What is important to you?

  That’s easy. Family. My family has experienced a myriad of challenges big and small that have tested us, and yet we’ve always worked through them as a team. We never lost sight of each other or what is truly important. At least once per week, we try to have Family Dinner Night so we can gather and talk, share a meal, laugh. We make a point to be present in each other’s lives, to stay engaged, to make the time. I often think about how incredibly lucky I am to have been raised by and with such genuinely good people.

What do you like about Fort Dodge?

  Fort Dodge rallies. We may have our differences, but when it comes right down to it, we not only take care of our own, but we also welcome newcomers with open arms. We are people who see an opportunity to make others’ lives better, and partner together to make it happen. Whether it’s the bustling arts community, the numerous service organizations, or the generous church and nonprofit groups in the area, Fort Dodgers get stuff done … and we do it with a smile.

What are you building for the future?

  When I first returned home, I launched myself into every possible activity that I found interesting. We have so many from which to choose! Now that I’ve been back several years, I’ve taken a good look at where my skills would be best utilized. That’s one of the reasons why I ran for supervisor. Every decision we make must take into consideration how it will affect the lives of the citizens of Webster County years down the line. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. We’re working hard to build on the successes of the brilliant public servants who came before us in order to ensure the best possible future for the generations that will come after.

What are you working hardest on?

  Like I mentioned, family is the number one most important thing in my life, so I’m working hardest on being a positive role model for my nieces and nephews. It’s not always easy, but I wake up every day with the goal of doing good in the world. Some days I succeed; other days I go to bed thinking, “Welp, today was a bust but tomorrow morning we start fresh.” I want them to see a woman who has experienced great adversity in her life, but never has and never will let it get the better of her. I want them to see someone with strong ethics, but who isn’t afraid to admit vulnerability. I want them to see their auntie who is genuinely the same person in public as they see in private. My theory is that once you work hard on bettering yourself, everything else gets easier.