Miss Becknell's journey in social services began as a child, inspired by her great-grandmother, Janice Marie. Janice Marie was a humanitarian who made a significant impact in Seattle by personally helping the unhoused. She was known for her incredible generosity, often literally taking the clothes off her back to give to those in need. Janice Marie would frequently bring homeless individuals into her home, providing them with meals, a place to stay, and a sense of love and acceptance, demonstrating an exceptional level of compassion and community spirit.
Miss Becknell, at just seven years old, was already driven by a strong sense of social responsibility. Deeply concerned about the world food crisis in 2007, she led a community garden in the Central District to help address food insecurity. Her early involvement with the American Red Cross, where she ensured her participation in annual CPR certifications at the Bite of Seattle, laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to helping others. Additionally, as a self-proclaimed "tree hugger," already at 7 years old it was clear that Miss Becknell was dedicated to environmental causes, reflecting her holistic approach to creating positive change in the world.
As she grew older, Miss Becknell recognized that health and housing were as crucial as food security. At fifteen, she began working with disaster relief services through the Red Cross and later joined The Salvation Army, where she worked at the SODO shelter in Seattle during the 2019 California and Canada fires. Balancing her college education with extensive work commitments, Miss Becknell often worked 100-130 hour weeks across multiple jobs, including during the pandemic.
Her professional experience spans a wide range of roles in social services. She has worked in shelters, permanent supportive housing, mental health housing, crisis centers, schools, and low-income housing. This includes positions in ABA therapy with various school districts, state contracting roles, and comprehensive case management in behavioral health and housing sustainability.
Through these varied roles, Miss Becknell gained invaluable insights into the systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. Her dedication and tireless efforts culminated in the founding of Cornerstone Youth Collective, an organization that embodies her vision for comprehensive and compassionate support. Today, CYC continues to thrive under her leadership, providing essential services and fostering long-term stability for underrepresented youth and young adults.