We recently connected with Tammy Mcgee and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammy, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose is not what I wish for any mother. My only son Conner was killed in 2019 after hopping into a car with a recently transferred teen leaving his junior homecoming dance. The driver left the parking lot speeding and had to go 1 mile but only made it 500 feet. The car was traveling at twice the legal speed limit leaving the road in a curve, hitting a tree, flipping the car and killing all 3 travelers.

Never did I expect my baby to lose his life by simply getting in the car with someone else.

My purpose: safe teen driving advocacy

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Tammy McGee, but many people know me as Conner’s mom. My beloved son was just 16 years old when he was killed in a crash after hopping into a car in Yorktown, Va., in 2019. Police said the teen driver was traveling too fast and was unlicensed.
Through the tragic death of my son, I have become a strong advocate for teen safe driving education
in Virginia and across the country through the Gweedo Memorial Foundation. Our mission is to educate new teenage drivers and their parents on the dangers of destructive driving decisions. I would love the opportunity to come speak to schools or organization about Conner and how to stay safe on the roadway. My presentations are free, thanks to grant funding and donations.
Since my son’s death, I have traveled nationwide speaking about the dangers behind destructive driving decisions. While engaging with our teenagers, I was keenly aware that something was missing. Something to give our teenagers a voice. In 2022, I developed a website designed to give teenagers an anonymous voice, www.IfYouSeeSomethingSaySomething.org. Reckless driving, driving without a license, drugs, bullying or anything else can be reported without the fear of retaliation or being a “snitch.” All submissions are anonymous and are treated with the utmost confidentiality as I work with the necessary agencies based on the tips received. I also cover this website in my presentation.
Additionally, Conner’s death was the driving force behind two bills that I secured in the State of Virginia (detailed on the back) to help our teenagers, parents and all roadway users and workers.
I hope you will take the time to invest in our teenagers as I have. The future of traffic safety is in their hands.
Let’s create a culture of safe driving, together.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Empathy and Resilience:
The loss of my son, Conner, profoundly shaped my path. Channeling grief into purpose required resilience and a deep well of empathy. Connecting with teens, parents, and communities through Conner’s story has shown me the importance of meeting people where they are emotionally and inspiring them to take action.

Advice: Allow your personal experiences to guide your passion. Be authentic and open, as your story can create meaningful connections and inspire change.

2. Knowledge of Policy and Advocacy:
Learning how to navigate the legislative process was crucial in driving change. Through research, collaboration, and persistence, I successfully advocated for two laws in Virginia that promote safer driving.

Advice: If you’re passionate about changing policies, start by understanding your local and state legislative processes. Build relationships with policymakers and seek mentorship from others who’ve successfully advocated for change.

3. Engagement and Communication Skills:
Traveling across the country, speaking to teens, parents, and communities, and developing tools like www.IfYouSeeSomethingSaySomething.org has taught me the importance of clear, impactful communication. Sharing Conner’s story in a way that resonates has been central to the mission ofpreventing destructive driving decisions.

Advice: Focus on developing communication skills, whether through public speaking, storytelling, or digital platforms. Tailor your message to your audience and make space for their voices and feedback.

Final Thought:
For those just beginning their journey, I encourage you to stay patient, passionate, and open to learning. Every small step contributes to larger change. Most importantly, believe in the power of your voice—it can save lives. Together, we can build a culture of safety and awareness.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

1. Family and Friends:
My family, especially those closest to me, have been a constant source of strength. They’ve allowed me the space to grieve, encouraged me to keep going when things were difficult, and reminded me of Conner’s legacy and the importance of the work I do.

2. Legislators and Advocates:
Building relationships with lawmakers who believed in my cause and were willing to champion the bills I helped pass was instrumental. Their guidance through the legislative process and their trust in my mission gave me the confidence to navigate a complex system.

Similarly, other advocates for road safety and teen empowerment have been invaluable mentors and collaborators. Learning from their experiences and leaning on their advice has helped shape my approach.

3. Teens and Their Families:
Ironically, the very people I aim to help have often been the ones who’ve inspired me the most. Hearing from teenagers who’ve committed to safer driving and parents who’ve thanked me for helping to protect their children fuels my passion and reminds me why this work is essential.

Final Thought:
The most impactful support often comes from those who share your values and vision. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your mission and bring different strengths to the table can help you overcome challenges, learn new skills, and stay motivated. Each connection, big or small, has played a part in this journey to make our roads safer and save lives