No Wonder You Were Afraid to Ask #34 – Margaret Martin. She is So Much MORE than What Happened to Her.

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Margaret Martin is an amazing and Inspirational Soul. Here is her story.

I was born in Salt Lake City, UT. I moved around a lot as a child. I have lived in Ohio and Michigan but spent the majority of my maturation in the Napa Valley of California. I came to New Orleans for my undergraduate at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I finished my undergraduate work in three years and was given early admission to Tulane University Law School, where I currently study. She is a 21-years-old.

I am most passionate about the promotion of gender equality and elimination of sexually based violence. I have sought out ways to end gender-based violence and promote gender equality. I have concentrated my course work in gendered legislation and policy formation, studying the ways women have made strides in American society and how we can continue to improve. This coursework and my own experience as a survivor inspired me to pursue a career in law and legal advocacy. It is my intention to work specifically in the legal field of sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. I have had the great privilege to work under women who do this work and I am eager to continue their legacy. During my undergraduate, I interned with the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana. During the April 2020 legislative session, I wrote policy briefs and drafted reform for domestic violence legislation. In association with the Women’s Leadership Council, I lobbied at the state capitol in Baton Rouge to raise awareness and influence policy makers’ decisions on domestic violence policy as pertains to housing and eviction regulation of victims of domestic abuse. Additionally, as a legal intern with The Louisiana Women’s Justice & Clemency Project, I have advocated for women who are survivors of domestic violence, seriously injured or killed their abusers and are currently incarcerated serving life sentences without parole or with long-term sentences. I researched the case law of other states and past precedent and wrote legal briefs and drafted clemency petitions on the victims’ behalf. This work has allowed me to gain insight into the legal practice how a legal career can be advantageous to furthering gender equality and ending gender-based violence. As a law student, I am hoping to use my legal education to pursue my passions and help promote gender equality. Pursuing a legal education has strengthened my passions for justice and equality and gives me the skills necessary to bring about social change. Although I have seen calamity, I have become a stronger, more willful woman with a desire to prevent the repetition of my own experience of violence.

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I will be giving the Keynote Address at Take Back The Night in New Orleans, LA on October 27, 2020. Take Back The Night is a foundation that is committed to the creation of safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives. We seek to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse, and all other forms of sexual violence. Take Back The Night Events occur in over 30 countries worldwide. Over 600 campuses and communities have held Take Back The Night Events to date. We have reached over 30 million people with our message, our support, and our commitment to ending sexual violence.

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I am very proud of all the hard work I have put into becoming the woman I am today. From writing a thesis to meeting Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor to being accepted to Law School a year early, I have come so far without anyone holding my hand. I have my parents to thank for all their love and support. I would not be on the trajectory I am today without them. My mother taught me to resilient and it has put me in good stead. I am most proud of the woman I continuously work to become.

This may be the first time you’re hearing my name, but it certainly won’t be the last. I hope to make great strides, in American policy during my lifetime. With these strides I hope to positively impact the lives of every American woman and therefore, all of the American society. It is important to learn from the past but the future always takes precedent. I have made many mistakes in my life but I try my hardest not to repeat them (although sometimes it takes me a couple of tries).

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Find Maggie on Facebook or on Instagram: @magpiemartin

Here are her bonus questions!

If you were president and could enact any law outright, what would it be?

The elimination of barriers to reproductive rights and safe access to abortion.

What is your favorite Inspirational quote

“Though she be but little she is fierce” –Shakespeare

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Do you have a favorite animal?

Otters

Do you have a pet? What’s its name? How’d it get that name? Supply a picture.

I have a Boxer/Pit Bull mix. His name is Jockamo and he is the love of my life. He got his name from the song ‘Iko Iko’ which is a New Orleanian classic.

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Do you think humans should be concerned about the planet?

Absolutely

Give money to the beggar on the street or tell them to “Get a job!” Which one are you?

If I have money on me I try to give when I can. However, I rarely carry cash.

What is one law you would do away with?

The Hyde Amendment

Have you ever seen anyone perform a miracle?

I think my parents’ patience in raising a moody teenager like myself is a miracle in itself.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I cannot stand the sound of nail files.

Do you kill all bugs?

I kill cockroaches. In New Orleans, they are everywhere. They are essentially dinosaurs and survived a meteor shower so I don’t feel too bad about it. Other than that, no.

What was the first concert you attended?

My first concern was Barry Manilow. I went with my dad when I was very young. He’s a huge fan.

Who do you talk to on the phone the most?

I talk with my mom every day.

What do you think is the key to a healthy relationship?

Sharing power equally

Do you have any strange fears or phobias?

I’m afraid of drowning.

What do you think is the biggest of waste of money?

Expensive sunglasses. I always lose or break them.

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