U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class
Tours: Afghanistan (2x), Pakistan, Kuwait, 17-year veteran
On Being a Woman in Power: “The power of being female is a truly amazing thing. Especially in this day and age where we are recognizing women, who for so long have gone unnoticed. With their courage, today’s young ladies have a solid platform to stand on. Also, the power of being a trusted friend, mentor or mother. We have the power to change the world in these roles. We are under-represented in the media, as well as in the art world. That is why I feel I am a powerful, important role as a female Veteran artist. I feel I have a responsibility to female Veterans who are with us and to those who gave it all; I have a responsibility to ensure these women’s stories are heard and that these women are seen in the eyes of the world.”
Career/Biggest Milestone: “I achieved the rank of E-7/Sergeant First Class. I served as a platoon sergeant and Battalion Communications Chief, providing communications to over 300 Soldiers and managing equipment and vehicles worth over $2M. My goal was to serve 20 years, but, I was medically retired from a spinal injury that forced me to depart the Army at 17 years.”
Inspiration: “The strong, smart women in the world that face fear and adversary every day in order to change the world. This includes the young voices I meet in the art world. Their passion, involvement, and incredible intelligence convince me that they will never stop fighting for equal rights. My fellow comrades in the military, who are so close to my heart, that continue to serve with pride and resilience.”
On Beauty: “Drink water and exercise (the key proponent of being a Soldier)! But most importantly keeping loving, healthy relationships in your life.”
Biggest Takeaway from Serving: “My biggest take away from serving is that it opened me up to all the different cultures and people in the world and from all walks of life. We are so much alike and different in such beautiful ways. Let’s embrace one another!”
Civilian Occupation and collegiate accolades: Artist/Art Student 2019, accepted as 1 of 26 up and coming seniors from art schools all over the world (over 300 applications) to attend Yale Norfolk School of Art’s 2019 summer session. 2018 Awarded $5000 Grant for Art Prize Pitch Night Cincinnati-winning entry, “Locked and Loaded.” ArtPrize is an art competition and festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, one of the most attended Art Festivals in the world. https://www.artprize.org/blog/pitch-night-cincinnati-winner-2018 https://www.woodtv.com/news/artprize/artprize-entry-brings-awareness-to-sexual-assault-in-military/1483323204
About being a woman in uniform: “I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t tell you the pride of wearing the uniform, especially as a woman. The military is a male-dominated organization. Women are often overlooked for their service, especially if there is a man around. we are under-represented in the media as well as in the art world. That is why I feel I am in a powerful, important role as a female Veteran artist. I strive to change the way art looks that have a military subject matter. I feel I have a responsibility to female Veterans who are with us and to those who gave it all the responsibility to ensure these women’s stories are heard and that these women are seen in the eyes of the world.”
