The Ann Richards' Effect

Way back when I strapped my baby into her little frontpack and walked the blocks of my Fort Worth neighborhood, passing out fliers for Ann Richards campaign for governor. My neighborhood then was marginal, slightly crime-ridden, during my time in Fort Worth I was burglarized, robbed at gun point, and had my car broken into numerous times. Still, I wasn't afraid, everyone loved Ann Richards and wanted to talk about her. Those were desperate times in Forth Worth, Texas. The real estate market was crashing, companies were leaving, and to add to that, it was one of the hottest years on record.

Ann Richards gave me hope. She wasn't afraid to speak up, to have people make fun of her or call her "brash" and "loud." She said what needed sayin.

Now, here she goes again, inspiring hundred of young girls in Austin. The new Ann Richard's School for Young Women Leaders will open in the Fall. Kat and I were at orientation, passing out information about our summer film camp and the after school film club Kat will be leading. It was really something to see the girls walking around talking about the organic gardening club, the engineering club, music, art, and even yoga classes.

I'm thrilled that I'll be part of this summer camp program at a school named after one of my personal heroes. I'm proud that Austin has such a school and I can't wait to meet some of the girls who will be going and seeing what they do next.