06/21/2026
When someone attacks you, the natural instinct is to strike back. But today, on Father’s Day, I choose to respond with the truth and focus on the immense blessings in my life.
After I posted a Happy Father’s Day message earlier today, it was met with a response filled with untruths and misinformation. I want to address those directly.
Rafael and I have been together for nearly six years, building a beautiful life founded on family and community service. We actually met and fell in love while volunteering. Three years ago, we dedicated our relationship to God, and we are now newly engaged and incredibly excited to enter into marriage. I am blessed that I don’t just have a partner that encourages my commitment to community but also participates.
To clear up one specific rumor: We are not expecting a child. While family is deeply important to us, I am NOT pregnant and we did not get engaged because I am expecting. The attempt by my opponent to start this rumor is not only invasive and insensitive, but it also relies on the barbaric and antiquated notion that a woman cannot be successful in her role if she is expecting. The list of woman that juggle life, professional and passion are endless.
I am also proud to address my professional journey today. While I am blessed with a wonderful relationship with my own father, I have also been guided by incredible male mentors. One of those men was my business partner. After being my employer for 14 years, we teamed up in 2017 to buy a struggling FASTSIGNS location in Holly Hill. He ran his center in Seminole County, and I ran ours here in Volusia County.
As a business owner, it was a blessing to have a partner who respected my leadership and empowered me to grow the business with my vision. Our partnership agreement always included a buyout plan based on either tenure or financial milestones. I am proud to say I achieved those financial goals four years ahead of schedule, which triggered the buyout. Today, we share a beautiful friendship; he is like a second father to me, and someone who always showed me what was possible.
I am also blessed to retain and hire some of the most amazing professionals in our industry where I do not have to be in all aspects of my business to be successful. I empower leaders with compassion, accountability and mutual respect.
I am proud of the fact that I started my business with a partner. Working in harmony with others is a strength, not a weakness.
The attempt by my opponent and his supporters to minimize my success is nothing new. I’ve been underestimated before but every time I am, it only motivates me to work harder, grow more, and prove exactly what I am capable of.
I consider it a gift to never stop learning and to continue to grow. I’ve learned that people will often try to limit you based on the boundaries of their own capabilities. I encourage all of you to keep your eyes on your goals and tune out the noise.
Happy Father’s Day to all the mentors, fathers, and father figures making a difference in our lives.
I do not take for granted the blessing of the men in my life. An amazing father, fiance and mentors.
