Allie

Born in California, my upbringing was a global journey—living in Italy, Virginia, Florida, Bahrain, Washington D.C., and Singapore, where my father served as the U.S. Embassy's defense attaché. This nomadic lifestyle immersed me in diverse cultures and languages, leading me to fluency in Spanish and Bahasa Melayu. However, constant relocation brought instability, making it challenging to establish lasting connections or consistent employment.

At 19, I returned to the U.S. after nearly a decade abroad, settling in Santa Barbara, California. Navigating a culture that felt unfamiliar, I found solace within a vibrant immigrant community. Their unwavering support taught me essential life skills and embraced me during my unexpected journey into motherhood at 21. This experience illuminated the systemic barriers marginalized communities face, igniting my passion for fostering equitable opportunities.

In 2013, while pregnant with my second child, I launched my business—a venture that has since flourished into a six-figure enterprise over 11 years. This endeavor empowered me to leave an abusive marriage and provide a nurturing home for my four children, as well as my niece and nephew. Beyond personal success, I am dedicated to uplifting underserved communities. I conduct free workshops, guiding entrepreneurs through the intricacies of profitability, tax compliance, and business strategy.

Currently, I'm authoring The Profit Plan, an accessible guide tailored for neurodivergent business owners, aiming to demystify business structures and strategies. Additionally, I envision establishing a business resource center—a communal space offering affordable memberships, regular workshops, coworking areas, and expert assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs.

A Kiva loan will be instrumental in marketing my book and laying the foundation for this resource center, amplifying my mission to democratize entrepreneurship and empower communities historically excluded from economic opportunities.