Have you ever been told you can’t participate in something because it’s only intended for the elite members of society with deep pockets and rich family histories? I was in fact told this just the other day.😳 After sharing a dream of mine and hearing this loud message I slowly walked to my car feeling defeated and drove around the city I love, crying and wrestling with where I came from. As much as it stings, it’s not new for me. I desire to be a difference maker but how? Give up? Never! I don’t allow myself to stay in those mental spaces for too long.

After this conversation, I have found myself caught in the “in-between,” the space where dreams both big and small seem incredibly real and impossibly distant. So many of my moments in life have been spent believing that I couldn’t possibly achieve my dreams or goals because I wasn’t born into a family considered to be “well off” or with a legacy name.

I am constantly battling the stigmas and barriers from growing up in trauma and hard places like government-funded housing, trailer parks, homelessness, foster care, and feelings of being unqualified for greatness. I constantly have to be reminded that true wealth isn’t always measured by the name, dollars, or material possessions. It’s measured by the richness of our experiences, the depth of our compassion, and the strength of our resilience and character. Despite the chaos and instability of my life, I have discovered a reservoir of hope within myself, a flickering light that refuses to be extinguished by those who fail to see the value of this candle light within me when compared to the beautiful community of socialites among us.

I believe our society often forgets that our financially wealthy neighbors, those deemed, deep-pocket socialites, might feel used or targeted for their resources. I have heard it can be equally lonely to be used by society even for a good cause because it’s hard to decipher who just wants into your pockets and who wants connection to your true authentic self. While our philanthropic community and their support can be crucial, the approach matters. They too desire genuine connections and meaningful contributions, not just being seen as a means to an end.

My “family” consists of ALL of those “in-between”! 💕 Collectively, we have raised millions of dollars by “crowdfunding” for various causes. Our success is a testament to the power of community and shared purpose. It shows that even without a prestigious background, we can achieve extraordinary things by coming together and leveraging our collective strength and resilience.

I have a significant desire to tell every child, every person caught in the in-between, that your background does not define your future. The world needs your unique voice, your story, your passion. Your experiences have given you a perspective that can inspire, heal, and bring about change.

Yes, the road may be tough. There will always be people who do not see your value because their narrative about legacy and worth is skewed. But remember, your worth is not determined by a bank account, or the prestige of your career, or even the name of your father or mother’s father. It’s determined by the goodness YOU bring into the world, the lives YOU touch, and the hope YOU ignite in others.

Keep pushing forward. Believe in your dreams. Know that you are enough, just as you are, even if your birth father is incarcerated, or your biological mother battles addiction, or you’re still toting the poverty lines. I truly believe we can create a world where EVERY CHILD/ADULT, no matter their background, can see the possibilities within themselves and dare to reach for them. Every person can be seen as valuable.

I DON’T SEE DEEP POCKETS OR NO POCKETS. I SEE HUMANS CAPABLE OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER! EVERY PENNY IS IMPORTANT. Our 100% may be different but it all holds value.

I hold a “my father is a King” mentality!