Meet  the Candidate

 

Unlike some of the other school board candidates I did not grow up in Minnesota.  So, I thought I would share a little about myself and how my life experiences will positively affect my role as a school board member.

I was born to military parents at the Air Force Academy in Colorado.  Shortly after, my family moved to Virginia.  We lived there for a few years then my mother and I moved to the Azores islands.  The Azores were a very impactful part of my life.  It was my first time away from American culture.  I learned so much about Portuguese culture that still impacts my life today.  I learned how to accept and embrace the people and their culture.  The impact was my acceptance of different ways of life and how beautiful they can be. 

In fourth grade we moved to GFAFB, ND.  Moving around so much taught me to make new friends no matter the obstacles that arose.  After a few years we moved into Grand Forks.  The adjustment to life off of the military base was difficult for me. I was surrounded by people whom have known each other their entire lives.  Making friends here was not easy for me.  However, I made friendships that will last a lifetime. 

During my late teens, I started behavior that I am not proud of.  But in the end, I learned a valuable lesson, the understanding of how people can change.  I learned that even if someone steers off the right path there is always an option to get back on track; they just have to work for it.  I changed my path and am very proud of who I am today and what I have accomplished thus far.

In my early twenties I lived in the Devils Lake area and worked several years at The Ranch Steakhouse.  I have learned to have a “thick skin”, especially concerning what I cannot control.   In addition to working at the restaurant I started attending school online at Park University.  As I focused on school, I also moved my way up the career ladder and became manager at the Cove.  Experience taught me about budget, schedules, and the importance of compromise.  I learned how to work with others and how to compromise while still standing for what was needed for the company.   Balancing school and work was hard but I knew it would be worth it.  I graduated with 3 Bachelor degrees which continue to benefit me. 

After that I moved to Grand Forks. I started working at Rydells; I am still currently working there part time.  I soon met my husband and we started our family.  In 2014, my husband and I began a construction company and that continues to grow today.  Owning a small business has given me experience from book keeping to human resource skills. 

I have not, until recently had much interaction with the community.  I have been busy raising our 4 boys, working at Rydell and for our family company, and all the little things in between from home.  I have decided I have such a drive to help create a positive change that I had to not just TALK about it but BE about it.  If I could not stand up for what I think is right, then how can I expect anyone else to?  I know there are other people who think like me but are not ready to take a stand.  However, I am ready!  I will ask questions.  I will listen.  I will stand up for our children’s rights to learn in a safe environment without interference from politics.  I will stand up for changes to increase our academic excellence! I will stand up and be the voice of the people who elect me. 

Recently, I took the FAIR pledge.  I believe in equality over equity.  I believe all children, no matter race or religion, should have an equal right to a great education.  https://www.fairforall.org/