Behind the Curtain: What 250 Years of America Asks of Us

One of my earliest memories of engaging in American civic life happened in 1988. I was a rosy-faced, blue-collar kid in St. Louis, Missouri. My school rented a real voting machine to host a mock election for the Bush vs. Dukakis race. I was so excited. My parents let me stay up late to watch the debate, and the next morning, I got to “vote” with the rest of my 4th-grade class.

Stepping behind the blue curtain felt like I'd been given access to a secret clubhouse. I pushed a little switch next to my favorite candidate's name, then pulled the big lever. Just like that, my vote was done, and I was hooked.

After that, most of my friends raced to recess. I wanted to know how the machine worked, who counted the votes, why adults picked who they picked, and what happened next. That moment sparked a genuine curiosity in American civics.

I didn't have the language for it then, but I was drawn to the same thing I'm still drawn to now: the idea that every American has a role in the systems that shape their lives. That idea shaped my life in ways I don't take for granted.

From Curiosity to Calling

I became the first woman in my family to graduate from college. I built a career spanning decades in tech. I got to sit at the White House, lead teams in Palo Alto, build things in Austin, and live out a version of the American Dream that earlier generations in my family helped make possible.

Somewhere along the way, I felt a pull toward something bigger. The more I paid attention, the more I saw how many people were unaware, overwhelmed, or disheartened by the systems shaping their lives. Not because they didn't care, but because the information was too confusing, too complicated, too loud, or too divisive.

People can’t participate in civic life without clear information, context, and confidence. Yet, we aren’t giving them that. Civic education is nearly extinct, polarization is ripping us apart, and trust is at an all-time low.

These challenges are too big for one person, one organization, or one campaign to solve alone. But they aren’t too big for the American people to tackle as a whole. That’s the belief that led to In Good Company.

Not Just for Politicians

At IGC, we believe American civic life doesn't just belong to elected officials and political parties, and that it should be discussed beyond social media and cable news. It belongs to all of us, every day, everywhere.

It belongs in workplaces, where a manager can take ten minutes out of a staff meeting to help their team make a plan to vote. It belongs in congregations, where faith leaders treat quality information on issues as an extension of their service. It belongs everywhere “We the People” come together: chambers of commerce, volunteer groups, and July 4th backyard barbecues.

That’s why we help trusted leaders share clear, nonpartisan information with the people who trust them most. Often, our work isn’t flashy or trending. But it's the quiet engine, powered by people, that keeps this country running.

250 Years and Counting

Tomorrow, July 4, 2026, America turns 250. That's a big number. Historic. Almost hard to grasp.

It's 250 years of imperfect progress, unfinished work, and enduring possibility, all at once. This moment isn't just about what happened in 1776. It's about what we choose to do with the country we've inherited.

America is both a promise and a project. A promise that people should have a role in shaping their own lives. A project because it needs motivated people to learn, lead, and show up, especially when it's hard.

What Will You Do With This Moment?

So I'll ask: what do you want the next 250 to look like? How will you make that a reality? How can IGC help?

Happy July 4th! Go USA on July 6!

Happy Independence Day to my team, our partners, our coalition leaders, and everyone using our tools to help reach the people who trust you most. You're the reason this idea of America keeps working. That's worth celebrating, and worth working for.

And good luck to the American World Cup team! A win would be a great way to celebrate this big birthday (but no pressure…lol)