I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story and the journey that shaped my career. Raised by a single mother, I learned early the value of hard work and the importance of giving back. My mother is the foundation of my success: she was compassionate, selfless, and deeply committed to helping others.

I began volunteering at the age of nine by accompanying her to the nursing home where she worked. What started as necessity for childcare built a passion in me lasting a lifetime. I continued volunteering through college and into my early career, but my path truly came into focus when I joined the staff of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where I realized I could build a career doing what I love most.

Over the years, my journey has taken many forms: helping grant a child’s final wish, leading initiatives to reduce infant mortality, providing live changing veterans’ services, and now working to ensure equitable access to hearing care through the Center for Hearing and Communication. My work today is also deeply personal. One of my greatest wishes is that my mother had addressed her hearing loss earlier. I know it could have delayed or lessened the severity of her dementia. It would have allowed us more time for meaningful conversations that became increasingly difficult over time.

This May, recognizing Better Hearing and Speech Month and Mother’s Day, please honor your loved ones by getting a hearing evaluation and addressing hearing loss before it is too late.