Hi, my name is Shelby, and I’m a proud mother of four—ages 3, 4, 5, and 13—doing everything I can to build a stable and meaningful future for my children.

I am also a first-generation college graduate—the first in my entire family to attend and complete college. I started this journey as a young mother, driven by the desire to create a different path not just for myself, but for my children and my family as a whole. I wanted to prove that more was possible and to make a real difference.

Through determination and long nights, I was able to earn my degree and grow professionally. Most recently, I served as a Federal Project Director for Eastern University, where I oversaw a multimillion-dollar grant and worked to positively impact my community. Prior to that, I served as the Contracts Compliance Specialist at The School District of Philadelphia, in both the Office of Capital Programs and General Counsel.

While I am incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, the reality is that life is still financially challenging.

Behind the titles and accomplishments, I am still a full-time mother raising four young children—providing for them, supporting them emotionally, and making sure they have everything they need to thrive. Even with my experience and work ethic, it has still been rough to maintain financial stability while carrying the weight of student loan debt.

My total student loan balance is approximately $90,000.

I understand that this is a large amount, and I am not expecting to raise it all. I am simply asking for support—whatever anyone is able and willing to give—to help lighten this burden. My goal is to start small, build momentum, and take meaningful steps toward financial relief.

There are times where I have to choose between making payments toward my loans or covering the immediate needs of my children—and as a mother, my children will always come first.

This fundraiser is not about asking for a handout—it’s about asking for a chance to breathe, to stabilize, and to continue moving forward without constantly feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re able to give, no matter the amount, please know it will make a real and lasting difference in our lives. And if you’re unable to give, sharing this with others would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for your compassion, and for being part of our journey forward.

— Shelby