Honoring my mentor, Congresswoman Diane Watson

By Guest Blogger, CA Representative Karen Bass

Hon. Diane Watson and Congresswoman Karen Bass

To many, the former Congresswoman Diane Watson is an inspiration. A leader who has contributed her entire career to enhancing, promoting and elevating the social and economic welfare of those in the City of Los Angeles, she asks us to look at our neighbors and ask ourselves what we can do to actively serve as agents of change. 

To me, she is a mentor. I take my seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 33rd Congressional District of California not as a replacement, but with her at my side. I have many people to thank for believing in and working toward my success in the 2010 mid-term election, but her encouragement and support helped guide my decision to run for the seat when she stepped down.