This week, we launched Women for Sherrod, a new constituent group highlighting Sherrod’s work in advocating for gender equality across Ohio, and nationwide.

Meet Rhiannon, one of the incredible co-chairs of this group. The Executive Director and a Community Organizer for the Women’s March Ohio, Rhiannon’s commitment to fighting for all—regardless of gender identity, race, or background—is unwavering. Here’s her story:

Like so many people across our country, I became increasingly politically active following the 2016 election, but my enthusiasm for fighting for change didn’t begin there.

I’ve always considered myself a compassionate person, but my role as a healthcare professional in the United States Air Force helped shape me into a person dedicated to service, to social justice, and to uplifting the voices of those around me—especially the marginalized and oppressed.

That’s why years later, I joined the Women’s March movement because I couldn’t sit quietly. And on January 21, 2017, I mobilized over 20,000 people around the state of Ohio and onward to Washington, D.C. for the largest march in U.S. history. I was so proud that Ohio was one of the top 10 states to march in the country.

But our work was far from over there: On International Women’s Day, March 8, 2017, I organized over 1,000 people to rally for A Day Without Women, a day to honor women’s economic power and contributions to our communities. I called on local businesses to close in solidarity—advocating for equal pay for equal work, the rights of immigrant employees, and equal employment and leadership opportunities for women in the workplace.

I’m compelled to continue my work to protect the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our society—and to bring communities together to further expand and enhance equity for all people. These days, whether I’m out canvassing on a weekend, or organizing members of my community, I’m often reminded of the Women’s March pledge: to fight for the liberation of all people no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual identification, gender, or disability. I’m committed to continuing this work, and working alongside leaders like Sherrod to fight for a better country where we’re all truly treated equally. —Rhiannon