I am a conservative woman because I believe in preserving the ideals and notions this country was founded on. I believe that all are created equal, that we all are given the same equal rights, and in the freedom to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I believe Third-Wave feminism has left conservative women behind, and denigrates and belittles women by reducing them to just their bodies and gender. I believe in the sanctity of life, which does not make me any less of a woman than those in the pro-abortion movement. I believe a woman can have it all, whether it be a career or family or both.

I believe that a free market is the best way to ensure economic opportunity for all, and that any one can work hard and achieve their dreams. I know this to be true because I have seen it time and time again, within my family and my hometown. I believe government assistance should be temporary and a safety net, and that the best cure for poverty is improving the job market and workforce education.

I believe in American exceptionalism, and I believe that includes setting an example for the rest of the world. I think we as American women should fight for democracy and equal rights in countries where there exists true oppression, and that the real work of the women’s movement should be about empowering economically developing nations, supporting women’s education in regions where women are second class citizens, and in ending tyranny where it exists.

As a conservative woman, I look to the role models of Condoleezza Rice, Sandra Day O’Connor, Nikki Haley, and Carly Fiorina, who weave together ambition and talent with grace and composure to exemplify how women should conduct themselves in the public sphere. I am so proud to be a member of the Network of Enlightened Women, and to support other conservative women on my college campus.