From Homelessness to Entrepreneurship: StepUp Ambassador Sianna L.

“I found StepUp—not because I was desperate, but because I wanted more.”

When Sianna secured a job at a university finance office, she thought she'd made it. With great pay and strong benefits, it was a job to be proud of. But, behind Sianna's professional success was a secret: she was homeless. Sianna was a mother with a plan; she chose to be homeless and enter the shelter system so she and her special needs daughter could access resources. She tried hard to hide the struggle, but every day was a battle for Sianna. She needed transformation. She needed StepUp.

“StepUp saw me as an entrepreneur, a mother, and someone worth investing in.”

Sianna originally came to StepUp Ministry because of the promise of a free breakfast. Once here, she stayed for much bigger reasons. She felt seen and understood. Sianna made friends who supported her, found mentors who challenged her, and, most importantly, found a safe space where she didn’t have to pretend to be anyone other than herself.

“StepUp saw me, not as broken, but as brilliant. StepUp met me where I was and polished my strengths. They poured into my business, my education, and my confidence—until I was overflowing.”

Sianna is now one semester away from earning her degree, she owns her own business, and her daughter is thriving. As a proud supporter of StepUp and an outstanding example of what our programs can achieve, she has also been chosen as one of our first StepUp Ambassadors. In this role, she will share her story of transformation and inspire others to pursue StepUp success for themselves. She is building a legacy not only for herself, but also for others.

“StepUp didn’t just help me survive. They helped me shine.”