Fifty years ago my Mother stood on this stage accepting this award; She was fortunate enough to have my Dad with her. Fifty years later, I'm fortunate enough to have my Dad with me. I love you, Dad.

I have a more developed sense of my priorities. Life has so much more meaning now.

Becoming a parent erased many of my negative childhood feelings and filled them in with something new.

If I can play a little part in the world's healing, and making it a better place than when I came, then I just thank God for that chance.

Sexual assault and domestic violence are difficult things to talk about. Talk about them anyway.

Italian culture is so deeply soaked in an appreciation of the good things in life.

I'm an L.A. girl who became a tough New York cop.