Tulsi Gabbard, an American politician, surfer, and former soldier announced she is running for the presidency in 2020.
The 37-year-old is a Democratic representative to the U.S. House representing Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District.
"Growing up in Hawaii I had the fortunate experience to learn what it means to live aloha. So I gradually experienced from a young age that I was most happy when I was doing things to help other people," Gabbard told CNN.
The first-ever Hindu to run for the presidency of the United States says she entered politics through environmental issues.
"My love for the ocean is coupled with the practical reality of what we see here in Hawaii, of what happens when you don't take care of our home and our Earth."
"Here in Hawaii, it's not only a beautiful ocean, but our place is a driver of our economy. Tourism remains our number one employer and driver of big hotels, airlines, small businesses, and restaurants," notes the 2020 White House candidate.
An Active Hawaiian Surfer
Tulsi Gabbard was born in Leloaloa, American Samoa, in 1981 and moved to Hawaii with her family when she was only two years old.
At 21 years of age, Gabbard was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives and became the youngest woman to be elected to a U.S. State Legislature.
She has a degree in Business Administration from the Hawaii Pacific University and is an environmental activist. She co-founded the Healthy Hawaii Coalition.
Tulsi Gabbard supports the abortion rights movement, and despite having previously opposed same-sex marriage, she is now a supporter of LGBT rights.
In 2016, the Hawaiian endorsed Bernie Sanders in the primaries.
The 2020 presidential candidate is a regular surfer, vegetarian, and a former martial arts athlete and instructor.
"Literally, every time I come home, my first stop is the ocean. I go straight home, drop my bags, put on my suit, and even if it's just for a five-minute swim, or if it's for a surf, either way, that's my number one priority," concludes Tulsi Gabbard.
"Once you get in the water, you immediately wake up to feel energized and never regret getting up early to go out for a surf. Starting the day that way is so positive."
"I think it puts the correct outlook on the day as I go out and work for my constituents and see what's going on in their lives and how I can try to make things better."