What is a social cause you feel passionately about, and why is it meaningful to you?
I'm deeply passionate about financial education accessibility. Too many people navigate major life decisions - from buying their first car to planning for retirement - without the basic financial knowledge they need to make informed choices. This isn't because they're not smart or capable, but because financial literacy simply isn't taught consistently in schools or readily available to everyone.
What makes this cause so meaningful to me is seeing the ripple effect of financial stress in people's lives. When someone doesn't understand budgeting, credit, or basic investing principles, it affects not just their bank account but their relationships, their mental health, and their ability to pursue their dreams. On the flip side, when people gain financial confidence, it's transformative - they make better decisions, feel more secure, and can focus their energy on what truly matters to them.
That's exactly why I volunteer with 3rd Decade. Everyone deserves access to financial guidance regardless of their ability to pay for it. If I can help even one person build a stronger financial foundation, that knowledge will benefit them for decades to come.
What is a book or film that changed your life?
"Four Thousand Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman completely shifted how I think about time and priorities. The concept of viewing your entire life as roughly 4,000 weeks (if you're lucky) was genuinely eye-opening. It made me realize how precious and limited our time really is, which has fundamentally changed how I approach everything.
The biggest takeaway for me was learning to be intentional about where I focus my energy. Instead of trying to do everything or please everyone, I now prioritize what matters most and what I genuinely enjoy.
What is a quote you like to live by?
"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."" - Michael Jordan
This quote resonates deeply with me because I've seen too many people, especially women, get so caught up in their fear of failure that they never even attempt to reach their goals. I believe there's always something valuable to learn from every experience, even the ones we might label as "failures," but you can't learn anything if you never try in the first place."
