I am running for Congress in Ohio’s 14th Congressional District (Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, Trumbull, and parts of Portage and Mahoning counties) because I am tired of sorting people into two categories when most of us are in the massive middle. I want to listen, learn, and find common ground.

This decision is based on what I am witnessing: disregard for the Constitution, corruption and greed at the highest levels, a system tilted toward the wealthy and well-connected, farmers on the brink, workers left behind, families struggling to pay their bills, and healthcare costs that keep rising.
I am a child of immigrants. Union family. Grounded in Christian ethics (“love your neighbor as yourself”). Attorney. Healthcare career. Former City Councilwoman.

Born in Cleveland and raised in a Croatian-American family and community in a working-class neighborhood, my friends were Lithuanians, Slovenians, Irish, Italians, African-Americans, and many other combinations of Americans, all striving to build their American dreams.

My family escaped communist Yugoslavia for the safety and promise of America, and I am grateful to this country every day for the refuge, safety, and opportunity provided to my family and to so many others.

My mom was a member of the United Auto Workers Union and worked for General Motors sewing car seats for Cadillacs. My dad was a draftsman and mechanical designer who helped design X-ray and MRI machines.

I was class president and valedictorian at Villa Angela Academy. I earned a BA in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame, an MA in Theology and Religious Studies from John Carroll University, and a JD from Cleveland State University College of Law. I also received a Fulbright Fellowship.

My 24 years in healthcare included Manager of Marketing and Public Affairs at Euclid Hospital and Executive Director of Arts and Medicine at Cleveland Clinic.

Four years on Euclid City Council, a member of the Civil Service Commission, a graduate of Leadership Lake County, and serving on nonprofit boards strengthened my understanding and commitment to the community.

I also worked in manufacturing, community organizations, and international humanitarian aid. As a teenager, I had two paper routes, worked at Winkelman’s at Euclid Square Mall, and waited tables at fish fries at the Croatian Lodge in Eastlake.

My family and I know hard work and struggle. I know that having support, education, and opportunity can lead to the American dream.

I love this country for the freedom and democratic values we hold dear, the beautiful tapestry of people who live here, the decency and generosity of the American people, and the promise and aspiration of “liberty and justice for all.”

I want America to be the “shining city upon a hill” again. And I’m ready to fight for it.