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Heroes for Hope was born from my own experience with family addiction, which forever changed my life at just 10 years old. Today, 1 in 8 children are impacted by a parent's addiction—yet the voices of these children are often overlooked. Through my advocacy with The iBELIEVE Foundation, the Youth Leadership Association, and as a volunteer counselor, I am committed to changing that narrative.
By founding The Hero Project and providing Hero Toolkits to recovery centers across my community, I strive to ensure every child impacted by family addiction feels seen, supported, and never alone.
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TIMELINE
In 2022, I attended my first iBELIEVE Foundation Youth Leadership Camp, where I discovered the power of servant leadership and the impact one person can have on their community. Surrounded by students from underserved communities across Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, I found a passion for mentoring young people and helping them recognize their potential.
As Miss Portsmouth's Teen 2024, I launched my first community service initiative, Youth Leadership in Appalachia.
Through this initiative, I worked with youth throughout different Appalachia regions to develop leadership skills while reminding them that their past and circumstances do not define their future. My goal was to encourage young people to believe in themselves, discover their potential, and become leaders within their own communities.
As a titleholder, I had the privilege of meeting Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to discuss my community service initiative, Youth Leadership in Appalachia. Sharing my passion for empowering young people with Ohio's Governor was an incredible opportunity and reinforced my belief that meaningful change begins with conversations and community involvement.
Youth Leadership in Appalachia
Meeting Governor Mike DeWine
2022
2024
2023-2024
At 10 years old, my life changed overnight.
Within 24 hours, I packed up my life, left my home in Texas, and moved to Ohio because of how my life was impacted by family addiction. I left behind my friends, my family, and everything I had ever known, unsure of what the future would hold.
Although I couldn't understand it then, that experience would one day become the foundation of my purpose.
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Discovering My Purpose
Growing as a Leader
I returned to the iBELIEVE Foundation Youth Leadership Camp in 2023 and 2024, continuing to develop my leadership skills while mentoring my peers and building meaningful friendships. These experiences strengthened my passion for serving youth and inspired me to create service initiatives focused on empowering the next generation.
2024-2025
Camp Horseshoe
Through the Youth Leadership Association, I was able to serve as a counselor at Camp Horseshoe in Parsons, West Virginia, which became one of the most meaningful parts of my service journey.
Over the course of 500+ volunteer hours, I have mentored children ages 5–12 from broken homes, underserved communities, and challenging circumstances. These experiences reinforced my passion for investing in young people and showed me firsthand how encouragement and consistency can change a child's life.
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As Miss Buckeye State's Teen 2025, I expanded my mission through Youth Leadership in America.
This initiative encouraged young people to become active leaders in their schools and communities by developing confidence, serving others, and understanding that leadership begins with involvement.
Youth Leadership in America
2025
Returning to the Governor's Office
I was honored to once again meet with Governor Mike DeWine, this time sharing my expanded initiative, Youth Leadership America. Discussing the importance of youth leadership and community engagement with Ohio's state leadership was a meaningful reminder that advocacy can happen at every level—from local communities to state government.
Advocating on Capitol Hill
In April 2025, I had the incredible honor of traveling to Washington, D.C., where I met with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to advocate for youth living in underserved communities.
Representing young people whose voices are often overlooked reinforced my commitment to ensuring every child has access to opportunities, encouragement, and hope.
This year, my journey came full circle.
After years of mentoring youth and advocating for underserved communities, I felt called to share the story that first inspired my heart for service.
As Miss Indiana Teen Volunteer, I created Heroes for Hope, a community service initiative dedicated to raising awareness about addiction and supporting children and families impacted by substance use disorder. By sharing my own story, I hope to replace stigma with understanding and remind others that no child should have to face addiction alone.
Heroes for Hope
2017
2026
The Hero Project
To expand that mission, I founded The Hero Project, a support group for youth impacted by family addiction.
The Hero Project provides a safe space where young people can build confidence, find community, and receive encouragement from others who understand their experiences. My hope is that every child who participates knows they are never alone, their circumstances do not define them, and there is always hope for the future.
Where My Story Began
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