Profiles

Kianna Hendricks is a graduate student in data science and engineering at North Carolina A&T State University.

Mary Beth Cochran is a mom, grandmother, a member of MomsRising, and a School Meals for All NC champion, Mary Beth Cochran lives in Clyde, North Carolina.

Denzel Burnside III is the executive director of NC Housing Table, a coalition of groups working to create more housing choices. Find out more at www.NCHousingTable.org.

Jay Carey is a retired, disabled US Army combat veteran who retired as a Sergeant First Class and deployed to multiple combat zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Jay has recently formed the nonprofit Resist&Persist, whose mission is to advocate for Veterans healthcare and vthose who work for Veterans Affairs.

Ray Jeffers is a Person County native and has represented North Carolina House District 2 since 2020. He serves on the Agriculture and Environment, Energy and Public Utilities, State and Local Government and Wildlife Resources Committees. He previously served as a Person County Commissioner for 12 years.

Paige Sullivan is a transgender woman and has been a software engineer for the last 29 years. She is a tenacious advocate for LGBTQIA+ and reproductive freedoms.

Lucas Henkel is a Reporter & Strategic Communications Producer for COURIER based in mid-Michigan, covering community stories and public policies across the country. His award-winning work shows his passion for local storytelling and amplifying issues that matter to communities nationwide.

Phillip Sheldon currently serves as Program Manager with MDC Rural Forward, where he leads economic security initiatives and provides technical assistance to partners in Halifax and Northampton counties, specializing in elevating rural communities’ needs.

Sarah Potter is a North Carolina advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her son, Matt, was born with cerebral palsy. She works with NC Waiver Action Team and Meet the Need NC in Pfafftown, NC.

Sarah Crawford represents Wake County in the North Carolina House of Representatives and serves as CEO of TLC, a nonprofit provider of residential and therapeutic services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.