I have worked with multiple organizations to raise funds for several special causes. I have volunteered as a model with the Ronald McDonald House, a place for families to stay together, rest, and recharge, to remain strong for their children with illnesses. I participated in a fashion show where every person in attendance donated toys, books, and games. There’s nothing quite like the joy on a child’s face when they receive a gift of love and hope. A  priceless moment.

Relay For Life is another organization bringing communities together to take action against cancer. During that time I took part in a hair show where money was raised to purchase wigs for kids and women suffering hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments. It brought tears to my eyes when after the show a few people, battling cancer or survivors, told me how much my words of encouragement reminded them to keep fighting. Such a spiritual connection. 

 I was also very fortunate to work with the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. CP is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles. I walked the runway in a fashion show fundraiser for assistive medical devices like braces, wheelchairs, etc. Providing possibilities for those with disabilities gives peace to the parents or caregivers. It fills my heart knowing that I was part of that beautiful event. 

In our community, I worked alongside the American Red Cross, which prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies. I collected personal care kit items, assembled them in backpacks, and distributed them to veterans outreach programs for veterans who are homeless.

Habitat For Humanity has been an incredible experience for me and the other volunteers I had the pleasure of working with while there. Not only was I making a difference in other individuals’ lives but mine as well. I learned to use every tool you can think of from hammer to saw. We build exterior and interior walls, garage doors, windows, and even paint. By building a home, I was helping build a community.

I created a custom-made shirt design to bring awareness for HIV and Epilepsy in collaboration with Marissa Gonzalez, entrepreneur, and advocate. When this beautiful Queen contacted me to work together, I didn’t even hesitate. My inspiration behind my design was the tattoo that she has on her arm, which is a dandelion, and it represents the return of life, the rebirth of growth but most importantly strength and power. The proceeds from the shirt sales were donated directly to the organizations of our choice. The shirt design hit home for me, as my dad has been fighting epilepsy all his life. Being able to work closely with Marissa on this delicate matter was heartfelt. 

I mentored the youth at Caloosa Middle School by tutoring with homework assignments and leading with optimism. These were considered “troubled” kids who struggled to find a place where they felt comfortable speaking their minds. I was able to build relationships and provided a safe environment for them at the same time. My ultimate goal was to show love and understanding of their situations. I was there to make a difference in their life. 

I volunteered with the Dream Foundation Organization to feed those less fortunate by providing home-cooked meals and nonperishable items. It was more than just feeding hungry stomachs, it was feeding the soul. 

I donated dresses to Pace Center For Girls so they can be able to attend homecoming and prom. Pace Center For Girls is an organization that provides at-risk young girls the opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy. Donating the dresses  made me feel like the fairy Godmother in a Cinderella Story.