Friend,

People often ask me why I've dedicated my life to service. And I wish I had a moment when all of a sudden it became clear to me that this is what I was meant to do. But in reality, I've been taught my whole life that to whom much is given, much is expected. And that it was my responsibility to give back to San Diego that had given my family so much. That was in large part because of my dad.

My dad, Gary, grew up in San Diego and attended UCSD for college. For most of his childhood, my grandpa, his father, was a college professor, and my dad lived a pretty normal life here in San Diego. But when my grandpa started Linkabit and then eventually Qualcomm, my dad’s life changed. 

My dad has since dedicated his work to make the world a better place - he started a school to ensure kids are prepared for the careers of the future, a program to bring Jewish and Arab teenagers together and teach them leadership skills, used his investments to have products developed that will help all of us, and has been a leader in San Diego and the Jewish community. 

I am incredibly proud of his accomplishments and leadership, but what I truly treasure is all of the times he’s shown up for me and my siblings. He's the kind of dad who will stay up all night to help his kids finish a paper, show up to every sports game, or travel across the world to visit them.

And while I am incredibly grateful to be able to celebrate with my dad today, I also know that many fathers will spend their day away from their children, due to our unjust immigration and criminal justice system that disproportionately lock up Black and Brown men. 

So as you join me in wishing my dad, and all the dads out there, a very Happy Father's Day, let’s also rededicate ourselves to building a better, more equitable world.

In gratitude,

Sara