The People Who Helped Shape My Advocacy Journey

When people hear about Giving Grace: Advocating for Caregiving Youth, they often hear my story.

They hear about my grandmother, Mimi, and how her journey with Alzheimer's disease inspired me to become an advocate. They hear about speaking engagements, community projects, and opportunities to raise awareness for Caregiving Youth.

What they don't always see are the incredible people who helped make that journey possible.

The truth is that no meaningful change happens alone.

Behind every advocate is a community of people who believe in them, encourage them, and help them grow.

For me, that journey starts with my family.

Throughout my advocacy journey, my family has been a constant source of encouragement and support. They have celebrated successes, helped me navigate challenges, and reminded me why this work matters. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to share my story and use my voice to advocate for others.

My siblings have also been part of this journey. Through every event, presentation, and new opportunity, they have cheered me on and supported my mission to raise awareness for Caregiving Youth.

Of course, none of this would have happened without my Mimi.

Although she may never fully realize the impact she had on my life, her journey with Alzheimer's disease became the foundation of my advocacy. She taught me resilience, patience, compassion, and unconditional love. Everything I do through Giving Grace traces back to the lessons she taught me.

As my advocacy journey grew, I was fortunate to meet people who shared my passion for supporting young caregivers.

One of those people was Dr. Connie Siskowski, founder of the American Association of Caregiving Youth. Dr. Connie has dedicated her life to ensuring that Caregiving Youth are recognized and supported. Through her leadership, research, and tireless advocacy, she has helped bring national attention to a population that often goes unseen.

She was one of the first people who helped me understand that my experience mattered.

More importantly, she helped me realize that my voice could make a difference.

Another incredible advocate who has impacted my journey is Sarah from Kids Are Caregivers Too. Sarah's passion for supporting young caregivers and creating opportunities for connection has inspired me in countless ways. Her work reminds me that awareness is important, but creating community is equally powerful.

I have also been inspired by Patti LaFleur from Lorenzo's House and Jodi O'Donnell-Ames from Hope Loves Company. Both have dedicated themselves to supporting families facing difficult diagnoses and ensuring that children receive the resources and support they need.

Through these leaders, I learned that advocacy can take many forms.

Sometimes it's speaking.

Sometimes it's educating.

Sometimes it's simply showing up for families who need support.

My journey has also been shaped by partnerships with Austin Public Health and The University of Texas at Austin. Working alongside students, researchers, and community leaders taught me the importance of collaboration and the role that research plays in creating meaningful change.

These experiences showed me that advocacy is strongest when people work together.

No single person has all the answers.

But when passionate individuals come together around a shared mission, incredible things can happen.

Over the past several years, I have spoken to more than 5,000 students, families, healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, care managers, and community leaders. Every audience has taught me something new.

Students have taught me courage.

Families have taught me resilience.

Healthcare professionals have taught me compassion.

Community leaders have taught me persistence.

Each conversation has helped shape the advocate I continue to become.

Looking back, I realize that Giving Grace was never meant to be a solo journey.

It was always about building a community.

A community that believes Caregiving Youth deserve to be seen.

A community that believes their stories matter.

A community that believes young people can create meaningful change.

As I continue this journey as Miss Metroplex's Teen 2026, I remain grateful for every person who has encouraged, mentored, supported, and inspired me along the way.

Because while one voice can start a conversation, it takes a community to create lasting change.

And I am fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible one.