From Literature to Water: Heather Repenning on Impacting Change
She didn’t grow up dreaming of working in a position of power in a big city like Los Angeles, but her strong desire to help people and make the world a better place rerouted her into a career of public service.
America "In The Arena" — How We Can Overcome
Life is an unpredictable collision of people and events that set our lives' trajectory and shape who we become. In this special episode of "In The Arena," host Cathilea Robinett talks intimately of the collision of people and events that have helped define the woman she is today.
College’s First Black President on Digital Equity, Systemic Change in COVID
Dr. Miles Davis wants to use his platform as first Black president of Linfield college to affect systemic change. Even as COVID-19 drastically changes the face of education, Dr. Davis is determined to create the next generation of leaders.
Sharon Greenberger Fights for New York as YMCA President, CEO
As president and CEO of the New York YMCA, Sharon Greenberger is constantly working to make New York a healthier, happier community. Now she uses her decades of experience to transform The Y into a place of hope amid COVID-19.
Toni Carter, Minnesota’s First Black County Commissioner, Speaks Out
Ramsey County’s commissioner has fought for change in the state for the past three decades through vigorous community engagement. She has marked history with her achievements and now watches her son do the same as mayor of St. Paul.
Stockton’s New City Manager Sees an Opportunity During Troubled Times
A former Baltimore CFO and city manager for Cincinnati, Harry Black just started as Stockton’s city manager when the pandemic began, quickly followed by national protests. But with his extensive, unique career, he is ready to help the city succeed.
Reforming Corrections in Pennsylvania with Data, Creativity
John Wetzel uses decades of experience and an unyielding determination to serve Pennsylvania as the secretary of corrections. But he knows that the true value of leadership comes from data, creativity and good people.
Alisha Bell: Wayne County’s Unstoppable Force of Leadership
A county and national leader, Alisha Bell has learned how to be a successful public official by following the path her mother laid down. Now she ensures that her actions will help those who will one day follow her.
County Commissioner Helps Others with Resources, Compassion
Whether it’s a small county or a national stage, Mary Ann Borgeson leads Douglas County, Neb., and the National Association of Counties with compassion and the understanding of the impacts her decisions can make.
State Controller’s Impact Goes Beyond a Balanced Budget
Betty Yee uses her role as California’s state controller to uplift underserved communities, encourage female participation in politics and public office and remind others that a state is only as strong as its individuals.
Getting Her Hands Dirty: In The Arena with Assembly Member Serena DiMaso
Whether it is a devastating hurricane or global pandemic, Serena DiMaso will be there to lend a helping hand. From the front lines and Assembly floor, DiMaso is constantly working to strengthen and uplift her community.
How Context, History Can Teach Leadership During Pandemic
Clay Jenkinson, Governing’s editor-at-large and humanities scholar on Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt, tells us how literature and history can help inform leaders in this time of global national crisis.
Community Inspires Mayor to Serve with Integrity
His passion for authentic relationships helps Bryan Barnett to excel as mayor of Rochester Hills and as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Even in a time when the nation is without strategy, he continues to lead with integrity.
Ryan Coonerty on Building Santa Cruz for Future Generations
Ryan Coonerty has always been a part of the Santa Cruz community, from resident, to mayor and now county supervisor. Though his work is now countywide, his aim is still to create “a better place for the next generation.”
Lydia Mihalik Leads with a Fearless Adopted-Buckeye Heart
Lydia Mihalik is a fierce team leader and has a passion for improving the lives of others, two qualities that have suited her perfectly for Ohio’s public service as director of the Development Services Agency.
Mayor Welcomes Risk to Spur Innovation and City Growth
What started off as a wrong turn has turned into a home and career for Chris Cabaldon. Through innovation and risk, he has been able to help change West Sacramento into the thriving community it is today.
Wyoming State Senator Affie Ellis Is Who She Wants to Be
A passionate representative for women, Navajo people, and Wyomingites, Affie Ellis is a force to be reckoned with and she hopes to use her curiosity and patience to dig deeply into century-old tensions for years to come.
CIO Uses Courage, Persistence to Uplift Detroit Through Tech
Caring, passionate, and having always pushed back against the status quo, Beth Niblock has used her role as Detroit Chief Information Officer to revitalize the city with technology after a tough period of bankruptcy.
Eric Garcetti’s LA Legacy: Listening, Humility, and Strength
Los Angeles’ mayor was raised with the understanding that public service is listening. So now he listens to his community and wants to make Los Angeles a place of opportunity for the California Dream.
TV's Ed O’Keefe on Preserving the Past and Defining the Future
From reporting on congress to building the first mobile streaming news network, small-town, North Dakotan Ed O’Keefe has extensive media experience. And as CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, O’Keefe is creating an experience that preserves and shares Roosevelt’s legacy.