| Born and raised in eastern Kentucky, I have a longstanding record of serving my community. With a passion for progress, I am dedicated to creating positive change. My vision extends to improving the quality of life for every Kentuckian, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering thriving communities.
My ties to Morehead, Kentucky run deep. I come from a family with roots deeply connected to the community. Growing up, my parents, Steve and Judy Craft, owned a small local business for 32 years. My mother also worked for state government, serving as a library technician at Morehead State University. Attending public schools in Morehead and Farmers, KY, my three sisters and I witnessed firsthand the value of hard work, the importance of education, and the need to create an environment that allows communities to flourish.
My passion for serving and improving the lives of others began at the University of Louisville where I completed both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in political science. Through my coursework, I learned the intricacies of governance, public policy, and the dynamics that shape our society. It was through this experience that I gained a deep understanding of how policy decisions impact the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities.
Following graduation, I worked in the world of small business for over 10 years. This experience gave me a fundamental understanding of the challenges encountered by family-owned enterprises and the obstacles and hurdles that often accompany the pursuit of entrepreneurial endeavors. Drawing from my own career and the experiences of my family, I have come to truly appreciate the role that small business plays in driving the local economy by fostering innovation, generating employment opportunities, and cultivating a vibrant and resilient community.
For the last 13 years, I have proudly served as an administrative professional at Fayette County Public Schools. Within this role, I have the privilege of working closely with families from diverse backgrounds and fostering an environment where their voices are heard, valued, and understood. By facilitating open and constructive dialogue between families and schools, I strive to bridge divides, establish common ground, and collaboratively solve challenges that impact our educational system. Through this process, I gained practical insights into the unique hurdles that families encounter on a daily basis. These experiences have fueled my commitment to advocating for policies that address the needs of our community, ensuring that every family has equal access to quality public education and opportunities for their children's success.
Beyond my dedication to education, I have consistently stood as a steadfast advocate for democratic values. I believe in the power of communication and collaboration, which is why I have made it a priority to regularly engage with and cultivate relationships with legislators across Kentucky. In addition, I have spent significant time in Frankfort, advocating for issues that impact our communities. Understanding the importance of grassroots efforts, I have knocked on thousands of doors to support Democratic candidates at all levels. In doing so, I have connected with constituents from all walks of life and listened to their concerns, hopes, and aspirations. These conversations shaped my approach to public service, reinforcing my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of families in the 93rd district.
Family plays a central role in my life. I have been happily married for 25 years to Chris, a dedicated public-school teacher with over 26 years of service. Together, we have two wonderful children, Benjamin and Madison. Over the past decade, Chris and I have crisscrossed Kentucky, supporting our children as they competed in cross country, track and field, and swimming. In addition, as a Kentuckian with aging parents, I personally understand the pressing challenges of elder care that many of us share. This personal experience has made me even more committed to fighting for improvements in healthcare and comprehensive support for all families throughout every stage of life.
I wholeheartedly believe that my personal journey is marked by unwavering dedication, tireless advocacy, and an unyielding commitment to forging a brighter future for Kentucky. Being elected State Representative on November 7, 2023 was an incredible honor. It is with passion and purpose that I invite you to help me shape a tomorrow that holds opportunity, prosperity, and well-being for every single Kentuckian. Let us work hand-in-hand to build a Kentucky that thrives and flourishes, leaving no one behind. |