In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Ingrid K. Montgomery, a lifelong educator turned powerhouse political organizer. Ingrid shares her remarkable journey from teaching English in classrooms across the U.S. and West Africa to leading major Democratic campaigns and civic movements across North Florida.

From her roots at Cheyney University and Temple University to professorships at Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and Edward Waters University, Ingrid's belief in education as the bedrock of social change has never wavered. But in 2008, she answered a different kind of call — joining the Democratic National Committee’s organizing efforts to elect President Obama.

Ingrid recounts co-founding the Obama Family Network, where she developed voter engagement programs, trained grassroots leaders, and built coalitions that led to historic electoral victories. As a longtime organizer with the Florida Democratic Party and Duval County Democratic Executive Committee, she fought back against voter suppression by launching protection efforts that ensured thousands could vote safely and fairly.

Her most recent roles — as Deputy Campaign Director for Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and North Florida Regional Organizing Director for the 2024 Harris-Walz Campaign — highlight her deep commitment to building power in overlooked communities.

Now serving as President of the Democratic Women’s Information Network (Region V), Ingrid continues to nurture the next generation of leaders under her guiding philosophy: to be a SUNBEAM — Shining Unity, Nurturing Being, Ethical Awareness, and Mindfulness.

🎖️ Recently honored with the 2024 Duval County Democratic Party Lifetime Achievement Award, Ingrid reflects on a life of purpose, service, and legacy — showing us all how to rise from the classroom to the campaign trail with grace, grit, and grounded leadership.

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