Aryanna Strader, a Democratic House of Representatives candidate from Pennsylvania, is an Army veteran and mother of two. According to her official website, Strader was deployed to Jordan in 2003, and was awarded an Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal before her honorable discharge in 2004. Strader has a master's degree from the Keller Graduate School of Management.
In anticipation of the November 6th congressional elections, HuffPost Women spoke with her about who she is, why she's running and how to get involved with her campaign.
What's your favorite quality in another person?
A sense of humor.
What three words best describe you?
1. Determined
2. Outgoing
3. Compassionate
What's your biggest flaw?
I have a bad habit of repeating the same stories over and over.
What failure are you most grateful for?
We all have failures in life that lead us on a new path or we learn something from. I am grateful for every failure I have had in my life from love to basketball, to the firing range, to business. Each one allowed me to become who I am today.
If you weren't you, who would you be?
An anti-poverty advocate.
If you could live anywhere, where would that be?
Strasburg, PA -- Visit there and you will see why.
What woman do you most look up to?
My mom. She did so much to support a family of 10 kids without complaint, but gave us plenty of love and fun.
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
If you have to look over your shoulder before you do it, don’t do it.
What's your joy trigger?
Hearing the soft steps of my children waking up in the morning. A subtle reminder that it’s a brand new day.
What is your favorite book?
Shel Silverstein’s "Where the Sidewalk Ends."
What is your favorite album?
"James Taylor Live."
Where did you have the best meal of your life?
SPQR in Little Italy, NYC.
What is your favorite thing you've ever worn and why?
My Desert Camo BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) because I knew that wearing them meant I was helping to protect and serve my country.
What talent you wish you had?
Playing the piano or guitar.
What quality or accomplishment do you want people to know you for?
That I stood and fought hard for others when they couldn’t fight hard enough for themselves ... those in poverty and my fellow veterans who need our support.
What makes you feel the most free?
Running long distances alone.
Why are you running?
Because I looked at women like my mom, my fellow veterans and service-members, and the young people of my generation and I knew that Congress was lacking in the kind of perspective that would benefit the country and Pennsylvania.
What is the most important issue for women in this election?
Voting. I don’t pretend to be the voice of all women but what I do know is this: If we don’t vote in strong numbers, our issues won’t matter at all.
How can readers get involved in your campaign?
Web site: www.straderforcongress.org
ActBlue page: https://secure.actblue.com/entity/fundraiser/28803