Podcasts about state representatives

Josh Higgins, Republican candidate for the 94th State Representative in Illinois, talks about his candidacy, his background, key issues, and much more.

State Representative Steve Massengill joined The Extra Mile Podcast to talk Winter Storm Fern recovery, lottery funds for transportation, work zone safety and more.Creators & Guests Drew Hall - Producer Will Craft - Host Paul Katool - Host Click here to view the episode transcript.

We discussed deer baiting legislation and the new school cell phone ban this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mari Manoogian joins The Great Battlefield podcast to talk about her career in politics, serving as a State Representative in Michigan and her role at The Next 50, where they provide high impact support to up and coming political leaders.

Re. Rogers updates on mail delivery issues many are experiencing in the area, concerns on ICE enforcement in Michigan, a resolutions for American Heart Month in Michigan and reducing brownfield pollution in Michigan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this opinion column, Bill Bruch outlines allegations of fraud, overpayments, and record-scrubbing tied to Washington's taxpayer-subsidized childcare programs and discusses calls by GOP lawmakers for federal investigations and independent audits. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wa-gop-state-representative-asking-trump-administration-to-investigate-fraud-allegations/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #ChildcareSubsidies #StatePolitics #GovernmentAccountability #PublicRecords

Olivia Lupia of The Tennessee Conservative interviews State Representative Monty Fritts, who is also running for governor, discussing upcoming bills and his legislative priorities for the session. The bill filing deadline was extended to February 3rd at 3:00 p.m..Key topics and bills discussed include:Grocery Sales Tax Bill: Representative Fritts is running a bill that would remove the 4% state sales tax on items that qualify for WIC. He notes that this is the same bill he carried a couple of years ago and it removes the burden from grocers by not requiring them to reprogram anything. The intent is that all Tennessee citizens would benefit from the tax removal on these items. A few years ago, the fiscal note was about $150 million. He believes this is a "measured step forward" compared to trying to remove all grocery taxes and that the dollars saved by Tennesseans will go back into the economy.Charlie Kirk Memorial Courtyard Bill: Representative Fritts and Senator Pod are running a bill for schools that would create the Charlie Kirk Memorial Courtyard. The idea evolved from an initial proposal for a road or boulevard. The courtyards are intended to be a conversation space, memorializing the importance of dialogue, and would allow for public donations to help. The idea is to remind "crazy leftist Marxist radicals" on college campuses that they are near things like the Ten Commandments and the Declaration of Independence.Illegal Immigration: Representative Fritts believes Tennessee has led the nation in addressing illegal immigration, specifically with House Bill 1872, which addresses violent crime committed by illegal immigrants with a life in prison sentence without parole. He also highlighted the importance of considering residency status for bond.Non-Essentialism Bill: Representative Fritts is still pursuing his non-essentialism bill, which the governor's office has fought for three years.Property Tax: Representative Fritts wants to address property taxes by getting rid of the unrealized capital gain tax. He also wants to fix the value of a home at its 2020 value or what the owner paid for it since then. His bill aims to prevent U.S. citizens from being evicted for delinquent property taxes, especially if they have owned the house for ten years.Sanctity of Life Bill: This bill focuses on five areas and includes provisions related to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Representative Fritts stated that to discard or destroy a fertilized egg as part of the IVF process is murder. The bill is intended as a "corrective measure" after Governor Lee did not veto a bill that Fritts believed gave the right to create and discard human life at will. The other categories addressed in the bill are transgender surgeries, human trafficking, and abortion.Obscenity and Pornography: A bill is being introduced to take on obscenity and pornography in public places. It would require places like a strip club to post a sign warning that patrons "may be contributing to human trafficking, sexual assault, and family violence". Books and tapes would also require a warning label similar to a pack of cigarettes.Gun Bills: Representative Fritts is working on two gun bills, which address the "intent to go armed". One bill is already filed. The other bill would also include campus carry, allowing young adults to carry a firearm on campus, and would allow citizens to protect their private property with a firearm. The bill also addresses long guns.

