- Brief intro of your life: What is your story? (what makes her story pop) Brief intro on why you are unstoppable?
I was surrounded by activism from a young age. My first mark of activism was when I was 4 years old and attended the 20th anniversary of the March on Washington in 1983, alongside my mother and sister. My mother had organized buses to bring people from Columbus to Washington DC. I remember being around activists and the temperature being hot, but I didn’t know just how much that experience would align with my future passions.
- How did you get to where you are today? What was your goal for starting your organization?
I’m currently a Regional Field Manager for Planned Parenthood in Columbus and the Executive Director for Women’s March Ohio Chapter. My route here wasn’t straight; I have a background in the Air Force and worked as a healthcare professional. Ultimately, my anger with the 2016 election, and how this country was falling backwards into accepting outright misogyny and racism, made me interested in making a change. I did not want to perpetuate silence. I especially did not want this toxic culture to continue for my daughter and son. I wanted to create change, so I jumped online to find a women’s group or any position that I could promote social activism. I got into contact with Tamika Mallory, a co-chair for the Women’s March, and she encouraged putting me in a position of leadership in Ohio. I couldn’t believe it that she had such confidence in my growth for organizing. I simply asked her “Where do I show up?” When I got this position, I left my 20-year career in healthcare to dive into advocacy. I had doubts about being a single parent and being able to support myself, but I knew I had to be a voice for those who didn’t have one.
- What obstacles did you overcome to get where you are today?
Obstacles throughout my whole life have included misogyny, sexism, and racism. I especially felt these forces when serving in the military. I am also a victim of gun violence and one of my cousins was murdered, so our family had to care for the children. It has also been an obstacle as my son has grown up. Telling him how to act around the police or others, simply because he is targeted because of the color of his skin, is such a disheartening task. I must continue to tell myself that others have overcome far greater obstacles. I work through these obstacles because our community years for equality and I must work to provide a better world for the generations to come. I don’t want others to feel the oppression that I have felt.
- What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?
I’d say being a part of history has been a great accomplishment. Organizing and mobilizing for the largest march in US history, the March on Washington, and organizing the Women’s march in Ohio in 2017 for thousands of participants. Both were such emotional and powerful experiences to me. Something I believe strongly is that the hard moments in life are the ones that define our story and what make us unique.
- Who is your role model?
My mom is my role model and has been throughout my life. It was my family, especially my mom, who supported my decision to quit my job in healthcare and pursue work in activism. When I was young, my mother was an advocate for black authors and writers. My mother met with incredible and inspiring people, and even wrote a book herself called “Going Off.” I got to meet Toni Morrison and many of the other writers that represented African American talent. Something interesting is that I never considered my mom to be an activist until much later in life, but she is an amazing woman.
- What is some advice for girls who want to pursue the same field as you?
Never let someone write your story for you, you get to define yourself. Also, I would say to remain rooted in your purpose.
- What is your personal mantra/favorite quote?
“I am not my sister’s keeper, I am my sister.” -Iyanla Vanzant
This quote speaks to me because it is important to fight oppression on many fronts, pushing for equality in all aspects of the community. We must remain in solidarity in sisterhood, to fight oppression for ourselves and for others. The fight must be collective, and through this all of society will be uplifted.
