This year, my stellar office assistant convinced me that she could host a sourdough class at my house as part of Modern Woodmen’s fraternalism goals to create spaces for community and learning. I am so glad I took a risk and said yes. We teamed up with Molly, a local expert, to bring the joy of sourdough baking and connection to clients and friends alike. Everyone left with their own starter and all the materials and information they needed to bake their own naturally leavened bread at home. It's a skill and a gift that keeps on giving!

In January, Southern California residents such as myself watched helplessly as the Palisades and Alta Dena fires burned through places that I know well and love. This tragedy hit close to home, but our Modern Woodmen chapter was able to partner with a non-profit on the ground in LA called Project Ropa to match $2,500 toward their fire relief fund. We also provided over $1000 in supplies and hygiene kits to help them serve our most vulnerable neighbors in Los Angeles affected by the fires. I am proud to work under the Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial umbrella; It’s so much more than investing and life insurance! There’s a reason we advertise being the “Pioneers” for community impact and supporting the ones you love. (Pictured: my stellar office assistant Laura, next to a trunk loaded with supplies ready to be delivered)

One of the reasons that I love working with Modern Woodmen is because as a Fraternal Organization, they do so much more than life insurance and investing. They partner with their agents to directly invest in the things that you care about. Check out how me and our local Southern California chapter of Modern Woodmen [that’s you!], were able to directly affect our community and neighborhood in tangible ways this year. I can’t wait to see what we do with 2025!