CFDA Project

Spring 2025

I’m proud to call Columbus, Ohio home, but the American Heartland holds deeper meaning for me—specifically Oklahoma, where I spent summer weeks on my great-grandmother Margie’s 200-acre farm in Kaw City. She raised cattle, grew wheat, and lived miles from her nearest neighbor. Her tiny house sat at the end of a long gravel driveway, a symbol of grit and independence. Margie, who grew up in Kansas, embodied female strength and sacrifice. To me, the Heartland represents her legacy—living off the land, honoring your roots, and remembering the struggles that paved the way. It’s about pride, heritage, and empowerment.