As I reflect on my experience with Project Periwinkle, there is one word that comes to mind--amazement. I met Ben back in 2013 as a young college student at our alma mater, Saint Louis University. Our friendship grew throughout our time together in University, and if you would have asked me back in 2013 where Ben would take Project Periwinkle nearly a decade later, I could have never imagined what we have accomplished.

I have held many roles with Project Periwinkle since its inception, starting with a friend to Ben and cheerleader along the way helping him with small tasks such as filming promotional videos on our college campus quad. I expanded my role to board member in 2020 and then this year transitioned to Chief Impact Officer. During my time as a board member, we have started an Ambassador Program, a Podcast, increased our social media presence which all have brought more awareness to our cause. In turn, we have been able to increase our involvement with research programs with financial funding.