I went to college for both business and art, and after graduating, entered a high powered career in a male dominated field. That path gave me opportunities to travel the country, become a manager at a young age, and develop a deep appreciation for problem solving and leadership. It also exposed me to the quieter, more insidious forms of sexism woven into many of the systems that shape our society.

Sexism, racism, homophobia, and the like are often discussed as though they are issues of the past. As if they’re a part of a history lessons that humanity has already learned from and overcome. But for many people, they are still lived experiences that continue to exist today in slightly different packaging.

This work reflects on the power of the underdog and the resilience that emerges from being underestimated. I believe progress has always come from those willing to challenge the structures around them and continue forward despite resistance. The advancement of society has always depended on people refusing to remain silent, unseen, or diminished.