Last week, I had the privilege of watching Rebecca successfully defend her dissertation in front of an audience of peers, supporters, and of course, the committee of expert faculty who came prepared to test her with big, complicated questions. Her committee grilled her for an hour and a half, recessed to deliberate for 30 seconds, and then came back in and said, “Congratulations, Dr. Carlson!” She passed with no revisions and graduated two days ago, making her one of the only people with a PhD in philosophy who works full-time in the pro-life movement.
I couldn’t have been prouder of Rebecca while watching her expertly answer the insanely complicated questions her committee was asking, while simultaneously explaining the concepts to the laypeople in the audience.
This is exactly what’s at the center of ERI. Whether we’re talking to an advanced philosopher or a high school freshman, a pro-life person or a pro-choice person, we work so hard to meet them where they’re at and communicate clearly. Earlier this year, Rebecca taught an engaging seminar for a room full of teenagers. Last week, she went toe to toe with advanced philosophical faculty. She has the amazing ability to work across a massive range of knowledge and experience, and we are so incredibly blessed to have her on our team.
There have been so many times over the past few years working closely with Rebecca that she impressed me not just with her understanding of metaethics and other areas of philosophy but also with her wisdom.
One of the main reasons I’m not at all worried about the next phase of ERI without me is that we have a “mind at work” like Rebecca’s on the team. She understands the heart, soul, and DNA of Equal Rights Institute as well as anybody ever has. I get to move on to my next chapter knowing that ERI’s philosophical and relational core is safe and flourishing in her hands.
Congratulations, Dr. Carlson!!!
