This year I made a promise to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to new experiences and opportunities especially in career and business.

At the start of 2023, I also began working more diligently towards identifying my current interests and allocating more time and energy to causes that are important to me.

Aside from financial contributions to nonprofits such as Atlanta Mission and Doctors Without Borders I also enjoy working to help reform the criminal and justice system as an advocate. My favorite organizations are The Sentencing Project and The Appeal.

In the past I have had the privilege of working on various political campaigns including the Obama & Biden campaigns. Even though I had some faith that my voice was heard through voting, I honestly I have never thought to reach out to our political leaders directly with the intent of expressing my thoughts and suggestions regarding the improvement of social, health, educational and economic opportunities in our community.

It wasn’t until this year after managing a medical case that I got the idea. The complexity of the case and lack of community resources really inspired me to present my ideas to higher ups on the political chain of command on how specific government programs in collaboration with nonprofits can assist with community advancement.

So I decided to write a letter to the President.

In my 2 -page memorandum I used the opportunity to highlight some of the issues plaguing the people of organizations that I coordinate with — everyday people that vote these politicians in to office.

The response I received from the White House, though kind of robotic and languorous, inspired me. Even if my letter was not read by the President himself, I felt extremely empowered for taking the initiative to speak out. I intend to write more letters in the future.

My fiancé and I attended a medial conference this past weekend and the overall theme of the conference reminded that in order to be extraordinary you must be willing to not be ordinary.

What is the most extraordinary thing you have done to advocate for yourself or others?