Like many women, my leadership path starts from being a daughter, sister, spouse and mother.I come from a family with a strong tradition of public service and philanthropy. I have seen firsthand how an individual’s efforts can benefit entire communities. This was especially clear in 1999 when my father–the late California State Assemblyman Lou Papan — proposed legislation to provide financial assistance to firefighters suffering from work-related cancers. This groundbreaking legislation not only helped a firefighter we personally knew who was fighting for his life, but has provided support for subsequent generations of brave men and women who continue to put their own lives on the line daily, to protect our communities.