Next week I'll be in Washington, D.C., meeting with members of Congress to advocate for the bipartisan Safe Access to Cash Act and stronger protections against organized ATM crime.

I thought I was taking a summer job at the Louisiana State Capitol. Looking back, I realize it became an education that shaped every chapter of my career. From public policy and advocacy to marketing, partnerships, and executive communications, I learned that the best results don't begin with campaigns or presentations. They begin with curiosity, preparation, and understanding people. Those lessons continue to guide me more than 20 years later.