Why I Work at Justine PETERSEN: A Personal Story from Cameron Stuhl

Sometimes, life leads you exactly where you’re supposed to be—even if it starts with something as simple as a suggestion. Back in 2017, a former manager mentioned that Justine PETERSEN might be hiring contract workers. I didn’t know much about the organization at the time, but I was curious. That summer, I attended my very first JP July 4th celebration. It was there that I met Rob, and shortly after, I was officially brought on board.

But while that’s the story of how I came to JP, the real story is why I stayed.

For over two decades, I’ve been drawn to mission-driven work. I served on two nonprofit boards—The Learning Tree in North St. Louis City and Mary Ryder Home in the Central West End. Mary Ryder Home, which provided care for low-income and indigent senior women, especially pulled at my heartstrings. I spent many years there, taking on roles from fundraising chair to board president, because I saw the urgent need in that often-overlooked population. I felt a deep sense of responsibility to serve those who were underserved.

When I joined Justine PETERSEN, I quickly saw the parallels. JP’s mission resonated with me—supporting communities that have traditionally been left out of the financial system. Working with our CBN Partners accounts opened my eyes to the power of our credit building tools. We’re not just improving credit scores—we’re helping people learn how to manage money, build savings, and in some cases, even become homeowners. The impact is tangible, and for me, it feels like a continuation of the work I started years ago with Mary Ryder Home.

A little more about me—I was born and raised on the east coast of the “sunshine” state, and I've also spent time living in the vibrant city of New Orleans. Photography is my passion—especially capturing the still beauty of sunrises and the wonder of Mother Nature. As for movies, I’m a fan of the classics—give me a good film noir or anything by Alfred Hitchcock, especially The Birds or Rope, and I’m happy.

Working at Justine PETERSEN isn’t just a job. It’s a calling that connects deeply with my values and my past experiences. And that’s why I’m still here.