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 we called Papa Marty. He was quiet and wise. He had a strict sense of right and wrong and a strong commitment to service. He volunteered at the church, the VFW, and the 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, on a lark, I moved to Northfield, MN. Even though I didn’t know anyone, I was welcomed by the community and taken in by the local church. In a very short time, Minnesota went from just being the place I lived to being the place I called “home.” 

I moved to Rosemount in 2019, after meeting my husband, Charlie, and my future stepsons. I quickly fell in love with nightly walks through Carroll's Woods, dinners at our local restaurants, and the community events that helped us make new friends. We took the dogs to every park in town. The kids played Little League and marched in the high school band. We planted roots.

Hearing My Calling

At the time, I was working at a local factory. I felt like I wanted to do more, though, so I applied to the U of M. It was intimidating to go back to school in my 30’s, but I knew that with my family’s support and a little self-discipline, I could do it. I took classes online while working fulltime until I earned my bachelor’s degree in English.

During my studies, I was able to do an internship which exposed me to local government, the law, and politics. I met people whose lives were changed by good policy and people whose lives were ruined by bad policy. I also met people who were making a real impact by serving their community and by bringing the power of local government to the people who needed it. I started to hear my calling. Not necessarily government, but the law and helping people. So I decided to go to law school. 

Ultimately, I graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law where I earned both a juris doctor and a master’s in catholic studies. During my time at St. Thomas, I provided free services to the community in the school’s legal clinic, was in leadership roles in multiple student organizations, and continued to work so that I could help support my family.

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?