Meet Cynthia
Dec 11, 2019
Published December 11, 2019
Cynthia graduated from our Fall 2019 class as a newly empowered woman! She is a survivor, she is resilient, and she is ready to determine what her future holds. Her passion for yoga and mindfulness translated to every aspect of the program. Cynthia’s positivity and peaceful energy inspired the other women in her class. Read more about Cynthia’s story below!
What circumstances brought you to where you were before you joined Together We Bake?
Cynthia: I’m thankful for my struggle because without it, I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.
What inspired you to apply to Together We Bake?
Cynthia: The staff from N Street Village inspired me to apply to TWB. It’s a great program for homeless women. N Street Village helps you achieve a new way of life. They help with finding employment, offer healthy meals, mental health support, peer mentorship, etc.
How has Together We Bake changed your perspective on life?
Cynthia: TWB has taught me how to trust and believe in myself. It reminded me that I must take life one day at a time, and I should seek progress, not perfection.
Has someone at Together We Bake (a fellow participant, a volunteer, an instructor, etc) had a particular influence on you?
Cynthia: Each woman at TWB has inspired me with their hard work and dedication. As I passed the kitchen each morning and was met with the smell of delicious chocolate chip cookies, I couldn’t help but smile in appreciation.
How would you describe Together We Bake?
Cynthia: TWB is surprising in the best way possible. I’m grateful I took a chance because it turned out better than I could have ever hoped!
What do you feel is the most valuable thing Together We Bake does?
Cynthia: The most valuable thing TWB does is empower women to find the confidence to work in a fast-paced environment and succeed under pressure. It teaches important communication and customer service skills. The program is thorough and instills responsibility within its Team Members. I’m proud to say, “I did it!”
What is the most valuable thing you learned at Together We Bake?
Cynthia: The most valuable thing I learned at TWB is to be present. This presence I’ve gained has led to confidence and motivation. The women here are loyal and generous, and they encourage you to be yourself!
Do you have any specific memories of experiences at Together We Bake?
Cynthia: Each member of the TWB staff has impacted my experience during my time in the program – Liz, Coach Colida, Lucy, Teresa, Tricia, and Stephanie. I also appreciate my Job Counselor – she never gave up on me and continues to encourage me to be who I want to be.
What was the most challenging thing about the program? How did you overcome that challenge?
Cynthia: Each challenge I faced during my time at TWB I accepted. My mother taught me to look at failure as a temporary postponement of success. I am driven to succeed and overcome!
What is something you are proud of that you achieved because of your participation in Together We Bake?
Cynthia: I am proud of myself for completing the eight week program at TWB. I worked collaboratively, baked, packaged, and delivered products, managed inventory, processed shipments, and assisted with other business tasks. At Farmers’ Markets, I marketed and sold products as well while providing excellent customer service.
What advice do you have for women considering applying to Together We Bake?
Cynthia: Together We Bake is all about empowering women!