A couple of years ago, I met then Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms at my middle school track meet. The funny part? She was there as a mom cheering for the other team! She still took the time to talk to me and share a few encouraging words. We took this picture together that day.
Yesterday, on November 3, 2026, my home state of Georgia elected her governor. She’s the first woman and the first Black person elected governor of Georgia, and the first Black woman elected governor anywhere in the United States. That is a BIG deal! 🩷
As a Black girl growing up in Georgia, what I love about this moment is that when a little girl asks, “Can someone who looks like me be governor?” we get to say, “Yes. Look right here in Georgia!” This can also be said for every single young girl, because we finally have a woman leading our state!
For the girls who are just starting school, when they learn what a governor does, the person they will learn about here in Georgia will be a woman. For the rest of us, yesterday was a first. For those girls, it will be one of the first things they know about their state. How cool is that?
When I look at our picture, I think about something else, too. She probably had no idea I would still remember our conversation a couple of years later. But I do. With a whole track meet going on and her own team to cheer for, she made time for me.
That’s the kind of leader I want to be. I can cheer for a girl on the other team. I can make room for someone who has an idea but hasn’t had a turn to speak. And I don’t have to wait until I’m old enough to run for office to do either of those things.
Georgia had plenty of company on election night. Women made history in governor’s races across six states, and women across the country won seats in Congress and other offices. Congratulations to all the women elected to serve their communities!
Georgia had plenty of company on election night. Women made history in governor’s races across six states, and women across the country won seats in Congress and other offices. Congratulations to all the women elected to serve their communities!
I wonder how many girls are dreaming a little bigger today.
I know I am. 🩷
Stay Beautiful!
Zoe
P.S. If this story starts a conversation about leadership with your girl, I’m excited to share our new Confident Leader Dolliday Bundle. It includes our Madam VP doll, two journals, and my Confident Girls Lead course, where I help girls recognize their strengths and speak up for their ideas.
Leave a comment