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“Love is the work.”

“Love is the work.”

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 Episode Title: "Love is the Work.”

Season 3, Episode 42

In this deeply enriching episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas welcomes the dynamic State Representative Stephanie A. Young, a legislator, community leader, ordained minister, and fierce advocate for children and families. With over two decades of service in both public and private sectors, Rep. Young brings her unmatched heart, faith, and legislative impact to the forefront—guided by her life mantra: “Love is the work.” During this powerful conversation, Rep. Young opens up about her journey from aspiring nurse to one of Michigan’s most influential lawmakers. She candidly shares how her passion for justice and care for the most vulnerable led her to the Michigan House of Representatives, where she now serves as the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and Chair of the Detroit Caucus, among many other leadership roles. Drawing from her lived experience and unwavering faith, Rep. Young reflects on:
  • The real-life challenges in Michigan’s foster care and juvenile justice systems
  • The significance of kinship care and the urgent need for diverse, better-supported foster parents
  • Her legislative work aimed at improving education, mental health, transportation, and housing for foster youth
  • The transformative power of one adult showing up for a child in crisis
  • The spiritual and emotional toll of public service—and how she grounds herself in faith and self-care
This episode goes beyond policy—it speaks to purpose. From her early work as a caregiver to her present-day efforts as a policymaker and minister affectionately known as Elder Steph, Rep. Young embodies what it means to lead with compassion, truth, and determination. Her voice is a clarion call for advocates, lawmakers, and everyday people to show up with intention and do the hard, often unseen work—because love truly is the work. Key Takeaways:
  • One caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
  • Legislative change requires compassion, clarity, and community input.
  • Faith and advocacy are not mutually exclusive—they often go hand in hand.
  • Supporting foster youth means more than policy—it means partnership, presence, and purpose.
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