Amanda's Story
Amanda's journey wasn’t paved; it was forged in faith and fortitude. Once homeless, a high school dropout, facing early pregnancy and a trove of disadvantages, Amanda's life changed forever when she decided to risk it all and go back to school. College life didn’t just open doors for her; it lit a fire in her soul. Through pursuing education, she found her voice, her purpose, and a path forward for herself and others.
She didn’t come from a world where success was taught. She came from one where every step had to be discovered and designed with intention. Through faith, tenacity, and an unexpected love for learning, Amanda began to rewrite her story, one scholarship application, one classroom, one volunteer workshop, and one strategic breakthrough at a time. Education didn’t just open doors for Amanda; it gave her the power to build new ones for others.
Once a volunteer for students pursuing debt-free education, Amanda taught many how to access, position for, and win local and national scholarships for college. How? By teaching the methods that she used to achieve success. As others gained awards, Amanda began dreaming of something greater. From helping students with scholarships to nonprofits with grants, she evolved.
She founded Arc & Root Funding Co. with a clear mission: to support nonprofits and mission-driven leaders who are often overlooked, underfunded, and overextended. Amanda’s approach is shaped by her lived experience; she deeply understands the demands placed on vulnerable populations, not just because she has studied them, but because she has lived them.
Her personal journey through poverty and perseverance has given her rare insight into what organizations and individuals truly face. It’s that insight that shapes every strategy she creates, every grant she writes, and every student she mentors.
Amanda is proof that rising is possible. And she’s made it her mission to light the way for others who are ready to rise, too.