My name is Johanna Padilla, a proud and visible Trans*-Queer Womyn of Color  working  in the non-profit sector as a Linkage and Retention Coordinator  assisting and helping our fellow Trans community obtain the very resources they need in Los Angeles.  I am also on the Board of Directors for CSW LA Pride working on developing  inclusive programing for all intersections of the LGBTQ+ community.

I am currently working on obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (F.I.D.M) in the hopes of later completing my Masters in Business Administration to one day building my own company and employing my own community.

My tuition cost is 33,971.00 a year  for a two year program. My total tuition cost is 67,942.00; Finical Aid is only providing me $12,500 for my first year, lowering my tuition to 21,471.  

I'm asking for 22,500 to cover the cost of my tuition, additional student expenses and Gofundme fees.

I have applied for private student loans to cover the rest, but unfortunately I have been denied even with my parents as consigners.

Despite my privilege of having full-time employment with a salary and good credit is not enough to render me a valuable lender for student loans.

At this point if I'm not able to cover the cost before March 8th 2020 I will not be able to start my program and therefore will not be able to accomplish my dream.

For some pursuing higher education may seem necessary , but to me in order to uplift myself from poverty and excel in a world that consistently tells me I have no voice or matter it is necessary.

I am another Trans person trying to make lemonade out of the lemons I've been given and making no excuses as to why I can not have the life I've dreamed of having.

I've worked hard to accomplishing two degrees, to obtain and maintain full time employment, to purchase my own car, to provide my own housing and now trying to provide myself with an education to uplift myself.

I understand the privileges I hold, but I also understand that despite those privileges I am still another number in a world that does not seem more than just that. 

 Celebrate me while I'm still here, help me obtain my degree while I'm still here, so that I may thrive while I'm still here.

Help a trans person today but donating to my education. If 22,500 people donate $1 dollar then that will be enough. Even just one dollar can help.

Thank you in advance for your support in donating and sharing. Your contributions are honestly greatly appreciated.