Jurgita Fumo, Founder
Message from the Founder
Helping people has always come naturally to me. I feel a strong sense of empathy for those around me which often comes from a place of personal experience.
Throughout my life, many times I have felt alone and misunderstood. Different periods had different challenges (being a pregnant teenager, single mom, go through a divorce, have no place to live and many more) I often lack encouragement and support.
My life changed because I didn't give up.
It suddenly became obvious to me the importance of celebrations to help encourage others to keep going. Not just the standard milestones like birthdays, but the mundane, every day, the extraordinary achievements, the small steps forward that people take.
The mission of Celebrating One is to seek out those who have been overlooked, those who have achieved great feats of emotional, physical, spiritual strength. These are the people we celebrate and encourage, and we do so with gestures large and small.
I invite you to see those people in your life who need to be lifted up and honored. Send a card, buy a cup of coffee, call just to say hello. Even better, nominate them to be recognized and motivated to keep moving forward by the Celebrating One team so they know they are not alone.
I am so grateful for all those who took a moment to celebrate and encourage me when I needed it most. This is what drives me to show others how important it is to give encouragement each day which can change someone life like it did mine.
Sydney Fisher
Sydney is in Planning and Business Development at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, focused on building business and strategic plans for the Abigail Wexner Research Institute. She has a background in public health and is involved in many community groups in Columbus. She is excited to support her community through Celebrating One events and programs! So often we focus on major, life-altering milestones, but the small steps and achievements deserve just as much recognition.
Trista Hughes
Trista's career has been focused on personalized medicine to help patients with cancer determine treatment options, as well as help family members with their inherited risk. Trista is so excited to be a part of the Celebrating One organization as the Founder came into her life at a time where she needed help... needed support... needed guidance.... needed reassurance that things were going to be ok. Trista wants to make sure that others going through tough times has this same support. Celebrating One is that organization and Trista is thrilled to be part of it!
Sara Hammond
Sara is a Licensed Social Worker and in management at a technology company that serves health and human services agencies around the country. She has worked in the Social Work field for over 15 years. Sara is a mom of two boys and enjoys spending time with family. She’s motivated by empowering those around her to reach their full potential and helping individuals persevere through some of the most challenging circumstances. Sara excited to contribute to the mission of Celebrating One and serving those in the community!
Catherine Thompson
Catherine is a Control Director at Chase focused on supporting Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer (AML/KYC) controls for retail customers. She has worked in the Financial Services industry for over 17 years. Catherine is a mom of two girls and enjoys participating in and coaching their various athletic ventures. Catherine believes in the C1 mission and ensuring no one feels alone. We all need support to keep moving in hard times and this organization provides programs that genuinely make a difference in the lives of so many!
Moses
Amaya
Brenda
Doner
Stephanie
Page
Maggie
Perotin
Paul
Fumo
Permelia Parham
Deanna
Archer
Ishara
Guruge
Nickie
Butcher