#BeAGoodFriend and check out episode #157 of #FeeneyTalksWithFriends featuring Jillian Gilchrest. It was great to talk with my #friend, Jillian! Jillian is the State Representative for the 18th District. We talked about:Year 8 of being State Rep (minute 1)Selfie videos (minute 2)Personal and Political balance (minute 5)The West Hartford community (minute 6)Jason Hayes, First Selectman of East Granby (minute 8)Jillian is running for Congress (minute 11)3 keys that make a good Congress person (minute 14)Jahana Hayes and National History Day (minute 16)John Larson's biggest competition since 1999 (minute 18)Money in Politics (minute 20)Should Feeney get into politics? (minute 27)PAC money for political fundraising (minute 29)Healthcare Insurances donating to political campaigns (minute 32)Bar graph photo of the rise of healthcare (minute 34)Policy and advocacy (minute 37)Jillian's book, Feminist Advocacy - Championing Gender and Social Justice (minute 38)Christina's Connors book, Christina's Cottage (minute 46)Daniell M. Howell's book, Bee 4 Goodnight- The Four B's (minute 47)An autograph for Caden (minute 48)Gift card to Sally and Bob's Eatery (minute 49)Past and future podcast guests (minute 50)What “Being a good friend” means to Jillian and some of her good friends (minute 51)Order a #FriendsOfFeeney Quarter Zip (minute 53)Future events (minute 54)Political Events: First, Last, Best, Worst (minute 55)Photo from our Donut Crazy fundraiser (minute 57)Closing remarks (minute 58)Podcast Sponsors: Directline Media - www.directlinemediaproductions.com/The Fix IV - www.thefixivtherapy.comWest Hartford Lock - www.westhartfordlock.comKeating Agency Insurance - www.keatingagency.comGoff Law Group - www.gofflawgroup.netParkville Management - www.parkvillemanagement.comLuna Pizza - www.lunapizzawh.com/lunas-menuPeoplesBank - www.bankatpeoples.comFloat 41 - www.float41.comMaximum Beverage - www.maximumbev.comSally and Bob's - www.sallyandbobs.com

Join us on #texasvaluesreport with special guest Rep. Candy Noble, State Representative, District 89, and host Jonathan Saenz, President & Attorney for Texas Values, as they discuss pro-family laws championed by Representative Noble. Texas Ten Commandments Law (SB 10) - Release: Press Conference at 5th Circuit in New Orleans on Ten Commandments Law Hosted by Texas Values https://txvalues.org/release-press-conference-at-5th-circuit-in-new-orleans-on-ten-commandments-law-hosted-by-texas-values/ - Breaking! Court Rules In 10 Commandments Case by Approving Law Authors/Texas Values Amicus Brief https://txvalues.org/breaking-court-rules-in-10-commandments-case-by-approving-law-authors-texas-values-amicus-brief/ - Learn more about Texas Ten Commandments Law and order posters for you school at https://tencommandmentstexas.com/ Law Banning Taxpayer Dollars for Abortion Logistics (SB 33) - San Antonio City Council No Vote but Future Plans for Abortion Funds (April 2024) San Antonio City Council No Vote but Future Plans for Abortion Funds 04-10-2024 - Austin City Council Approves Anti-Life and Anti-Family Budget! (August 2024) https://txvalues.org/austin-city-council-approves-anti-life-and-anti-family-budget/ - Press Release: Texas Attorney General: Austin City Council Must Stop Illegally Funding Abortions (September 2024) https://txvalues.org/press-release-texas-attorney-general-austin-city-council-must-stop-illegally-funding-abortions/ Press Releases - Breaking! Justice for Texas Female Athlete, Department of Education Finds San Jose State University Violated Title IX by Allowing Man to Compete on Women's College Volleyball Team https://txvalues.org/breaking-justice-for-texas-female-athlete-department-of-education-finds-san-jose-state-university-violated-title-ix-by-allowing-man-to-compete-on-womens-college-volleyball-team/ - BREAKING: Gov. Abbott Speaks & 200,000+ Babies Saved From Abortion – Why We March https://txvalues.org/breaking-gov-abbott-speaks-200000-babies-saved-from-abortion-why-we-march/ - Texas Values Joins Huge Nationwide Coalition to Overturn Obergefell Launching Today https://txvalues.org/texas-values-joins-huge-nationwide-coalition-to-overturn-obergefell-launching-today/ Help us build our channel so we can maintain a culture of Faith, Family, & Freedom in Texas by interacting with us; like, comment, share, subscribe! For more about Texas Values see: Txvalues.org To support our work, go to donate.txvalues.org/GivetoTexasValues

www.GoodMorningGwinnett.com In this episode of GMG Voice of Gwinnett, we sit down with Brenda Lopez Romero, a trailblazing State Representative and the first American Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly. Brenda shares her journey from growing up in an immigrant household—often translating for her parents—to becoming a lawyer, legislator, and fierce advocate for public education, workers' rights, and immigrant communities. She speaks candidly about what's at stake in this moment, why reelection matters, and how organizing—not silence—is the path forward. This is not a polished political speech. It's a real conversation about power, perseverance, and protecting the future for families across Georgia.

