In September, I was honored to be named Chair of the Board of Directors for Community Tax Aid (CTA), an organization I have been involved with for over 15 years. CTA is the largest provider of free tax preparation services (through the IRS' VITA program) in Washington, DC.

As many know, I am also a Site Coordinator for a tax site in Northeast DC. Yes, our Saturdays from Feb to April are a haven for tax nerds to work out the real life implications of tax rules and regulations, but our tax site is also a vibrant and fun community with many of the same volunteers and clients returning year after year.  We have shared so many memories that it has become about so much more than just tax prep. It's about the teenagers who I recall proudly sharing their first jobs who are now full adults. Sharing hugs when a client loses a spouse or faces a new medical challenge. Learning about so many different jobs that hold our city together as numbers from a W2 are entered into the computer. Sweet women who always ask to see pictures of my babies as they grow up. And the relief of refund checks arriving just in time for a crucial expense.

This spirit of connection with neighbors and ensuring that everyone in DC has the same access to high quality tax assistance regardless of ability to pay is what keeps me coming back. And it's a family affair - our wedding vows referenced tax rules and Corey has been volunteering for over a decade as well. We often spend Saturdays switching off between childcare and tax prep and Calvin can't wait until he's old enough to volunteer.

Each year I raise funds from generous family and friends for CTA to celebrate my birthday. This year, in honor of becoming Chair of the Board, I am hoping to raise $3,000 and am excited to share with my professional network as well. I would be incredibly grateful if you would join me in making a contribution to support CTA's important work.