My name is Jessica Ann Dilworth. I’m a 27-year-old Black and Filipina woman, community caregiver, survivor, and spiritual advocate. I came to Virginia at just 18 years old from the Bay Area, full of hope, vision, and a deep calling to serve others.

I rooted myself in Virginia with purpose and perseverance—earning degrees from Hampton University and Norfolk State University, two HBCUs that shaped my voice, deepened my love for our people, and guided me toward a life of truth-telling and advocacy. I’m now a doctoral candidate in Social Work, focused on Leadership and Advocacy.

But systems of oppression don’t rest—and neither has my fight.

In March 2025, I was unjustly terminated for advocating for Black, brown, low-income, and vulnerable communities in my role. I spoke up. I called out negligence. I protected the people no one wanted to see—and in return, I was discarded.

Since that day, I’ve faced multiple forms of systemic retaliation:

• Housing discrimination and threats of eviction, even as I navigated unsafe conditions, legal loopholes, and unresolved issues—including correspondence sent to my address for an abusive ex who was removed from the lease years ago.

• Retaliation from my car loan provider, triggering added instability and risk despite timely efforts to remain in good standing.

• Blackballing in the job market: After applying to over 200 jobs, I’ve only secured 16 phone screenings and 2 in-person interviews, one of which required me to drive to Richmond without gas or support.

All this while I receive no familial help—and still rise to build something that will one day hold others through their own storms.

I am currently building a spiritually rooted healing and justice brand, one that centers survivors like me. It will offer space, services, and solidarity for people navigating systemic abandonment—and I hope to launch it soon. If you cannot donate, please consider requesting services when it’s ready.

This GoFundMe will help with:

• Legal fees for multiple discrimination and retaliation cases (EEOC, HUD, housing, and consumer harm)

• Emergency rent and basic survival needs

• Car repair and protection against repossession

• Support for the development of my advocacy platform

• Mental health and spiritual wellness needs as I push through extreme PTSD triggers

I’ve always believed that loving others boldly is a revolutionary act. I was punished for protecting others from harm. But I’m not afraid.

More will be shared once I secure legal counsel. Unfortunately, my EEOC mediation is not scheduled until October 2025, though I’m doing all I can to expedite the process.

If you can’t give financially—please send prayers, encouragement, share this campaign, and speak my name in rooms of light.

I am only 27 years old. I’ve given everything to justice.

Now, I ask for a little help to keep going.

I’m still here. Still standing.

Still surrendered to divine will.

Don’t let them erase me.

Bahala na.

With ancestral strength and gratitude,

Jessica Ann Dilworth

Doctoral Candidate | Advocate | Survivor | Bay to the South