In this podcast episode, Deidre DeJear, an entrepreneur and civic leader, reflects on her journey from Mississippi to Oklahoma to Iowa, highlighting her passion for public service and community engagement. As the Democratic nominee for both Iowa Secretary of State and Governor, DeJear advocates for critical issues like quality education and mental health care. She discusses the challenges of running for office, including resource shortages and the importance of community support, while emphasizing the necessity of setting personal expectations and holding herself accountable.

Throughout the conversation, DeJear underscores the power of Black women's voices across the regions she has lived in—Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Iowa—and their role in shaping activism and progress. Additionally, she speaks about her work with Ladylike, a co-founded initiative, and her ongoing commitment to nonpartisan civic engagement through Vision Leads. Ultimately, the episode captures DeJear’s dedication to creating change and empowering voices for a better future.

Support Deidra:

Check Out Vision Leads: https://www.visionleads.org/

Instagram: @deidredejear

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