Thirty-four years ago, I married my husband while he was serving in the Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal. I was a single mom, and even though we had big hopes for our future, we were struggling just to get by. We were broke and living paycheck to paycheck. I worked in the service industry, moving from job to job, while we tried to pay rent and cover basic bills. My child stayed with a daycare provider while I worked, and every day felt like a fight to hold everything together. I remember the fear and stress of not knowing if we would ever get ahead.

Then one day, I looked at my son and made a promise to myself: I had to do better. I had to build a stronger future for him and for my family. So I went back to school. I earned my bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science and later my master's degree in Business Administration. Over time, I was blessed to launch a nonprofit to serve the homeless in California and also open an international school for children in Uganda. Those experiences taught me that real change is possible when you have faith, a plan, and the courage to keep going.

Today, that is why I care so deeply about helping military families buy their first home. I know what it feels like to worry about money. I know what it feels like to wonder what you can really afford. And I know how important it is to make a decision that helps your family feel secure instead of stretched too thin. I help military families who have uncertainty about what they can afford get the confidence to buy their first home without feeling house-poor.