Growing up in a small rural town in Alabama with a population of just 441 people, I learned early on that the size of your community doesn't limit the magnitude of your dreams.
My father, a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant who proudly wore the Bronze Star Medal he earned in Vietnam and was awarded several other ribbons for his combat service in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, was my hero. As the youngest child in our family, I had the unique privilege of spending ample time with him during his retirement. He became my first teacher, my mentor, and the person who instilled in me the values I hold dear today.
In a time when it was uncommon for a young girl to delve into the world of technology, my father taught me how to code, build computers, and even construct satellite systems—all before the dawn of the public Internet. These lessons were more than just technical skills. They were life lessons in curiosity, resilience, and the realization that I could achieve anything, that no field was off-limits regardless of my gender.
One of my most cherished memories is of my father pulling out a world map and pinning it to our living room wall whenever global events unfolded. During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, he pointed out the locations of conflicts, teaching me geography through real-world events. He shared stories of the U.S. military's efforts to protect and serve, deepening my understanding of global affairs and the sacrifices made by those in uniform.
Voting was a sacred duty in our household. I recall my parents heading to the polls every election without fail. Their commitment wasn't just about choosing leaders. It was about participating in a democracy they both had sacrificed so much to protect. My father's dedication to voting was perhaps most profoundly demonstrated during his battle with cancer. He was diagnosed in 1997 and faced immense pain and hardship. Despite his struggle, he still insisted on voting in the election on November 3, 1998 only a few weeks before he passed away. I was 19 years old.
My father was determined to have his voice heard, especially on an important education bill on the ballot. I remember wheeling him in a wheelchair to the polling station. It was our last car ride together. His courage and unwavering commitment to democracy left an indelible mark on me. He even crossed party lines for that education bill, emphasizing to me that some issues transcend partisan politics.
My father's legacy lives on in me. As the CEO of a venture-backed fintech company, I carry the lessons he taught me into every aspect of my life and work. His belief in the power of knowledge, the importance of participation, and the duty we have to our communities continues to inspire me.
Voting is not just a right. It is a profound responsibility. Voting is how we honor those who have fought for our freedoms and shape a better future for generations to come. My father's determination to vote, even in the face of immense personal pain, serves as a powerful reminder of the precious value of our democracy.
I encourage everyone to honor the privilege and accept the responsibility to vote . Let us not take for granted what so many have sacrificed to secure. Every one of our votes is a voice in the chorus of our nation's future. Let's make it count.
Please register to vote, and find out how you can vote early or vote by mail at iwillvote.com.
