Service and Advocacy

As an immigrant and, truly, because of my late mum, Josephine, I am passionate about causes that further human rights, poverty alleviation, mental health support, and the empowerment of the disenfranchised. This is seen in my ardent advocacy for neurodivergent people, in which I encourage empathy and honoring each other as whole, deserving people.

Supporting Domestic Abuse Survivors

I am especially dedicated to supporting fellow survivors of domestic violence. In college, as a member of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity Inc., I was honored to advocate for survivors and help raise funds and awareness around this important issue. In 2018, after almost walking away from my doctoral studies before I even began because of doubt, I founded Ph.enomenally D.etermined™, a platform to mentor and coach women, especially those leaving unsafe homes, encouraging them to pursue their educational and professional dreams with courage and confidence. Based on my own experience surviving domestic violence, I speak often and openly on the importance of razing what does not serve us and rising.

Autism and Neurodiversity

In 2025, I felt called to expand Ph.enomenally D.etermined™ to include support for neurodivergent children and their caregivers. We have been building resources, including tools and guidance for families navigating the complexities of neurodiversity. Our goal is to help children feel understood, celebrated, and supported, and to help parents build confidence as they advocate for their child’s needs in school, healthcare, and daily life. We focus on the emotional, relational, and practical aspects of raising neurodivergent children, giving families accessible language, strategies, and frameworks that nurture both the child and the caregiver.

Homelessness and Hunger

A part of my purpose-driven work has always been shaped by the experiences and stories that stayed with me. In college, I read The Stranger by Nathanial Lachenmeyer, a book that profoundly affected how I viewed homelessness, humanity, and the people society often overlooks. It opened my eyes in a way that transformed not only how I thought, but how I acted. During those years, I volunteered with unhoused communities, helped organize donation drives, and contributed to a research study supporting homeless veterans. The work was humbling, grounding, and clarifying. It taught me that dignity and compassion are not luxuries but necessities.

That same belief continues to guide my life as a mother. I have brought my son with me to buy food for donation drives to help families facing food insecurity. It is important to me that he grows up understanding that we all share a responsibility to care for one another, especially those experiencing struggle or silence.

The Well-Being of Children and Mothers

My care for children and families extends into my broader advocacy. I support organizations such as the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which works to end childhood HIV globally, and 4Kira4Moms, a maternal health advocacy group committed to fighting preventable maternal mortality. I also value the work of Everytown for Gun Safety, because the safety of children and families is never optional.

I have been fortunate to have worked on global public health projects supporting vulnerable communities, women, and youth, for over eight years.

Purpose-Driven

My dedication to service and others is rooted in my Christian faith (Matthew 22:37-40). I also believe that a life well-lived is one that is colorful: embracing the ups and downs and one in which a person uses their unique gifts and lessons learned to make the world better, kinder, and safer for all.