Marta Tompson was born on October 26, 1977. She grew up in a middle-class home in Park Ridge, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

Her dad, Hugh, was a Vietnam veteran—and a lifelong Republican who worked hard and saved it all for the last day. He led a small advertising and Public Relations agency of his own in Cincinnati, Ohio…

Her mother, Dorothy, had a tough childhood—and she inspired Marta’s lifelong commitment to helping every child live up to his or her God-given potential.

Also she attended public schools and was a Girl Scout. She also played for local women’s football team.