Finding Leadership In Defeat

The silence that greeted me that morning was deafening—no early calls from reporters, no urgent requests from city leaders needing me to advocate for their projects. My personal phone didn’t ring; my work phone stayed quiet too. It was so out of the ordinary that I even

double-checked if my bills were paid. The truth hit me hard when I finally allowed myself to acknowledge it: we lost the election last night.

In an instant, everything changed. No more rushing to solve community issues. No more meetings to broker deals. No more pulling together support for those who counted on me in the Mayor’s office. The election results decided it—my services as Chief of Staff, were no longer required there.

Losing an election stings, but there are moments when a loss is simply the next step toward something greater. That morning of silence gave me space to reflect on what came next. I had an offer on the table: to return to my old role as the first woman and first African American Vice President of the Greater Memphis Chamber. A prestigious title, a steady paycheck—something I knew I could do well. But it didn’t feel like the right move.

Instead, I decided to chart a new course for myself. I signed up for nine weeks of Bikram Yoga Teacher Training—ninety minutes of yoga twice a day in a room heated to 105 degrees. That heat, that intensity—it was both physical and mental. The lessons I learned there stayed with me far beyond the yoga mat.

I learned to embrace the power of breath, even in moments when everything around me felt overwhelming. There were times when I stayed in that sweltering room because I could still breathe, and that was enough. The practice taught me that the power of my breath could carry me through difficult moments just as a sailboat is carried by the wind.

These experiences have shaped me into a focused, determined, and calm leader in adversity.

As I seek to serve as Alachua County Sheriff, that same resilience guides me. Leadership isn't just about solving problems—it's about staying grounded under pressure, adapting to change, and always prioritizing the people. Just as yoga taught me to find strength in silence, I’m ready to listen, learn, and lead for a brighter, safer, and more secure Alachua County for all.