Congresswoman Mace, born in Fort Bragg and raised in the Lowcountry. Raised by a retired Army General and a retired school teacher, Mace learned the value of hard work early on. After leaving high school at 17, she began her journey in the workforce, starting as a waitress at the Waffle House on College Park Road in Ladson.

Despite this early setback, Mace’s determination led her to achieve academic excellence. She graduated magna cum laude from The Citadel, making history as the first female graduate from its Corps of Cadets in 1999. Continuing her education, she earned a master’s degree from The University of Georgia in 2004.