I am a professional sociologist who is re-entering professional life after recently sending my youngest daughter off to college. My areas of interest include gender in organizations, religion, social policy, history and Chinese culture.  We live in interesting times. Expectations and understandings are being challenged and upended as a result of instrumental political strategies that seek to subvert the democratic process. Yet it is also motivating many to re-examine their assumptions, seek out answers, mobilize their energies and craft social change. Women's rights are under renewed attack, yet more women than ever are running for office and being elected to official positions.   Hillary Clinton has become demonized but so many other women are rising in her place and offering their diverse voices to the conversation. Technology is making some jobs obsolete but also facilitating the reach and energy of voices that might otherwise not be heard. Through social media, blogs, viral videos, and global channels of dissemination we are able to see the plight of the disadvantaged in real time, here their voices, and know their names. Likewise, we can observe those  that have traditionally been the authors of history and subject them to scrutiny and accountability as never before. These are definitely interesting times, and I look forward to sharing my observations of them with you.