As a woman I see myself as a civic agent by doing a number of things. First of all, voting. I voted on 9/21/20 and I also helped my husband, sons, dad, and friends get mail-in ballots. By voting, women can get their voices heard on women’s matters and political processes that affect them, their families, and their communities. When women participate in voting, politics, policy-making, and government, the chances of being more inclusive, responsive, and democratic. Women are absent around the world in policy and decision-making groups. To achieve gender equality, women’s participation is critical to strengthen and empower women. I think it is time for a woman in the White House as VP.

Another way I see myself as a civic agent is standing up for other women and backing women in public, and that includes women of color and women in the LGBTQ+ community. Too often women are stereotyped as bickering with one another and not getting along in offices. I think women need to flock together and stand up for one another. Women also need to stand up for women who are in the public eye like politicians, athletes, actors, teachers, doctors.

Finally, the way I imagine myself as a civic agent of women’s rights is standing up for myself and being a good role model for my kids, especially my 12-year-old daughter. Women have to recognize what they contribute to the world, work, life, family life, community, friendships, etc. I am not a confrontational person however I will stand up for myself if I feel I need to. Taking on the City of Sauk Rapids is one example of this for me when they were discriminating against me in pay based on me being a woman.