Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Hales.
Hi Andrea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a small town: Ferron, Utah. After high school, I went to BYU for a long time (BS, MPA, JD). After BYU, I worked in Washington, DC, for a year with the Navajo Nation Washington Office. It was definitely not my passion, so I came back to Utah, studied for, sat for, and passed the Utah Bar. But I ended up working in the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education rather than “becoming a lawyer.”
When I had my first child, I decided to stay at home and be a mother–something that I had always wanted to be.
Now I’m a homemaker-wife. We have four children all in school.
I have volunteered for many things in my community and school. I love it. And I want my children to know how much I love this Country–and it’s the best Country when we all take time to care and to participate.
In January 2021, I started a podcast called “Tribe of Testimonies.” It was conversations with faithful Native American members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I posted approximately one episode each week. I did this for four years–posting a grand total of 200 episodes. Some of these were old friends, some were so new I had never talked to them before hitting record. But I consider all of them wonderful friends and amazing people. We each have a story!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been struggles as a parent. One child was born with a genetic disorder that set us all back for a while. She’s fine now–but it was a tough couple years.
I’ve dealt with depression here and there. Thankfully nothing that has been dooming.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a stay-at-home mom/wife. But I volunteer with my city (Bluffdale), my children’s schools (mostly on the Land Trust committees). Currently I am the Director for the South Valley Patriot Camp. I served on the Utah Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association for twelve years. I’m active in my Daughters of Utah Pioneers Camp, Company, and helped a little bit with the International Society DUP. I’ve helped with the Salt Lake County Republican Party in small ways on occasion.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Well, as a Domestic Terrorist (https://judiciary.house.gov/media/press-releases/jim-jordan-joe-biden-excited-about-going-after-parents-with-domestic-terrorism), I see me teaching my children to be proud Americans, to love the Constitution, and to be good citizens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tribeoftestimonies.buzzsprout.com
- Instagram: @tribeoftestimonies
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TribeofTestimonies
