"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." - John F. Kennedy

Preparing our youth means investing in families, education, stability, and opportunity. As a participant in Leadership Clarksville, my cohort is focused on addressing the childcare crisis in Montgomery County. We are working toward solutions that make affordable childcare accessible to all residents so parents can work knowing their children are safe and supported. One innovative approach we are exploring is more on-site childcare at workplaces, which benefits both employers and working families.

During my time with the Clarksville Housing Authority, I worked to bring meaningful resources to youth in public housing, including Recover Our Sons, a mentorship and leadership program for young men; Nurture House Group, which provides family support services and educational guidance for at-risk youth; and a partnership with Urban League of Middle Tennessee, which offers paid work opportunities so teens could learn job skills while earning money.

One of my priorities is expanding opportunities for underserved youth in our county when transportation is a major barrier. Too many children miss out on after-school programs, tutoring, sports, and free community events simply because their families don't have reliable transportation. If they miss the school bus, they may miss an entire day of learning. With no ride, there's no opportunity.

I believe we can create practical, community-based transportation solutions that keep our underserved youth engaged, connected, and on a path toward success.

Access should not depend on whether your parent owns a car.