I was a fan of Elizabeth Warren’s long before she ran for the U.S. Senate — the bespectacled, down-to-earth Harvard professor who specialized in bankruptcy law. She was an active and engaged problem-solver during a time when our nation was on an economic downward spiral with several massive institutions headed for bankruptcy — saved by a historic economic turnaround by then President Obama.

Warren’s creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was a defining moment for me because we needed someone in there fighting for the average person against predatory and patently dishonest practices. She didn’t just talk the talk like so many but actually walked the walk. Her CFPB helped put the brakes on out-of-control financial practices, and so far it is estimated that $12 billion has gone back to consumers from mortgage companies, banks, payday lenders, credit unions and other financial institutions.

I think most people knew that Elizabeth was “in for it” and that powerful business interests were going to do everything they could do to shut down this feisty and determined woman.

But nevertheless, she persisted — another outstanding quality — standing her ground and marching side by side with the consumer against raw deals. The new Trump administration saw the freshly minted senator as a threat from day one and continues to openly and publicly deride her.

It would be a mistake to count Elizabeth Warren out of any race or otherwise diminish her efforts or plans to move our state and nation forward. Massachusetts has a fearless and can-do leader and advocate in Sen. Warren. Not only does she absolutely deserve to win Tuesday’s Massachusetts primary but she deserves to continue to make her case to the American people.

Joyce Ferriabough Bolling is a media and political strategist and communications specialist.