From Homelessness to Hope: How One Veteran Turned Hardship into a Mission for Financial Empowerment

Welcome to Encore’s Colleague Corner. In this web series, we delve into the career journeys of our colleagues, what our Mission to create pathways to economic freedom means to them, and most importantly, we offer an inside look into our culture.

The new year is synonymous with new beginnings and fresh starts. To kick off our series in 2026, we are amplifying the voice of Virginia Miller—a military veteran and Account Manager in the U.S.—who volunteered to share how her journey from hardship to hope fuels her passion for helping consumers rebuild their financial health.

After a successful transition from active-duty service into civilian life, which included earning an undergraduate degree and enrolling in a master’s program, Miller found herself building a career with a promising future, working as a recruiter for a global company.

“Following a rewarding two and a half years in the talent acquisition space, I was ready for a new challenge, and I accepted a contract to serve as Personal Assistant and House Manager for two senior leaders in a different state,” said Miller. “That decision started a period of big changes for me.”

Upon completing her contract in December of 2024, Miller decided to move back to her home state to pursue a new beginning.

“Let’s just say that not everything went according to plan upon my return,” added Miller. “I found myself between a rock and a hard place pretty quickly.”

In less than two months, Miller had nowhere to live. By March of 2025, she was sleeping in a temporary shelter.

“Becoming a homeless veteran broke my heart open. After spending years grinding in my professional career to carve out a niche for myself, the last thing I envisioned was ending up in a homeless shelter,” said Miller.

Days after entering the temporary shelter, Miller was filled with hope when a friend from college and current Account Manager at Midland Credit Management (MCM) referred her to apply for a job at the company.

“The referral program and timely interview process was paramount in helping me navigate what I will refer to as the ‘rebuilding phase’ during my time in transitional housing,” said Miller.

Miller joined MCM in Phoenix in April 2025 and immediately felt plugged in. The connection to our Values propelled her fresh start. “The collaborative atmosphere and inclusive culture were palpable in how people treated each other and our consumers. I knew it was going to be a great fit.”

Within three months of starting her position, Miller was able to move into her own apartment and started her journey to reclaim her own financial wellbeing.

“Having a stable income while learning the role during those first 90 days made all the difference,” she added. “I appreciate how the Account Manager role makes room for personal growth and expansion. Each call is an opportunity to become a better listener and provide a more attuned solution for those that need my support,” said Miller.

Miller credits getting back on track financially to her role at MCM, as well as actively applying lessons she learned from her peers while on active duty. “I did not have great examples of financial stability growing up and learned from direct experience that finances are something you have to manage, or else they will manage you.”

“I tell my consumers it’s the small steps that we take in our day to day that add up to a totally different life years later. I always commend them for taking my call, because it just might be that first step for them to get back on track.”

A lot can happen in a year. When asked about the future, Miller said she plans to eventually finish her graduate degree. For now, she is taking every opportunity to help others restore their financial health, while at the same time reclaiming her own.