Dear Friend,
Mother’s Day always brings up a lot of emotions for me.
I was thirteen when my mom passed away after a long fight with colon cancer. And while she’s no longer physically here, I still feel her with me everyday — guiding me, grounding me, and reminding me why I do this work.
My mother was born and raised in Iran. She earned a college degree there before immigrating to the United States, full of hope. But like so many immigrant women, her education wasn’t recognized here. So she found whatever work she could, before becoming a department manager at our local K-Mart.
She worked hard. Then she came home and worked even harder for our family.
She made our dresses by hand. She stayed up late helping me with homework, no matter how tired she was. That kind of strength stays with you.
When I lost her, I made a promise: to honor her love and sacrifice by fighting for families like mine. For access to health care and education. For economic opportunity. For immigrants and working people.
That promise is what led me to public service. And it’s why I’m running to be Mayor of Orlando.
I want to build a city where every mom is seen and every family is supported.
So wherever this day finds you — celebrating, grieving, remembering — I hope you feel surrounded by love.
I’m holding my mom close today. And I’m thinking of yours, too.
In her memory and for our future,
