I didn't decide to run for office because I wanted a political title, I decided to run because I wanted to solve problems. Throughout my career and my life, I've seen how government decisions affect families, veterans, students, teachers, seniors and small businesses. Too often, the people living with those decisions don't feel heard. I believe government should be transparent, accessible and accountable to the people it serves. I'm running to bring practical leadership, common-sense solutions and a willingness to work with anyone who wants to make District 51 stronger.

My family is the reason I'm running. My husband, Jason, served our country in the United States Army for 20 years and together we've built our life here in White Lake. We're raising our daughters, Alex and Ava, in District 51 and every decision I make is grounded in the kind of future I want them, and every child in our community, to inherit.

Like so many families, we've navigated rising costs, school challenges, healthcare decisions and the daily balancing act of work and family life. Those experiences have taught me that good public policy isn't abstract, it affects real people every single day.

Our family has always believed in service, accountability and showing up for others. Those values guide me as a wife, a mother and now as a candidate for State Representative. I'm running because I want every family in District 51 to have the opportunity to build a strong future right here in the community we call home.

My career has given me the opportunity to work in professional sports, national defense, business and real estate, experiences that taught me how to solve problems, manage complex projects and bring people together to achieve results.

Before becoming a REALTOR®, I worked for organizations including the Detroit Pistons, Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Lockheed Martin, where I supported airspace and defense operations. Each role strengthened my ability to think strategically, communicate effectively and remain accountable in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

Today, as a REALTOR® and business professional, I help families navigate some of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Every day I negotiate, advocate for my clients, manage contracts and solve problems while keeping people informed throughout the process.

Those experiences have reinforced my belief that leadership is about listening first, communicating clearly and delivering results. That's the same practical approach I'll bring to serving the people of District 51 in Lansing.

Community leadership isn't about holding a title, it's about stepping forward when people need help.

Throughout my life and career, I've worked alongside families, veterans, students, educators and small business owners to solve real problems. One of the most meaningful examples was helping a disabled veteran's widow fight for the property tax exemption her family had earned through her husband's military service. What began as helping one family exposed a gap in Michigan law and ultimately contributed to legislation that changed the law, ensuring other surviving spouses would have greater access to the benefits they earned through sacrifice.

I've also been a strong advocate for fair housing and equal opportunity. One of my fair housing advocacy efforts led to a case that is now featured in National Association of REALTORS® training across the country, helping educate real estate professionals on the importance of fair housing protections. That work reached the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and continues to inspire REALTORS® and advocates nationwide to speak up when they see discrimination.

My commitment to advocacy extends to our schools as well. I've worked alongside parents to push for greater equity for students in underserved parts of an affluent school district and I brought my daughters with me, even when they were just six and nine years old, because I wanted them to learn that when something isn't fair, you don't look the other way. You stand up, speak out and work to make it better.

Whether advocating for veterans, defending fair housing rights, supporting students or helping neighbors navigate difficult challenges, I've learned that meaningful change happens when people are willing to listen, work together and see the job through.

Jason and I have been together since high school. Shortly after graduation, he chose to serve our country in the United States Army and together we spent the first 20 years of our adult lives embracing a simple but powerful principle: the mission always comes before self.

As a military family, we moved across the country and around the world, learning that home isn't a place, it's the community you build and the people who stand beside you. We experienced the realities of military life during the post-9/11 era, when repeated deployments, long separations and constant uncertainty became part of everyday life. Those experiences taught us resilience, adaptability and the importance of serving something bigger than ourselves.

Throughout those years, I became deeply involved in our military communities. I worked with organizations that supported families raising children with disabilities and helped military spouses connect with resources, employment opportunities and support systems that allowed them to pursue their own goals while supporting their spouses' service.

Jason enlisted right out of high school and retired as an Army officer after 20 years of service, earning the Bronze Star along the way. Because we've experienced military life from both the enlisted and officer perspectives, we understand the challenges, sacrifices and opportunities that exist at every level. That perspective continues to shape how I think about leadership, teamwork and public service.

More than anything, Jason's commitment to service has inspired me. He's my husband, my best friend and one of my most trusted advisors. He reminds me to balance compassion with discipline and to keep the mission in focus, even when emotions run high. Those lessons have strengthened me as a wife, a mother and now as a candidate committed to serving the people of District 51.

I believe leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about having the courage to ask the right questions, listen to the people you serve and do the hard work of finding solutions.

Throughout my career, whether in professional sports, national defense, real estate or community advocacy, I've learned that the best leaders don't seek credit, they build trust. They bring people together, communicate honestly and remain accountable for the decisions they make. That's the standard I hold myself to.

As a military spouse, I've spent more than two decades living by a simple principle: the mission is bigger than any one person. I believe government should operate the same way. Public service isn't about political parties or personal recognition, it's about improving people's lives and leaving your community stronger than you found it.

If elected, I won't measure success by the number of bills with my name on them or the headlines I make. I'll measure it by whether families can afford to stay in their homes, whether our children have greater opportunities, whether our veterans feel valued and whether the people of District 51 know they have a representative who listens, shows up and follows through.

Leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about earning trust through integrity, action and results.

There's more to me than politics. I'm a wife, a mom and someone who genuinely enjoys connecting with people and building community. Here are a few things you might not know about me:

• I've been with my husband, Jason, since high school. We've grown up together through military life, career changes, and raising our family. Today, he's not only my husband and best friend but my trusted advisor and biggest supporter.

• I'm the proud mom of two incredible daughters, Alex and Ava. They're excellent students, kind friends, piano players, constantly singing around the house and budding flag football athletes coached by my husband, Jason. Watching them grow into confident, compassionate young girls who aren't afraid to try something new is one of my greatest joys. Raising daughters has also deepened my commitment to women's empowerment. I believe we need more women stepping into leadership, supporting one another and creating opportunities for the next generation. Women lead differently and our communities are stronger when those perspectives are represented at every decision-making table. I want my girls, and every young girl, to know their voice matters, that they belong in every room where decisions are made and that they have the power to help shape the future.

• We're a Detroit Lions family through and through. Our family of four are proud season ticket holders and during football season you'll find us at Ford Field every home Sunday cheering on the Lions. Alex and Ava might just be the biggest fans in the stadium, they're so passionate and energetic that they're regularly recognized by other fans for the way they cheer and bring excitement to every game. Like so many Michigan families, we've spent years believing, "This is our year!" Someday, we hope to cheer them all the way to a Super Bowl victory.

• I love traveling with my family, whether we're exploring another country or discovering a new corner of Michigan together.

• I'm fiercely competitive. Whether it's sports, solving a difficult problem or playing a game of Uno with my family, I play to win. My family will tell you I take game night very seriously but they also know I'll be the first one to laugh when it's over.

• I love to make people laugh. I can usually get just about anyone laughing. Whether it's a quick joke, a funny story or finding humor in everyday life, I believe laughter brings people together and reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously.

One thing you'll always get from me is authenticity. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I will always be honest, work hard, ask questions and never stop looking for ways to make our community stronger.