How did you get your start in your career? Back in Sacramento, I went to work for a state senator who ran for the House of Representatives in 2000. Not only did Adam Schiff win the most expensive Congressional race at the time, I had a front-row seat to a very memorable campaign. I moved to LA and couch-surfed with friends, working in the district office during the day and volunteering for the campaign at night. California was a great place to get my start!
What’s an interesting book you’re reading? My book club, The Vageniuses, is always introducing me to interesting works. Some of the most memorable are "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson and "The Light of the World" by Elizabeth Alexander. I just finished "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett, and I recommend it highly. I was slow to finish the Neopolitan Quartet series by Elena Ferrante, only because I didn't want the lovely story of Elena and Lila growing up in Italy to end.
What’s a trend in your gratitude journal? My husband, Bernard, and Memphis the Pup, are more than I could have ever dreamed. I am also continuously grateful for other people's children. I spent my teens and 20s babysitting, and now I just love to follow kids around. Each and every child has a personality and it is my mission to find it and champion it.
What would you change with your magic wand if you could? I would make Election Day a national holiday. I would decriminalize poverty. I am so inspired by the work to end homelessness by my hometown mayor in Sacramento, Darrell Steinberg. I love the idea of micro-housing combined with social services to help folks get back on their feet and be the best they can be. While I'm at it, I'd love to pair everyone with a pet and clear the shelters.
How do you approach today's divisive political climate? I attended Claremont McKenna College, a conservative school that specializes in economics and government leaders. As a result of spending my college years debating lofty topics with people holding differing viewpoints, I learned how to listen and build more persuasive arguments. To this day, I reach out to fellow alums to discuss tax cuts, policy ideas, and campaign strategies. While I already know my position when I ask the questions, I really enjoy learning more about 'the opposition' and I can better understand where our views overlap. I value empathy and friendship over animosity and cancel culture. My goal is to build coalitions and work towards a more unified way forward.