In a Statehouse sit-down, Rep. Chris Sells joins Greg to discuss HB161, legislation that would give parents greater control over which apps their minor children are allowed to download. Rep. Sells points to the growing crisis among kids exposed to harmful and often exploitative content through mobile devices and explains how the bill seeks to restore parental authority.

Data centers, solar farms, and funding for rural hospitals in the focus this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Representative and Providence mayoral candidate David Morales is arguing that his primary opponent, mayor Brett Smiley, has overseen an insufficient snow cleanup in the city following this past weekend's storm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Representative Ron Bolton (R) from Northpoint joins Greg for a Statehouse sit-down to discuss his bill to increase penalties for prostitution and human trafficking. They talk about the scope of the problem in Alabama, why stronger penalties matter, and how the legislation seeks to protect victims while targeting traffickers and exploiters.

State Representative Matt Simpson (R) from Daphne joins Greg in a Statehouse sit-down to discuss his bill that passed the Alabama House Tuesday. The legislation would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty in the most severe rape and sexual abuse cases involving children under the age of 12. Rep. Simpson explains the intent of the bill, its legal framework, and why supporters say it's necessary to protect the most vulnerable.

In this episode of Curry Café, hosts Ray Gary and Rick McNamer speak with Dr. Melissa Bird, a congressional candidate in Oregon's 4th Congressional District, and Bret Cecil, running for Oregon state representative in House District 1. Both candidates share their platforms, focusing on rural issues, healthcare, and housing. Dr. Bird discusses her commitment to representing working families and rural communities, advocating for universal healthcare, term limits, and action against government overreach. Bret Cecil emphasizes bipartisan representation and creative housing solutions. They explore bridging rural-urban divides, effective advocacy, and the need for community-based policies while addressing the challenges of polarization, healthcare access, and homelessness in Oregon. We encourage anyone with differing views to participate in future Curry Café discussions. If you would like to join the panel, email contact@kciw.org or call 541-661-4098. Hosts: Ray Gary, Rick McNamer; Producers: Ray Gary, Rick McNamer Intro and end music by Kat Liddell. Used with permission. The opinions expressed here are those of the individual participants. Curry Coast Community Radio takes no position on issues discussed in this program. If you enjoy this program and want to hear more like it, consider supporting Curry Coast Community Radio. Here’s How.

A Republican state representative has joined calls from Democrats for an end to the heightened presence of federal immigration officers in Minnesota.In a statement, Rep. Nolan West placed some of the blame for the situation with Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. But he wrote on social media "It's clear that Operation Metro Surge is causing more harm than good. It puts law enforcement officers' lives at risk, and it feeds the chaos destroying our state.”MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with Rep. West, who represents an area of the northern Twin Cities suburbs.

In Episode 407 Dave fights off a bug while he and Ken discuss the Jim Crowe at the Supreme Court, Chris Carr doing his actual job, peace in Greenland,grilling Jack Smith, a city manager heads to the clink, Ponzi in Georgia, a former State Representative pleads out, and the Rafensperger diaries.

On today's show, a new edition of "Balance" featuring Erin Howie and Jamie Baum discussing new dietary guidelines from the federal government, and how changes are anticipated.

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Center for American Progress's Natasha Murphy, Director of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress.The two breakdown the latest on the efforts by Congressional Democrats to get healthcare subsidies reinstated for the over 20 million Americans who purchase their health insurance through the ACA marketplace.  Since Republicans let the credits expire at the end of last month, many families have had the cost of their premiums more than double. Then, Brad's joined by Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Immigration Attorney and Advocate. The pair discusses the shooting death of Renee Good, the unarmed civilian who was shot to death by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week.  They also analyze the Trump administration's gaslighting of the facts about the shooting, including their unwarranted claims that the 37-year old poet, artist and Mother of three was a 'domestic terrorist.' Finally, they have a broader discussion on the topic of ICE, and how it has made America less safe, the opposite of what Trump promised it would do for the country. Natasha Murphy is the director of Health Policy at American Progress, where she develops and advances policy proposals to lower health care costs and improve health care coverage, affordability, and quality. Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch is also the Owner and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. Their website is www.LincolnGoldfinch.com. Kate's handle is @AttorneyKLG on X, @attorneykatelg on Instagram, and @abogadakate on TikTok. Additionally, she's currently running for State Representative for Texas House district 50 as a Democrat. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

Author Karen Park shares her amazing story of being rescued from a life of abuse as outlined in her new book, "SHIM: AGAINST ALL ODDS YOU CAN PREVAIL." Also, Rachel Plakon talks about the upcoming Florida House of Representatives session that begins on Jan. 12. Finally, a return visit with author/publisher Jacquelyn Lynn.

