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Renee Parker Sekander

@renee.votes

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aspiring children’s book writer | wife to @hennah.writes | dog mom to Fox | 💡turning ideas into impact

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Year 2, let’s work. by @renee.votes

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2 years ago

Part of my vows to Hennah:
“I once heard someone say, “queer people don’t grow up as ourselves. We grow up playing a version of ourselves that sacrifices authenticity to minimize humiliation and prejudice. The massive task of our adult lives is to unpick which parts of ourselves are truly us and which parts were created to protect us.”

When I met you, Hennah, I knew that I had truly found myself. Every part of me finally felt at home.” by @renee.votes

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3 years ago

“The rising political star had a busy October. On Oct. 5, her candidate won the race for Memphis mayor. Three days later, she got married. Now, Sekander is working as executive assistant to Mayor-elect Paul Young, with all her energy focused on heading to Jan. 1, when the Young administration will take charge in Memphis.” -Katherine Burgess of the Commercial Appeal. by @renee.votes

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3 years ago

5 years ago, I pulled out my credit card at a courthouse and paid to marry the love of my life. I had no idea you had to do that but what a small price to pay for the biggest reward of my life.

Happy anniversary, my love. We’re just getting started! 💗 by @renee.votes

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9 days ago

Today’s premiere day for NCIS: New York! Hennah is a writer on the show and when you watch it, you support her and our family. So if you love lesbians, LL Cool J, Jennifer Beals, the Navy, or all of the above - tune in tonight and every Tuesday at 7pm CST on CBS or Paramount+ ⭐️ by @renee.votes

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11 days ago

My parents are gonna be grandparents!
We’re gonna be aunts!
Baby Ira coming 🔜 by @renee.votes

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2 months ago

Long distance is hard but our marriage is built on trust, communication, and letting each other live our separate lives - all while holding our love and connection sacred.

Love should feel like a steady anchor, not a constant question mark that you’re chasing for reassurance.

And honestly, watching your person be exactly who they’re meant to be is one of life’s greatest gifts. by @renee.votes

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3 months ago

WHEREAS, known for bringing people together, solving complex problems, and executing with urgency, she embodies the spirit of service, integrity, and dedicated leadership that makes Memphis and Shelby County stronger.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Shelby County Board of Commissioners honor and commend RENEE PARKER SEKANDER for her outstanding leadership, her tireless service, and her lasting contributions to the people of Memphis and Shelby County; and does extend to her sincere gratitude and best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors. ✨✨✨ by @renee.votes

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3 months ago

Go be great, Rue! 🥹

Fostered a puppy for 2 weeks through @adoptmas, and helped her find her forever home. Wishing her a lifetime of zoomies, puddles, and love from her new moms in Boston. by @renee.votes

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4 months ago

Enjoy 60 seconds of me trash talking Commissioner Szalaj on Live at 9. We’ll see you on the diamond Friday! by @renee.votes

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4 months ago

Happy Pride Month. 🌈 As a reminder: yes, some things are homophobic - even if you don’t mean them to be. Here’s a list of things to not do as an ally:

• Assume someone is married to the opposite sex.
• Call someone’s wife or partner a “friend.”
• Stare blankly when gay people talk about IVF or surrogacy like it’s foreign or inappropriate dinner conversation.
• Ask a lesbian who “the man” is in the relationship.
• Tell lesbians you “don’t mind” them being gay because it turns you on.
• Have an issue with a woman wearing a suit to a wedding, or anywhere.
• Tell someone they “don’t look gay” like it’s a compliment.
• Be uncomfortable with men kissing men or women kissing women.

Pride is celebration - but it’s also education. And sometimes, the lesson is simple: treat queer people like people. by @renee.votes

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4 months ago

In 2014, I herniated a disc in my back after a perfect storm of bad luck and bad decisions - lifting heavy weights with terrible form as a college athlete, followed by my dorm bed literally collapsing on me.

For more than a decade, I’ve dealt with random flare-ups. The kind that make sitting, standing, sleeping, working out, or even just existing feel harder than it should.

But after my fourth epidural in February, I decided I was done just reacting to pain. I wanted to understand it.

This year, I’ve changed a lot - a standing desk, physical therapy twice a week, strength training focused on my core and back. Every day, I’ve learned something new. Sitting compresses the disc. Certain movements relieve pressure. Lying flat with support helps.

Then last week, I had another flare-up.

My PT asked, “When did the pain start?”

I said, “The second I woke up.”

And it hit me.

My sleep.

I was spending all day managing pressure on my spine… then spending 7 to 9 hours unknowingly undoing the work.

So I changed everything. A firmer pillow. Better spine alignment. Pillows to stop twisting. Support between my legs. A setup that actually supports healing instead of fighting it.

And here’s what’s stayed with me:

Every pain teaches me something.

Not in a romanticized way. Not in a “everything happens for a reason” way.

But in a very practical way.

Pain usually points to something.

A habit. A pattern. A choice. Something asking for attention.

I can’t promise myself I’ll never hurt again.

But I can refuse to keep hurting from the same thing.

And maybe growth is just that - learning, adjusting, and making small changes so the same pain doesn’t keep finding you. by @renee.votes

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5 months ago