You'd better talk to my dad. My mom's pretty busy.

My parents always asked me what I thought, listened to my opinions, articulated their diagnoses of our challenges at home and abroad, and shared their ideas for how to build a more equal and prosperous country. I always felt part of their call to serve and part of my father's journey.

I can't imagine anything that would make the world look more different than if women and girls were unequivocally enfranchised.

My grandmother, who passed away at the beginning of November, had a core adage in her life that life is not about what happens to you but about what you do with what happens to you. She recently had been cajoling me and challenging me to do more with my life. To lead more of a purposefully public life.

I'm a big health-food freak and a vegetarian devotee.

I just hope I will be as good a mom to my child and, hopefully, children as my mom was to me.

Celebrate those who have the courage to be second.