Giving back to the community has always motivated me. I attended Lawrence public schools K-12, and earned degrees from Haskell Indian Nations University and the University of Kansas. As a social worker and an educator activist, I continue to support and defend public education in my role as an appointee from Kansas Governor, Laura Kelly on the Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Group and on The Kansas Association for Native American Education. Racial and social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our schools and communities has always been my priority for everyone. When students see themselves in the academic realm, their confidence and self-esteem increases. Every student should receive nothing less than the highest quality education.