How It All Started

Running for public office was never on my radar. It was on my father’s wish list when I was young but he also wanted me to be a lawyer and a brain surgeon so I didn’t give it much stock. It was a friend and someone whose opinion I respect who first put the idea in my head. And then he mentioned it again and again and it’s not hard to peer pressure me when it comes to participating in something that’s good for my community and underserved or underrepresented folks.

So I lurked and listened. I went to a couple meetings, I snooped on the folks that are on the board currently and the other people involved. And then he took me to a meeting of involved and like-minded people who were discussing what 2025 could look like as far as candidates and issues. They needed candidates and volunteers and their values aligned with mine. I met a few people 1:1 who are involved to get the details on what is involved. Meeting 1:1 creates a safe space to remove the rose-colored glasses and that unreserved honesty is what I need before committing.

I turned the idea over in my head and chatted with friends and neighbors who responded with a resounding OH HELL YES HOW CAN WE HELP. On Feb 26 I submitted my affidavit with the office of the Secretary of State and made it official.

Did I/do I know what I’m doing? Absolutely not. The people that put effort into documenting the process and explaining it to me have been heroic. Step by step, right?

The form was ridiculously easy. It took less than 5 minutes and here I am – I’m doing it. I’m running for school board. My dad passed away but he would do a fist pump and a half smile if he were here.