I am a proud ’Nana’ to my two grandsons, a caregiver to my mother, and a volunteer for several community agencies. My motto is, ‘Be well, not perfect.’
Meet Katrina, a single mother, caregiver to her 91-year-old mother with Alzheimer’s, and an unwavering force in her community.
During the 2008 financial crisis, Katrina faced downsizing three times, losing her job, home, car, and savings. Driven by determination, she discovered a lifeline in mentors from Dress for Success Memphis and the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), where they provided career advice and resume prep. “I felt like a failure because I could not secure a full-time position, but the mentors at Dress for Success Memphis and members of PWG refused to allow me to drown in self-pity or give up hope,” Katrina says.
In 2015, Katrina embraced the role of caregiver when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Turning challenges into triumphs, she transitioned into the nonprofit sector, currently serving as the program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association chapter.