Stand with Lara: Fight for Justice & Defend Public Service

I never thought I’d be here asking for help like this. But today, I’m launching this campaign to raise funds for legal fees as I fight back against what I believe was an illegal and politically motivated mass firing by the current Administration.

For nearly 30 years, I’ve proudly served in public service including the last 13 years at USAID, where I worked to reduce poverty and hunger and help vulnerable communities rebuild after crisis.

Since it was founded more than 65 years ago, USAID has helped millions of people recover from disasters, rebuild after war, and create better lives for themselves and their families. It has long had strong support from both sides of the aisle a reflection of our shared values: compassion, fairness, and global leadership.

But in 2025, public servants like me became targets in an unprecedented effort to dismantle not only the agency, but our democracy. I was one of the people pushed out, with no due process and no legal justification. Sadly, I am not alone. This is part of a broader attack on the independence of the civil service and the integrity of government itself.

I’m speaking out, and I’m taking legal action. I’m not just fighting for myself I’m standing up for the integrity of public service and the rights of dedicated professionals across government.

To that end, I urgently need to raise $8,000 to cover immediate legal fees. This may increase over time depending on the outcome of the initial lawsuit. Any extra funds will go toward ongoing legal costs and essential expenses during this time of uncertainty.

If you care about the future of our democracy, the rule of law, and the right of public servants to do their jobs without fear of retaliation, I’m asking you to stand with me.

It’s hard for me to ask for help. I’ve spent my career being the helper, building programs, supporting communities, and making sure people had the tools they needed to thrive. But now I’m the one who needs support. And I’m learning that asking for help is also an act of courage.

If you can donate, thank you. If you can’t, but want to share this or send a few kind words, that means the world to me too.

Please note: when donating through GoFundMe, you’ll have the option to cover the small processing fee this ensures more of your donation goes directly to legal expenses.

Alternatively, if you prefer to give outside the platform and avoid all fees, you can contribute directly via:

Venmo: @Lara-Evans-8

PayPal: @ljevans28

(Please include “Legal Fund” in the note.)

Every donation, every share, every word of encouragement it all helps. And it all matters.

With heartfelt and deep gratitude,

Lara