"I’m not just here to occupy space. I’m here to create it." - Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

 What are you passionate about and at what point/incident in your life did you recognize this passion is the key to your true path?

“My path in life is directly tied to intersecting my passions for faith, social justice, and civic engagement together to create an environment where everyone, but particularly our most marginalized citizens, understands their power to create positive change in their communities. I believe in praying with our feet in order to create a just and inclusive America because we are equipped and capable thanks to the sacrifices and faith of our ancestors. This passion was ignited in me during my junior year of college when I became a student activist during the UofSC Presidential Search because I was upset with the flawed process. From that moment, I became interested in social justice and how politics affects our daily lives and we often aren't even aware.”

How do you use your passion to illuminate change in the world?

"I am a proud 2020 first-generation college graduate of the University of South Carolina. During my time at the University of South Carolina, I was a devoted member of Student Government, serving as the first-ever Secretary of Inclusion & Equity and as a member of the University’s Congressional Advisory Board where I advocated on behalf of first-generation college students to the South Carolina delegation on Capitol Hill.”

If you could leave one lasting impression on others what would it be and why?

“I want to be known as someone who let my faith, my heart for social justice, and my passion for politics to intersect and bear fruit in a way that allows me to be a bridge between marginalized communities and the resources & opportunities we need to be successful. I want people to know that if I had nothing else, I always had a vision for better days and it's my life's mission to share that vision with the world.”