A New Chapter, Same Mission: Why I Said “Yes” to Leading Donor Relations at The Cupcake Girls

Some roles you chase, others find you. For Asia, our new Director of Donor Relations, this role was one that found her. When she first connected with The Cupcake Girls, she wasn’t looking for a career. She was seeking healing, community, and a space that would embrace her whole story. What she discovered was a movement rooted in compassion, dignity, and radical love. In this blog, we invite you to hear directly from Asia as she shares her journey, what this role means to her, and why she believes giving can transform both the giver and the receiver.

Some roles you chase, and some roles chase you. This one? It found me

When I first crossed paths with The Cupcake Girls, I wasn’t looking for a career move. I was looking for healing. For the community. For a space that saw my full humanity. What I found was a movement rooted in compassion, dignity, and radical love for people navigating the sex industry or healing from trafficking.

Fast forward to today, and I’m humbled to step into my new role as Director of Donor Relations. This title isn’t just about fundraising. It’s about storytelling, bridge-building, and hope. It’s about connecting the hearts of those who can give with the lives of those who need to be seen.

I’ve been in this field long enough to know the wins don’t always look like giant checks or grant announcements. Sometimes the biggest win is the survivor who finally feels safe enough to share their story. Sometimes it’s a donor who says, “I didn’t know organizations like this existed, but now I want to help.”

But there are losses too. Campaigns that don’t hit their goals. Calls that end in “maybe later” or “not this year.” The nights you wonder if anyone’s still listening. Yet through every challenge, one truth has never changed: giving transforms both the giver and the receiver.

Transformation is needed more than ever

We’re seeing increased need across our programs, from emergency support (i.e. food, housing…) to mental health resources to long-term empowerment and community.

Every day, our advocates are walking alongside individuals who are reclaiming their agency, rewriting their stories, and proving that survival can turn into thriving when given a fair chance.

But we can’t do it alone. That’s where you come in

If you’ve ever wanted to invest in something real. Something that changes lives without judgment or agenda, this is your moment. Whether it’s a one-time gift, a monthly pledge, or a corporate partnership, your support creates ripples of hope that reach far beyond our offices in Las Vegas and Portland.

Because when we all show up, with our time, our resources, and our belief in one another, change doesn’t just happen. It multiplies. So here’s my invitation:

Stay curious. Stay compassionate. Stay connected. If your heart’s tugging you to give… listen. The time is now.

Asia Duncan (Director of Donor Relations, The Cupcake Girls)