families. I have devoted my life to supporting our community's most marginalized families- like my own.

As a first generation college student, this journey has been one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have ever done. I have worked full-time, attended college full-time, and supported my family along the way. I grew up in and aged out of foster care, so family support has never been something I could rely on.

One of the realities of attending ASU as an out of state student is that it is incredibly expensive. Despite maxing out my Pell Grant and federal student loans each term, I still have a substantial balance remaining. ASU places holds on student accounts with outstanding balances, which prevents future enrollment and creates an immovable barrier to completing a degree.

I am so close to the finish line, yet still have a significant balance that could not be covered by financial aid. I still have a year to go.

As a mother of many, a community advocate, and someone who has spent years supporting families through pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and parenting, I am humbly asking my community to support me, too.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward my outstanding university balance and help me continue moving forward in my education.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me, supported me, referred clients, attended classes, volunteered alongside me, or simply cheered me on over the years. Whether you donate, share a post, or send words of encouragement, I appreciate you more than you know.

Miigwech. ❤️