I'm an activist because I was raised to not be blind to the lives of others and complacent to injustice. It was as early as sixth grade that I first began to observe the social and political turmoil that others were experiencing everyday. Issues and injustices that had once been topics of conversation for adults were suddenly in my classroom and knocking on her front door. All throughout my life from there, I was not only witness to systemic racism tearing down my friends around me, but I also experienced discrimination from sexism both inside and outside of the classroom.

 

During my freshman year in high school, I experienced a real school lockdown. While students later found out there was no active shooter, the fear of possibly being gun-downed in her classroom isn't something that ever leaves you. Unable to turn a blind eye, I rolled up my sleeves and began my career in activism. In 2020, I worked with youth activists from around the country to lead a sister march (March 4 Our Future) in Perrysburg. Between 2020 and 2022, I co-led an Ohio chapter of Youth Advocates for Change and was a member of the policy team for March For Our Lives.

 

All of these experiences led me to where I am today. I have an actual chance to right the wrongs that motivated me to action. As a State Senator, I can direct my energy towards creating a better future for all Ohioans, one where no one is overlooked and no one suffers from the injustices I've fought against for the majority of my life.