How it All Got Started

Hi, I’m Bea — or just B.

I’m not one for the spotlight - talking about myself still makes me uncomfy - but I think it’s worth sharing how this project came to life—and why it means so much to me.

I’ve always had a passion for helping others. Growing up as the daughter of two immigrant parents, I learned early on that the world isn’t always fair—but also that compassion, community, and showing up for one another can go a long way. That lens has shaped pretty much everything I’ve done since.

How Baking Got Involved

After I left the military (I somehow convinced everyone that I had a post-military plan…but I didn’t), I found myself in a bit of a “what now?” moment. So, I started baking. A lot. That turned into an online fundraiser called B’s Baking for a Better Future, where I sold desserts to raise money for the International Rescue Committee. In just three months, I raised $3,000—and yes, I baked and shipped every single order myself. That experience taught me that something as small as a cookie could spark connection, conversation, and support.

That led to a job at a nonprofit consulting firm, where I had the chance to work with organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children—helping them refine their digital campaigns and reach more people. It was a privilege to be part of missions I cared deeply about, and it gave me a clearer view of how powerful storytelling and creativity can be when it comes to driving impact

  • One of the coolest things I’ve had the chance to do was volunteer with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), playing sports with children who have resettled in the U.S.

  • My dog, Bailey, was sitting on a sign I made for an Afghan family I was picking up at the airport to help resettle in the U.S. through the IRC. It was one of the most life-changing experiences I've had.

  • This is one of the photos I took for my first fundraiser in support of the IRC, B’s Baking for a Better Future, which I awkwardly took in my kitchen.

  • Every order came with information about the IRC and the incredible work they’re doing to support displaced communities around the world

  • Not only was I selling cupcakes and cheesecakes, but I also explored making some traditional Hispanic desserts, like Dulce de Leche

  • I had AMAZING supporters! I was pulling wagons full of desserts to the Fedex store. I quickly became besties with the lady who worked there.

Why I’m Back to Baking

Fast forward a few years…

I stumbled across The Last Girl by Nadia Murad—her memoir about surviving captivity from ISIS and fighting for justice for the Yazidi people. Her story hit hard, and it stayed with me. It reminded me that support doesn’t always have to look like grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about using what you have to amplify the work of people already making change happen.

That’s what B’s Baking for Change is all about: combining my love for baking with my belief in community-driven impact. It’s a way to support women-led nonprofits doing meaningful work in communities impacted by conflict. And if we can make that happen through something as simple and joyful as a cookie, I’m all in.

Now let’s buy some cookies!