The inspiration behind launching Kourageous Vision stems from my journey, the support of others, and the hope that has been spoken into my life. I grew up in a safe, loving home with my parents and three younger siblings in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, when my parents divorced at a young age, my world was shattered. The tears, confusion, and pain became my reality. I had to leave behind my familiar home and neighborhood in Rose Park as my mother moved me to Ogden, Utah, following a custody battle. My school years became a blur as I tried to adapt to a new city, a new school, and a new understanding of what family meant.

Eventually, my father gained full custody of my siblings and me, and I was overjoyed to return to the home I knew. I felt loved and secure in my father’s care, and peace and joy prevailed. Unfortunately, this newfound stability was short-lived as my father remarried, the situation became unbearable, and I ended up living with friends, couch-surfing, and searching aimlessly for the security I had lost. I had no parents to turn to, no answers to my questions, and no emotional stability to ground my anxious heart and uncertain thoughts. At just 16 years old, I embarked on a journey of navigating life independently.

I am forever grateful for the people who opened their homes to me, provided shelter and nourishment, and supported me as I tried to finish high school. They became my role models for marriage, family, and success, even though they also carried their brokenness, heartaches, habits, and addictions. This began a desperate journey filled with homelessness, substance abuse, and abuse.

At some point along my journey, I reconciled with my parents. My mother’s heartfelt apologies and my decision to forgive her opened a place for understanding. During our quiet, soul-searching conversations, she began sharing her story. I went on to graduate from school and started traveling aimlessly. Boarding a train out of Utah, a soft but persistent voice spoke to my heart, whispering, “There is more to you and your life than this.” That inner prompting never left me. It sustained me through countless nights, different homes, and years of uncertainty. Along the way, I attended various trade schools, seeking accomplishment or purpose to fill the void within my soul—modeling, airline, and business schools.

I worked various jobs, from fast food and car washes to being a receptionist. Eventually, I entered the dating scene, only to find myself in the hands of abusive partners, both physically and emotionally. Deep down, I knew I didn’t belong in those relationships. Tucking away the pain and suffering, I continued to move forward, yearning for comfort, love, and peace. However, it led me to drown in alcohol, cocaine, and pills. At 22, I had my first daughter, Aubrey, and we moved to Las Vegas to escape the path I believed would lead to my demise.

Yes, Las Vegas, of all places. I rented a two-bedroom apartment and began searching for a job, driving endlessly to familiarize myself with the city. It felt like a metaphor for those years of trying to find my way. Some days, I even got lost trying to find my way home. Working multiple jobs, as a lifeguard at Mandalay Bay and doing cocktail work at night, I secured a job as a flight attendant with National Airlines; soon after I was promoted to First Class Lead Flight, I returned to Utah seven years later due to the airline filing for bankruptcy.

Unfortunately, this is not where my story takes a turn for the better. As a single mother of two, I persevered, always maintaining a job and seeking further personal growth. However, like many women who have experienced childhood trauma, I found myself in another cycle of physical abuse. Recognizing the danger, I am proud that I made the brave decision to walk away from that situation for the sake of myself and my daughters. We ended up living in my car, experiencing the lowest point of my life. I rented a motel room to provide a semblance of normalcy for my girls, but it was mainly to hold onto any remaining shreds of dignity I had left.

Exhausted, discouraged, and defeated, I attended a church service with my mother at The Door Christian Fellowship in Murray, Utah. It was there that I surrendered my heart to Jesus Christ, and my life has been forever transformed since then. I experienced a radical deliverance from alcohol, drugs, and shame. My life gained a newfound sense of purpose, and although I couldn’t see the entire picture, I began to understand my calling.

I have continued to pursue my passion for supporting women and have actively engaged with my community in various ways. I donate professional attire to a project assisting homeless women on their journey to new beginnings. I was honored to be invited to speak at the BYU nursing forum, where I talked about resumes and interview techniques titled “Know Your Worth.” Additionally, I host Coffee Connection Christ gatherings once a month, where I share topics of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of connection and overcoming. What started in my home has now expanded into a public space, and we are currently seeking a larger venue to accommodate more women; exciting. I also initiated a monthly “Walk in the Park” event, enabling women to connect and meet new people, which has had a more significant impact than I anticipated. Recently, I embarked on the Women’s Prison Ministry with great excitement, speaking to women at the Utah State Prison and sharing hope.

Collaborating with other women in my community has led me to mentors and like-minded individuals who support and encourage my vision and passion for helping women. As a result, I have been mentoring women for the past 11 years. My faith in Jesus has filled my heart with love for all people and a deep desire for women to realize that they are more than their circumstances.

Given my spirit and compassion for others, it’s no surprise that I actively volunteer in the Salt Lake City community. I recently retired after five years as the Pharmaceutical Vendor Coordinator for the Intermountain Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society (ICONS). Currently, I serve as the Vice-Chair of Member Services for the Assistance League of Salt Lake City and volunteer with Volunteers of America, mentoring young girls. I’m particularly passionate about supporting organizations combating human trafficking and volunteering with Operation Underground Railroad. Perhaps this passion stems from my experiences and the grace that protected my life.

My investment in Kourageous Vision is primarily my time, and I am incredibly grateful to share it with everyone.