Summary

It's a delicate balance – preserving our heritage while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow.

For too long, we've allowed fear of the unknown to stifle our potential. It's time to change that. It's time for leadership that listens, that understands, and that has the courage to chart a new course. A course that honors our past, empowers our present, and secures a brighter future for generations to come.

As a wife of a Navy veteran, I understand the sacrifices made for our country. I've seen firsthand the strength and resilience of our community. As a mother who started volunteering in PTA and Girl Scouts, I discovered a passion for serving others and making a difference. This journey led me to local government, where I've had the privilege of working alongside dedicated individuals to improve our city.

Raising five children while supporting a husband often deployed for months at a time was a demanding journey. It taught me the true meaning of perseverance and the importance of building a strong support system. These experiences shaped me into the person I am today, and they fuel my desire to create a community where everyone feels supported and empowered.

Growing up in a family of ten, I learned early on the value of hard work and resourcefulness. Those lessons stayed with me as I navigated the challenges of motherhood and later, as I pursued a career in finance. At fifty, I returned to school to earn a Finance degree, proving that it's never too late to achieve your dreams.

My career in finance was more than just numbers; it was about building relationships, and learning the value of collaboration up, over, across, and down the organization and in the community.  I was fortunate to have mentors throughout my life who taught me the importance of lifting others up. This philosophy has guided me throughout my life, both personally and professionally.

Recently, I was honored to be accepted into the Jacksonville University Executive Master’s in Public Policy program and selected as a recipient of the highly regarded Nathaniel Glover Fellowship Scholarship. This opportunity will equip me with the knowledge and tools to become an even more effective leader in our community.

I believe in the power of giving back, for I have been the fortunate recipient of countless acts of kindness and support. It is my turn to pay it forward and create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.