Thursday, January 8th on Urban Forum Northwest: Washington State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos (D)-37th LD Chair, House Education (K-12) Committee. She lends her perspective to the 60 day legislative session that begins on January 12.Washington State Senator T'wina Nobles (D)-28th LD is Senate Majority Whip Chamber Democrat and she Chairs the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Committee. She comments on the legislative session that begins on January 12.Bob Armstead, president, Washington State Chapter-National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC).Shaude' Moore, president, Seattle Martin Luther King Jr. Organizing Coalition provides an update on the Coalition's planning for the January 19 MLK Holiday.Marleny Monterrozo, Business Services, Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County and a leader in the Seattle Martin Luther King Jr. Organizing Coalition's Opportunity Fair.Urban Forum northwest streams live at 1150kknw.com.Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on Facebook.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Utah State Representative Tiara Auxier shares her experience learning about the effect of unrealistic seat times during school lunches and her experience trying to implement changes in Utah schools related to the implementation of the national school lunch program. Representative Auxier's goal is to improve student nutrition and education via the increased consumption of the healthy food students are provided each day through a common sense review of data that reveals the best practices that lead to maximum benefits for students participating in the national school lunch program.

Thomas English talks with a guest from the Missouri State Legislature about the upcoming legislative session and recent Kansas City Chiefs relocation announcement. The guest is Missouri State Representative for District 125 Dane Diehl. He discusses the key topics and policies that will headline the upcoming legislative session. He also recaps the 2025 year and highlights the highs and lows of the decisions made. Lastly, he discusses the Kansas City Chiefs moving to Kansas and how this impacts Missouri. 

Peter Wood brought back the same peple from last month's show... State Representative's Natalie Zeleznikar, District 3B and Ned Carroll, District 42A as well as Pete Aube from Bemidji who talked about SAF or Sustainable Aviation Fuel...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Monday Night Talk podcast for December 15, 2025. This segment features the State House Report with State Representative Kathy LaNatra who provides the latest updates from Beacon Hill as well as a legislative year in review.  Monday Night Talk is proudly sponsored by Tiny & Sons Glass and Alcoholics Anonymous. Do you have a topic for a future show or info on an upcoming community event? Email us at mondaynighttalk@gmail.com If you're a fan of the show and enjoy our segments, you can either download your favorite segment from this site or subscribe to our podcasts through iTunes & Spotify today!  Monday Night Talk with Kevin Tocci, Copyright © 2025.

“I often am asked, ‘why on earth would you want to run for office in such dangerous political times?' My response is simple: if we back down now when we are afraid, we've already lost.” Kali Scales is running for State Representative of District 5, which encompasses Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and Northwest Detroit. If she wins, she will be the first transgender person elected to an office in Michigan. The question that naturally comes to mind for many, including Scales, is this: “will they vote for me because I am trans, or will they vote for me because they support the issues I stand by?” Her campaign focuses on “Back to Basics” – AEIOU: autonomy, education, inclusivity, opportunities and unions. “A good and honest life is built on these,” she asserts.  The nationally syndicated radio host, writer, performer and storyteller has been in the public eye since she was 16. “I came out of the closet publicly, I did my whole transition publicly, and I've seen some of the best and worst that humanity has to offer,” she notes. “It's time to make the world know we are not going to stand for what is happening now. This will help combat the feelings of hopelessness and loneliness a lot of people are dealing with. Fear thrives in loneliness; many feel the decision already has been made, but that day is not here yet! There still is hope. Get involved! Stay in the fight. We need you, and we will see the other side of this,” she says with confidence. Listen to this inspiring Smart Sex, Smart Love podcast where I ask Kali Scales some tough questions about the current political climate, the new pressures and divisiveness the LGBTQIA community is encountering, and how she will handle the personal attacks that already are coming her way since she has entered the political race.Support the show

State Representative, Jacob Braud joins Don Dubuc to talk about the latest on the lawsuit over the Belle Chasse Bridge.

