my thoughts on Inauguration Day

The significance of today is monumental.

Today - we, the people of United State of America, swear in the 44th President of this great country.

A man of African descent.

And I teared up explaining to my five year old daughter how today marked an historic event.

I told her that this day truly proves that she can grow up in the country and be whomever she wants to be...regardless of her race, political convictions, or her religious beliefs.

That's what the inauguration of Barack Obama means.

I remember growing up and being overcome with pride seeing Corazon Aquino become president of the Philippines. That moment showed me that Filipina women have the strength and the intelligence to be a global leader. And that meant I too could be successful in whatever path I chose.

I may not agree with everything Obama stands for. But as he takes his oath of office, today I can confidently say my daughter could be the first Asian-American president.

It. Is. Possible.

Mr. Obama has proven that it's ok for a child in this country to have have a name like Barack. Or Monina. Or Amara.

And while I am not an African-American, I am proud, as a woman of color to see history take place.

This is not the first Inauguration Day I have covered. Working in the field that I do, elections, ceremonies, and pomp and circumstance are commonplace.

But today, today is different. Today crosses racial barriers. Today is a day of hope. Optimism. Today celebrates democracy.

I invite you to join me in expressing what this Inauguration means to you. Because today is just the beginning.


While she and her husband occasionally argue over politics, they can both agree on one thing: their daughter Amara is not allowed to date until she's well into her 20's. Read more about their family at their blogBeing Mom2Amara.