
I grew up in Redford, Michigan. I learned about hard work and public service from my parents. My mother is a nurse and was the president of her own healthcare company. My father was a Teamster and later worked for the city of Dearborn Heights in several positions. It was from him that I gained respect for the responsibility held by elected officials. I attended St. Robert Bellarmine in Redford and graduated from Divine Child High School in Dearborn in 2006. My time in both schools instilled the importance of community service and volunteering, both of which I still value.
I attended Michigan State University in East Lansing. While I was there, I volunteered at the Listening Ear Crisis Center and began attending civic engagement events. I learned that the problems of one person can often be indicative of the problems of many. I saw firsthand how the actions of lawmakers and other elected officials affected individuals. In 2010, I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in microbiology and began working in a local laboratory.
In 2013, I returned home to the Metro-Detroit area. Like many college graduates, I struggled to find a job in my field. I found myself working office and restaurant jobs. I shared in the frustrations of others who had serious concerns about the economy, student debt and obtaining a living wage. Many of my coworkers were fellow graduates who were also struggling to make ends meet. This humbling experience taught me that these issues are not just stories on the news, but are rather the stories of those in our own community.
I reside in Livonia with my rescue pets. I remain dedicated to political activism and creating positive change for all residents in my community. I am a member of the Livonia Democratic Club and the Livonia Rotary Club, and regularly attend grassroots events. I am currently serving my third term in the Michigan House of Representatives, where I serve as Speaker Pro Tempore and the Chair of the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation. I also serve as the Vice Chair of the Committee on Government Operations and sit on the Behavioral Health Subcommittee. I also serve as the Chair of the Progressive Women's Caucus.
I attended Michigan State University in East Lansing. While I was there, I volunteered at the Listening Ear Crisis Center and began attending civic engagement events. I learned that the problems of one person can often be indicative of the problems of many. I saw firsthand how the actions of lawmakers and other elected officials affected individuals. In 2010, I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in microbiology and began working in a local laboratory.
In 2013, I returned home to the Metro-Detroit area. Like many college graduates, I struggled to find a job in my field. I found myself working office and restaurant jobs. I shared in the frustrations of others who had serious concerns about the economy, student debt and obtaining a living wage. Many of my coworkers were fellow graduates who were also struggling to make ends meet. This humbling experience taught me that these issues are not just stories on the news, but are rather the stories of those in our own community.
I reside in Livonia with my rescue pets. I remain dedicated to political activism and creating positive change for all residents in my community. I am a member of the Livonia Democratic Club and the Livonia Rotary Club, and regularly attend grassroots events. I am currently serving my third term in the Michigan House of Representatives, where I serve as Speaker Pro Tempore and the Chair of the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation. I also serve as the Vice Chair of the Committee on Government Operations and sit on the Behavioral Health Subcommittee. I also serve as the Chair of the Progressive Women's Caucus.