Photo: McBoat Photography
Cole: Who are your role models, and what life- changing lessons did you pick up from them? Emerson: My mother is undeniably my greatest role model. She was a woman of immense grace and poise, embodying strength in a way that was both gentle and unyielding. One of the most important lessons she imparted to me and my sisters was the importance of self-validation. She constantly reminded us not to seek our worth in the opinions of others but to understand and appreciate our own intrinsic value. From her, I learned that self-worth is not something that can be given or taken away by others; it comes from within, from recognizing and cherishing our God- given talents and skills. My mother also believed in the power of presentation. She was a stickler for always showing up as your best self, whether that meant dressing impeccably, maintaining a positive attitude, or even applying your makeup with care. She would often say, “If nothing else, girl, put on your lipstick!” (laughs). This wasn’t just about appearances—it was about the confidence
and self-respect that comes with taking care of yourself and presenting yourself to the world in the best light possible. Her lessons in self-worth and presentation have profoundly shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally. In addition to my mother, I greatly admire Rev. Leah Daughtry. She is a political powerhouse and an inspirational figure, being the first Black woman to chair the Democratic National Convention Committee. I had the privilege of meeting her when the DNC was in Denver, and she made a lasting impression on me. Rev. Daughtry invited me to her office and visited my father’s church several times, and I was in awe of seeing a Black woman in such a powerful position. More than that, we share a common faith background and political alignment, which made her even more relatable to me. Like me, she is a PK (preacher’s kid) and a committed Democrat, and her journey has been a tremendous source of inspiration for my work as a Campaign Strategist and as president of the Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA). 19 The Acumen
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