In April 2024, I accepted a leadership position in food banking, work I have been passionate about for years. It was a major step forward for me both professionally and financially, and for a time, everything felt aligned. I relocated to Tucson, a city I loved, and was able to stay close to my children and parents. I traveled for conferences, helped plan partner events, and grew as a leader. I truly believed I had found my long-term professional home.

Unfortunately, the organization experienced significant leadership turmoil. Over the following months, senior leadership changes, ethical violations, and a tragic loss deeply impacted the workplace. As a member of the senior leadership team, I helped hold the organization together during an incredibly difficult period, supporting staff, managing expanded responsibilities, and navigating constant change.

After a new CEO was hired, I was told I had not been given a fair chance to succeed and was initially offered support through leadership training, coaching, and mentoring. I felt hopeful again. However, just a few months later, my position was eliminated as part of a leadership restructuring. I was given limited severance, and despite my efforts and contributions, I suddenly found myself without a job.

The past few months have been incredibly difficult. I have applied to over 100 positions, had several interviews, and continue actively searching every day. While I have a few promising leads, the reality is that job searches take time and my financial cushion is gone.

I am now struggling to cover necessities like car payments, and phone service. These are not luxuries, they are what allow me to continue interviewing, commuting, and staying reachable for potential employers. Complicating things further, I have been unable to access unemployment benefits due to unresolved system issues, despite repeated attempts.

Asking for help does not come easily to me, but I am at a point where I truly need support to get through this transition. Any contribution, no matter the size will help me stay afloat while I continue working toward my next opportunity. If you are unable to give financially, sharing this fundraiser, keeping me in your thoughts or sharing any job leads my way would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you are able to offer. Your kindness means more than I can express.