My name is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
When I first ran for office, some people who fashion themselves "political strategists" or "experts" said, "You shouldn't do your full last name. Having two last names is weird."
They even said, "What are people gonna call you?" 😂
I said no. If I can't run as myself, then I don't want to run at all. If I can't be myself and stick to my values, then what is the point of any of it?
And you know what, I won my race. People figured out how to say my name, and they gave me a name.

I say this because I want you to have the courage to listen to your gut — even when the experts are telling you that what is “smart” is not in alignment with what you think is right in your integrity.
With gratitude,
Alexandria