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Immigration Attorney and Advocate. The pair discusses Trump's new efforts to block immigration from 19 countries he deemed 'high risk.' Kate also explains the details of the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to take up one of President Trump's most contentious policies by reviewing the American legal principle of "birthright citizenship," potentially upending a 127-year-old understanding of who gets to be a U.S. citizen.  Kate and Brad also discussed how alarmingly frequent it has been for ICE to arrest and detain U.S. citizens for hours to even days, with some of them being assaulted in the process. Then, Center for American Progress's Natasha Murphy talks with Brad about healthcare, including premiums that are set to skyrocket at the end of the month if Republicans refuse to extend ACA tax credits. Natasha also breaks down why the Health Savings Account options, which many congressional Republicans are pushing as a replacement for ACA tax credits, do nothing to help pay for skyrocketing health insurance premiums themselves. Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch is also the Owner and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. Their website is www.LincolnGoldfinch.com. Kate's handle is @AttorneyKLG on X, @attorneykatelg on Instagram, and @abogadakate on TikTok. Additionally, she's currently running for State Representative for Texas House district 50 as a Democrat. Natasha Murphy is the director of Health Policy at American Progress, where she develops and advances policy proposals to lower health care costs and improve health care coverage, affordability, and quality. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'  You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Immigration Attorney and Advocate. The pair discusses Trump's new efforts to block immigration from 19 countries he deemed 'high risk.' Kate also explains the details of the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to take up one of President Trump's most contentious policies by reviewing the American legal principle of "birthright citizenship," potentially upending a 127-year-old understanding of who gets to be a U.S. citizen.  Kate and Brad also discussed how alarmingly frequent it has been for ICE to arrest and detain U.S. citizens for hours to even days, with some of them being assaulted in the process. Then, Center for American Progress's Natasha Murphy talks with Brad about healthcare, including premiums that are set to skyrocket at the end of the month if Republicans refuse to extend ACA tax credits. Natasha also breaks down why the Health Savings Account options, which many congressional Republicans are pushing as a replacement for ACA tax credits, do nothing to help pay for skyrocketing health insurance premiums themselves. Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch is also the Owner and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. Their website is www.LincolnGoldfinch.com. Kate's handle is @AttorneyKLG on X, @attorneykatelg on Instagram, and @abogadakate on TikTok. Additionally, she's currently running for State Representative for Texas House district 50 as a Democrat. Natasha Murphy is the director of Health Policy at American Progress, where she develops and advances policy proposals to lower health care costs and improve health care coverage, affordability, and quality. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'  You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

Dr. Jon Padfield discusses his history in battling surveillance and fighting for privacy. He maps out the growing open air prison being built around us, from Palantir pre-crime to the Flock panopticon. We’re at the beginning of the fourth quarter and we’re down by three touchdowns, but the game is not over, and we must play our hearts out. Watch on BitChute / Brighteon / Rumble / Substack / YouTube *Support Geopolitics & Empire! Become a Member https://geopoliticsandempire.substack.com Donate https://geopoliticsandempire.com/donations Consult https://geopoliticsandempire.com/consultation **Visit Our Affiliates & Sponsors! Above Phone https://abovephone.com/?above=geopolitics easyDNS (15% off with GEOPOLITICS) https://easydns.com Escape The Technocracy (15% off with GEOPOLITICS) https://escapethetechnocracy.com/geopolitics Outbound Mexico https://outboundmx.com PassVult https://passvult.com Sociatates Civis https://societates-civis.com StartMail https://www.startmail.com/partner/?ref=ngu4nzr Wise Wolf Gold https://www.wolfpack.gold/?ref=geopolitics Websites Business Reform https://businessreform.org YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@businessreform About Dr. Jon Padfield Dr. Jon Padfield is an Engineer turned State Representative, turned Business Professor. *Podcast intro music used with permission is from the song “The Queens Jig” by the fantastic “Musicke & Mirth” from their album “Music for Two Lyra Viols”: http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)

Sometimes, the smallest frustrations can spark the biggest changes. In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with State Representative Tony McCombie, the first female Republican Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, about how a dispute over a sandwich board sign outside her small café inspired her to run for office—and ultimately lead her state's GOP caucus. Rep. McCombie shares her journey from small-town business owner and mayor to becoming one of Illinois' most influential conservative voices. She opens up about learning from early political defeats, championing small-town values in Springfield, and finding purpose through public service. Her story is proof that one small step, driven by conviction and community pride, can lead to extraordinary leadership and lasting impact.