I was born and raised in Michigan in a working-class family. My dad was of European ancestry and served In the Navy during the Korean War. My mom is Japanese, was born and raised on Oahu, and she was 8 years old when Pearl Harbor was bombed and her dad and brothers were interned stateside during WWII.

I attended public schools. I have lived in Virginia since 1990 and in Lunenburg County since 1998. I am a U.S. Air Force veteran and served near the end of the Viet Nam War. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Longwood College (now University) and a Certificate in Social Policy Administration, also from Longwood.

I was a Cub Scout Leader, Brownie Girl Scout Leader, and Little League Team Mother. I have volunteered in various roles with church, homeowners’ association, PTA, college, public library, and chamber of commerce. I am currently a member of the American Legion, Lunenburg NAACP, Lunenburg County Chamber of Commerce, and the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA-LAE).trudy