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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📣 Because leadership is not just a position—it’s a lifelong commitment to empower others.

In this powerful episode of Voices of FLHD14: Love Thy Neighborhood, we spotlight Mason Shoemaker — a dynamic activist, political professional, and Junior at the University of North Florida majoring in political science. As the current President of the UNF College Democrats, Gen-Z Director for Donna Deegan’s historic 2023 mayoral campaign, Precinct Committeeman in the Duval County Democratic Executive Committee, and member of the Florida Democratic Party State Executive Committee, Mason is a force for change. With a wealth of campaign experience and a deep passion for public service, Mason discusses the critical importance of youth engagement in politics, especially during off-year elections. He shares his vision for building a Democratic Party that reflects the voices and needs of young people and how he's forging alliances with young leaders across Florida to drive a bold, inclusive future. Tune in for a conversation to energize and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Discussion Topics for the Interview:

• Mason’s journey into political activism and leadership as a UNF student

• Lessons learned from serving as Gen-Z Director for Mayor Donna Deegan’s campaign

• The importance of getting young people involved during off-election years

• Building bridges: Forming a statewide network of young Democratic leaders

• Challenges young activists face when engaging with traditional political structures

• The future of the Democratic Party through the lens of Gen-Z priorities

• Strategies to make local politics more accessible and relatable for first-time voters

• Mason’s vision for Duval County, Florida, and youth participation beyond 2025

• Advice for young people thinking about getting involved in campaigns or advocacy work

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