Three and a half years ago, in a little town in southwest New Mexico, I worked in a high school. I was working towards my teaching degree because I wanted to be a positive influence and make a difference in kids’ lives. In this position, I saw the true inequity in our community. Watching students struggle with access to food, housing, and other resources was a hard, heart-wrenching thing to witness.
And five months ago, I packed up a U-Haul trailer, drove 16 hours, and settled in southeast Missouri with my partner.
Why, do you ask?
My experience in the educational sector shifted my perspective: how can I help this community? This changed the trajectory of my career and solidified my belief that lasting change takes place in the policy world. In response, I took up advocacy-centered communications, working to expand campaigns on critical issues from healthcare access to voting rights.
Starting over somewhere new is just as exciting as it is humbling. Now, I have a chance to see the world from a new point of view.
Since arriving in Missouri, I’ve noticed the way people show up for each other here in times of challenge; it reminds me why I care so deeply about the work we do. As I have learned more about the state legislative process, our key issues, and how policy affects Missourians’ daily lives, I have never felt so motivated to work to combat poverty.
This is why I am so proud to join the team here at Empower Missouri. In my previous community, families—including my own—faced barriers to combating poverty. I know what it’s like to live with limited resources and the uncertainty of meals. Those experiences taught me that inequity is deeply personable, and can affect anybody.
Now I am eager to help tell the stories of Missourians that will drive change across our state. Listening, learning, and uplifting voices of those people most affected helps break cycles of poverty.
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