If you’re still reading. Nice. So… about that dedication…
I am surrounded by amazing women. AMAZING. The truth is, my road to feminism was a roundabout journey. I grew up in a very small, agrarian community within a very conservative, fundamentalist family. My ideas about womanhood were archaic, even though I watched women—raised in that same system—push against it: my mother owned her own business, as did two of her three sisters. Two of my aunts left abusive husbands. Still, a “woman’s place” was ingrained in me in a variety of messages. And I was opinionated about it. There was a reason my high school classmates thought it would be hilarious to predict I would be the president of the National Organization for Women.
I love that prediction, even if it started out in jest. It set me on a path to curiosity.
When I went away to college, I garnered friends who offered new ideas about women. I was a resident assistant in my college and gained even more understanding about issues facing women. When I became an educator, and when I started in the workplace, I was surrounded by women who demonstrated empowerment daily helping students facing crises. I heard stories that offered perspective I hadn’t had access to before. With an open mind, I read, I listened, and I learned. I sought more. I asked questions and I’ve found my way.
I may not be the president of NOW, but I sure as hell will do anything I can to advocate for women, women’s rights, and continue to tell stories about empowered women who have agency and autonomy.
That said, many wonderful women had a hand in this book. Thank you to Lavinia, Beth, Becky, Stephanie, Misty, Rayna, Willow, Janine, Marissa, Kori, Anuhea, and Marcie. Your reader’s eyes helped so much. Thank you to my salon group—all amazing women—who lift me up especially when I’m low. To Kate, my editor, who makes my work shiny. Thank you. And to Mridu—cover artist extraordinaire—who came in clutch with not one but two covers. You really are the best. And to my friends and family who inspire me and support me: my aunts, Sue, Danice, Judy, Rocky, Leilani, and Charlene; my nieces, Asia, Karlie, Kamalei, Meghan, and Ruth; my sisters, Susan and Connie, and sisters-in-law, Lori, Shandelle and Sandy; my daughter, Anuhea; my mother-in-law, Corina, and my mom, Terry.
To my son, Laʻanui. We have a lovely symbiotic relationship. I listen to all the basketball stuff, and he listens when I talk about women stuff. And to my husband, Vince. He isn’t soft or cuddly, but his actions always showcase his love. Thank you for your support, your love, and your devotion.
Thank you to all of you—the readers—who made the decision to pick up this book. To buy it and gift it. To read it and review it. To subscribe to the newsletter and engage with me on social media. I am so grateful. I’m able to do this because of you. So, thank you.
Finally, to the OG feminist and patriarchy challenger: my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You told Martha to leave the work to sit and learn just as her sister Mary was doing; you took water from the Samaritan woman even though she was thought to be “unclean” then trusted her to teach others about you; and you saved the adulteress from being stoned by saying, “Let those of you without sin cast the first stone.” I’m grateful and humbled by your blessings in my life.