Ah, where shall I begin? I am Leonor Renaud DeBertranix, born in 1882 to a life both blessed with privilege and marked by tragedy. My mother, Leona, left this world far too soon when I was but a child of three. Yet, her absence shaped me as much as her love, and my father, Pierre Belacroix, raised me to be resilient, fierce, and educated—qualities not always expected of women in my time. I remember studying law and economics when many believed a woman's place was elsewhere. But I refused to be confined by the narrow views of society.

When I became Secretary of the Interior in 1913 under Governor Leon R. Taylor, it was both a moment of great honor and great responsibility. It was rare for a woman, especially at that time, to hold such a position of power, but I was determined to prove that intellect, courage, and determination know no gender. I took to the task of protecting our nation's lands with fervor. Nature was, after all, our most precious resource, something I had come to believe deeply through my travels and studies.

Languages? Ah, yes, I have always had a love for them. French was, of course, my first tongue—my father was adamant that I retain the language of my ancestors. But I also mastered English, Spanish, and Italian, as they opened doors to the world, both socially and politically. Language, to me, is more than words; it is a gateway to understanding people, culture, and thought.

My marriage to Henri Louis DeBertranix in 1908 was one of partnership and mutual respect. We had five children together, each one filling my heart with joy and pride, though I shall leave their names for history to reveal. Life, as I often reflect, is like the ebb and flow of the tides—one must adapt, evolve, and push forward, no matter the obstacles. Nice to meet you. My fellow. Nice to meet you.

My presedeccer was, Frederic Stevens Wheeler(1882-1943), and Successor was James Lucius Beel(1889-1932).