My Story

A Journey of Survival and Purpose:

As a survivor and advocate, I know the harrowing path of domestic violence firsthand. For years, I have endured daily physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. The unpredictability and dangerous tendencies of an abuser left me in constant fear for my own life and the lives of my children who also suffered. This cycle of violence left us with deep, lasting scars 

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 For a while, I hid the bruises and the terror to protect my youngest daughter, who was only six when we met him. I lived isolated and paralyzed by the threat of death, arson, and harm to my loved ones. When my daughter finally witnessed the violence, the silence ended.

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 Seeking help brought a new set of obstacles: full shelters and a lack of support. After a year of struggling and calling organization after organization, I finally found safety in a shelter in a different city for few days with my daugther. With the help of Boston Children’s Hospital, DV detectives, and court advocates, I testified against the abuser. He was sentenced but was released only three years later. To survive, I had to uproot our lives, move my daughter to a new school, and abandon the nonprofit dreams I had back in 2005. But in the end, it was worth the sacrifices. 

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 Starting over wasn't easy. I lived in survival mode for a long time—unable to trust others or feel safe, haunted by anxiety, panic attacks, and flashbacks. Eventually, I decided to take ownership of my life and healing and lead by setting better examples for my children. I chose to reclaim my voice, set boundaries, and learn the true difference between healthy and toxic environments. My faith, self- love, and peace became my anchors. and being present for my family and a cycle breaker.

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Persevering as a mother and the founder of Scars Into Stars (SIS) has required immense trust in God and personal sacrifice. Yet, even on this path, I face criticism from those who are desensitized to the reality of turning pain into purpose. Too many established agencies and corporations prefer to support well-known programs rather than extend a hand to those driven by raw passion and lived experience. Even within faith-based sectors, many are reluctant to share space or resources with a new founder who doesn't fit neatly into their "checkbox" or social circle.

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I was often told, "Come back after you are incorporated and have your legal status, then we can collaborate." I did exactly that, only to find that their words were empty. I’ve been told by executive directors, founders, and entrepreneurs: "If you don't raise money or find a high-profile board soon, you should just give up and go work for another agency." Others suggested I change my course or go back to school for a degree in advocacy to be in a better position and be considered a "good fit"

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It is discouraging and frustrating, but in 2026—two years after receiving our 501(c)(3) status—I am still standing. I refuse to give in to the expectations of naysayers. It is troubling how some will discourage you from soaring while they shine themselves, offering only "transactional" support—a pat on the back rather than a genuine relationship or shared spaces. Some tell me, "Don't reinvent the wheel," or suggest that a lack of resources and delays is a sign to quit.

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 I refuse to buy into that narrative and stigmas. We don't all start with the same privileges or financial backing, but equity means everyone deserves a fair chance—regardless of their zip code, social status, and time of need, or whether they've reached certain "milestones" defined by others. Visionaries are not found only at the top of the mountain; they are found in the labor pains and the ordinary places often overlooked by the masses.

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I am intentionally turning my pain into purpose, not for self- gain or interest. I refuse to be hindered. I am here to help other survivors recognize their own worth, find safety, and break the cycles that impact our families for generations.

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Conclusion: I would like to acknowledge my family, my children, and my grandchildren, as well as the individuals and companies who have supported me. Thank you to those who prayed with and for me, volunteered their time on my board of directors, and provided in-kind don, consultations, and pro-bono legal services. I am deeply grateful for the advice, the online contributions, and everyone who attended or served at our first fundraising event in 2025.

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To those who showed up for me in real-time with love, kindness, a genuine heart, and the confidence to help me walk in my life’s purpose: I sincerely appreciate and love you. Thank you, and may God bless you tenfold.

 

2 Timothy :7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

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