I experienced a significant setback after losing my house in the 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena, CA. The aftermath of the fire forced me to focus on my family's recovery, which ultimately led to my layoff. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, I believed I could contribute meaningfully to organizations assisting in our community's recovery. However, my efforts to secure a position were met with disappointment. Despite sharing my personal story to highlight my connection to the community, many organizations either ignored my applications or left me waiting for months without updates. In some cases, they even altered job descriptions mid-process, which felt particularly disheartening. It's frustrating to see these organizations, who claim to support our community, opting to hire outsiders who lack a genuine understanding of our needs. I hope to find a role with an organization that truly values local experience and commitment.