To me, L & M’s Hands of Hope represents the power of turning empathy into action. My life has been defined by the pursuit of excellence and a deep-rooted commitment to others. Long before my professional career began, I grew up volunteering with my gymnastics teammates, where we spent our time packaging and passing out meals for those in need. This early foundation of service remained with me, even when I moved to Romania at a young age to pursue my Olympic dreams, living independently and learning the true meaning of sacrifice and grit.

While reaching the Olympic stage was a testament to that hard work, I always knew I wanted my platform to serve a greater purpose. Coming home to Michigan and joining the Michigan State gymnastics team brought me a sisterhood in Miriam. Our friendship became a vital support system for both of us—a shared energy where we could always lean on one another. When Miriam shared her vision for a non-profit, I knew I wanted to help build that solution from the ground up. To solidify our commitment, I filed the paperwork for Hands of Hope as a Christmas surprise, turning our bond as teammates into a lifelong partnership.

Helping people has always felt natural to me; it’s something I grew up around and have always wanted to do more of. Gymnastics has shaped who I am, teaching me discipline, resilience, and the importance of showing up for something bigger than myself. At the same time, growing up fundraising with my gymnastics club and being involved in my community showed me how powerful even small efforts can be when people come together. That stayed with me. I realized I didn’t just want to support causes here and there; I wanted to build something that consistently gives back.

Beyond the gym, I am a dedicated student who recently completed my freshman year at MSU with a 4.0 GPA. I believe the discipline required to navigate life on the world stage is exactly what is needed to advocate for those in need. As President, I am honored to work alongside my best friend to ensure that basic necessities and a reliable support system are accessible to everyone in our community.