In June 2019, I was that little girl.

I watched with awe and hope as an inclusive field, one with not just one strong woman, but several strong women, took to the stage for the first Democratic primary debate in the 2020 presidential race.

While many complained of the debates being too crowded, I was simply giddy at the potential. I was hopeful for a future of sisterhood and female leadership, one where compassion could pair with competence in a way that our country so direly needs.

I have had the opportunity to speak with two of the women on that stage and they had both personally reaffirmed for me that as women we can be compassionate, competent and successful. We can be strong leaders without trying to be "tough" like a man. We are tough enough.

Senator Elizabeth Warren and I had the most genuine conversation I think I’ve ever had with a politician because she didn’t feel the need to be a Senator during our chat. She was just Elizabeth.

Within minutes, we were chuckling and commiserating over the constant advice women candidates receive on the trail. No matter your accomplishments or wins, the assumption is women need saving, we need help with the strategy.