Use my voice.

Throughout my career it has been a source of pride to tell someone else’s story. I genuinely enjoy listening to others dig into their life, reflect on their journey, and I respect their bravery to be vulnerable in front of me. To lay your life experience out to someone else is raw. 

Throughout my work in public relations, nothing has given me greater joy than to be able use my voice to bring about change. I’ve been privileged to be let into the lives of veterans struggling with homelessness, victims of domestic violence, solitary seniors desperate for conversation, college students who make weekly visits to food banks to feed their children, teenage parents, children aging out of the foster system, and many more. We are human and it is beautiful.

The past two weeks have been a shock to my soul. I am devastated at the racism and hate, devastated at the realization that I am contributing to systemic racism by not being a vocal antiracist. I pride myself in being able to use my voice and so I will do so to combat the systemic inequality that is pervasive in our country. My first step is my business. I own it, I decide who and why I collaborate with, and this is the tone I will set for its entire existence.

Rollie Creative will not work with clients who promote, support, or deny racism in any capacity. Denying racial inequity is denying fact. We will work with, empower, and promote businesses who stand for anti-racism, equality, and love the human race.

As its founder, I will make a point to check my white privilege. I will seek out collaborators of color. I will educate myself and my team on historical context of racism and how we can be a part of lasting change. And I will use my voice to combat racism. I am no longer complicit by being silent. I am sorry that it has taken me this long to realize how I can have an impact. I will do better.