Growing up, it was just Mom and me — a team of two. She worked long hours as a secretary, juggling bills and life while making sure I never felt like we were missing out. Most of our clothes came from thrift stores, but she always made them look professional and polished.

One night, I overheard Mom crying on the phone to Grandma. Her boss, Richard, had mocked her thrift store clothes in front of her coworkers, belittling her and making her feel worthless. My heart broke, and anger bubbled inside me. Mom brushed it off when I asked her about it, but I couldn’t let it go.

When an invitation to Richard’s company awards dinner arrived, I knew it was my chance. With the help of Richard’s daughter, Zoe — who went to my school — I got recordings of his cruel words. During the event, as Richard gave his acceptance speech, the room was suddenly filled with his own voice insulting my mom. Everyone froze. I stepped forward and said, “That’s my mom you’re talking about — the one who holds your company together.”

Shame flooded Richard’s face. In front of his family and colleagues, he apologized to Mom and promised to make things right. A week later, Mom was offered a managerial position with her own team and a salary that finally matched her worth. Mom still shops at thrift stores — but now it’s by choice, not necessity. And every day, she walks into her office with her head held high, knowing her value isn’t defined by what she wears, but by who she is.