Seventeen years ago I chose Lawrence to be the home I never had. I was born into poverty in Oklahoma, to a mother who abused not only drugs and alcohol, but also me and my brother. After being put up for adoption at age six, I was able to find a loving family, but never a permanent home— that is, until I moved to Lawrence to attend Haskell Indian Nations University. Haskell, and Lawrence, immediately felt like home. Lawrence represented all the positive things I believed in: equality, opportunity, and compassion. Those same values are why I’m raising my son, Mateo, here. I’ve become a member of this community, and I see all the good of it. I also see the need to protect, and nourish, the things that make Lawrence a home to so many.

 

That is why I’m choosing to give back to what the city and community of Lawrence have given me. I am running to be the representative from House District 46. I am running to be your representative.

 

Together we will ensure ALL citizens of Lawrence have equal access to quality healthcare, to stable and lucrative employment, and to a safe and welcoming community. I’m running for Kansas House of Representatives to be a voice for those who feel voiceless. As a working single mom, I know the pain of living paycheck-to-paycheck, and struggling to put food on the table. And as a victim of childhood neglect and abuse, I know the importance of providing public support and services for struggling parents, and the necessity of a foster care system that can handle the needs of Kansas’ most vulnerable children. I see the opportunity for progress on these issues, with your help. 

 

Lawrence has given me the home I never had growing up. It’s given me a place to raise my son, to build my career, and to feel safe. I want to give back to the place that has given me so much. I want to make sure Lawrence stays the welcoming place that took me in 17 years ago. A place of opportunity. A place of community. A home.