I had the incredible opportunity to attend TPUSA’s Young Women’s Leadership Summit, an event that proved to be truly eye-opening for me. As a first-time attendee at a Republican convention and a newcomer to the press scene, I was initially unsure of what to expect.

Anticipation buzzed within me as I prepared for the event, though I had little idea of what awaited. I hoped to see some of my favorite speakers and navigate through different segments of the convention. Walking in, I knew no one beyond those on stage, and my nerves mingled with a touch of intimidation. However, the moment I received my press pass and began exploring, a sense of belonging washed over me.

Living as a Republican millennial isn’t always straightforward. Opportunities for genuine conversations are rare. While I’m fortunate to have supportive parents and a loving husband, my circle of friends remains largely unaware of my political leanings. Only one close confidant shares this part of my identity. Despite being social and open to new connections, I find myself prioritizing work over expanding my social circle, particularly in this phase of life.

During a candid discussion at the Free Speech breakout session, I connected with a fellow attendee on the challenges of losing friends over political differences. At the start of YWLS, host Alex Clark humorously suggested that some of us might have disguised our attendance as a vacation in San Antonio—a scenario that rang true for me earlier that day. This anecdote led to a deeper conversation where I shared the complexities of maintaining relationships while concealing my conservative beliefs.

This ties into the story I shared with this woman. I explained to her that maintaining friendships with liberal friends while leading a double life as a conservative is difficult, but I have my reasons. With friends who are open and nonjudgmental, I speak my truth. However, for those who I know would never listen to me or accept me, many would argue they aren’t true friends. I suppose that is true. Yet, I believe I can still be a true friend to them. I believe I can show love and care to them even as I remain a secret Republican. Because the truth always comes out. One day, my identity behind this page, this brand, and my work will come to light, as truth always does. I want those friends who spoke ill of Republicans to my face to see that I was always there for them. I brought them food when they were sick, went on trips, celebrated birthdays, ran errands, and visited their families’ houses. I was always there. Perhaps, they can put aside their misguided beliefs about conservatives and open their minds.

This convention took everything that I know about being a Republican and turned it on its head. My phrase for the weekend was that here at YWLS, I was an “out-of-the-closet Republican.” I could finally be 100% myself. I could say anything I wanted. I didn’t need to whisper or censor myself. I could share my passions and goals with people. I could network and make friends with like-minded people. 

Mainstream media often paints Republicans and Turning Point with broad, negative strokes—labeling us extremists, divisive, and even hurling accusations of terrorism, racism, and homophobia. If only they could witness the unity and inclusivity at YWLS. Amidst a backdrop where few accept my political stance, I found acceptance among diverse attendees—from college students to grandparents, spanning different backgrounds and nationalities. YWLS exemplifies women empowering one another, underscoring that nurturing Republicans requires communal support and solidarity. It not only takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to raise Republicans. And YWLS is that village.

It has fostered a community of intelligent and classy Republicans. I have felt tired of the stereotypes the left throws at us. It’s the stereotypes that inspired me to create Freedom & Whiskey. I wanted to create a brand that Republicans can feel proud of. And at YWLS, it was an honor to wear my shirts at this event and have people compliment them.

The energy, the attendees, the speakers, the production, the organization—everything was unmatched. I noted that it was the first time in my entire life I had been in a room with that many conservatives at once, and even more inspiring was that most were around my age. Charlie Kirk mentioned that the next generation is the key to the future of America, and he’s right. The future was sitting in that room with me.

Even though the weekend was fun and exciting, with everyone happy, laughing, and wearing bright, spunky colors and outfits, at the end of the day, you could still feel the gravity of the situation and the understanding from these girls about the heaviness that America is facing right now. Such awareness is rare in America today. Too many people are walking around like zombified sheep, waiting for their instructions, completely oblivious and plugged into the Matrix, depressed and reliant on pills to fix it. It feels as if there is no way to wake them.

YWLS showed me that you can be happy, awake, bright, kind, and loving, and still be aware of the horrors happening within our country and to its citizens. We have to rally together, lean on each other, and fight our way to a better America. Turning Point creates an environment that not only makes this possible but probable.

Alex Clark said it best. “If we’re going to win the culture war, we have to start….”

AT HOME!

Thank you YWLS for the experience of a lifetime. Until next time.