About Me

Growing Up

I come from a working-class family in South Carolina. When I was growing up, I was taught that if you see something that needs doing, you do it, and if you see a neighbor down on his luck, you help him. You clean your plate, earn your keep, and don’t be late for church. These rules may be simple, but they sure do work. That’s why I still live by them today. They inform the core values that make me who I am: hard work, charity, stewardship, community, and faith. 

I learned most of this from my grandfather, a Navy veteran whom we called Papa Marty. He was quiet and wise, with a strict sense of right and wrong and a strong commitment to service. He volunteered at his church, the VFW, and our town's local historical society. I often say that since he passed away, he has become the voice of my conscience. If you spend much time with me, you will hear me quote him at some point.

Moving to Minnesota

In 2017, I moved from South Carolina to Minnesota. I was immediately welcomed by the community and taken in by a local church. In a very short time, Minnesota went from just being the place I lived to being the place I called “home.” 

I came to Rosemount in 2019, after meeting my husband, Charlie. I quickly fell in love with nightly walks through Carroll's Woods, dinners at local restaurants, and the community events that helped us make new friends. We took the dogs to every park in town. Our sons played Little League and marched in the high school band. We built our lives here.

Hearing My Calling

I spent most of my adult life working in heavy industry—as a shift leader operating million-dollar press machines, leading FDA-audits for product quality, and even working as head of safety and training for an entire company. I went back to school in my thirties. I continued working while I completed my undergrad and then worked part-time jobs to put myself through a master’s program and law school, where I led or was on the board of multiple student organizations. My education instilled in me a respect for the law and an understanding of how government can better people’s lives when its power is wielded responsibly. 

Deciding to Run

Before I decided to run, I would often read the local news, look at social media, or speak with friends and neighbors, and see people growing disenchanted with a system that I know does a lot of great things. One evening around the dinner table, I remarked how disappointing it is that people are losing faith in government but how nobody is stepping up to do anything about it. Charlie responded with a simple question: "Why don't you?"

Growing up, I was taught that if you see something that needs doing, you roll up your sleeves and do it. I see a lot that needs doing now, so I’m rolling up my sleeves. Will you join me?