Person standing in a lake giving thumbs up, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.

“I didn’t grow up with comfort or certainty — but I did grow up with grit.”

Adopted at the age of one, and raised in a turbulent household, Nancy learned to navigate chaos, advocate for herself, and find stability through connection, creativity, and communication. Overcoming childhood trauma, learning disabilities, and becoming fully independent in college taught Nancy more than any textbook: how to lead with empathy, adapt quickly, and persevere through discomfort. She used those lessons in life—and in marketing—to build genuine community, tell powerful stories, and make others feel seen.

My adoption came with significant challenges—I was shaped by an environment where personal wellbeing was often overshadowed by other priorities. The atmosphere at home was marked by instability and high expectations, which fostered a sense of pressure rather than support.

School became my escape. It was the one place I could be myself—energetic, easy-going, and funny—without fear of judgment. I found community through friendships, where connection brought me the stability I lacked at home. I graduated high school during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which turned the social interactions I relied on into isolation. Entering college under those same conditions made the transition even harder, but I found strength through determination that I needed to find a community that would give me the courage to begin opening up about my past.

In 2022, I made the decision to pursue professional support—an option that had not been encouraged in my family—and began the challenging but essential journey toward healing. Through this process, I came to recognize that many of my past experiences were not typical. I received several mental health diagnoses, both new and pre-existing, which offered clarity and a framework for growth. Despite these obstacles, I achieved full independence during my sophomore year of college, learning to manage the responsibilities of adulthood without external support.

What sustained me through these challenges was a combination of personal faith, meaningful relationships, and the unwavering support of someone who believed in my potential. Following my graduation from the University of Pittsburgh, I relocated to Philadelphia to begin building a career in marketing. Today, I am financially self-sufficient, emotionally grounded, and supported by a network I’ve cultivated on my own. My story is still unfolding, and I carry it with me—not as a burden, but as a foundation of resilience, empathy, and determination as I begin my professional journey in social and digital marketing.

“School became my safe haven. Friendship became my anchor.”

Person smiling inside a tunnel lit with colorful, festive lights arranged in a rainbow pattern, wearing glasses, a denim jacket, and a patterned scarf.
Person wearing sunglasses leaning on a vintage black car parked on grass, with power lines and clear blue sky in the background.
Person standing on rocky ledge in front of Grand Canyon, wearing sunglasses, gray sweatshirt, jeans, and brown boots; scenic view with blue sky and clouds.