This was the very first portrait I ever painted in my life. I was honored to have been able to paint Elizabeth Peratrovich, someone I very much look up to. Through her determination and belief that good would prevail, she changed society in Alaska; the very first anti-discrimination bill was written and lobbied by her. This is impressive, because in the 1940’s, as a woman, and not just a woman but a native woman, she achieved this. I, and so many others, look up to her as a civil rights leader. I personally credit her as my favorite activist.