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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In this inspiring episode of Voices of Florida House District 14: Love Thy Neighborhood, host Therese V. Wakefield-Gamble (2026 Candidate for FLHD14) welcomes Michelle Buckley—an accomplished mortgage banking professional turned community powerhouse, public speaker, and environmental justice advocate.

With over 20 years of experience in mortgage finance, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge in lending, project management, and economic development. Her personal journey—marked by resilience through grief, volunteer service, and a commitment to purpose—has evolved into a multifaceted career rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.

Michelle currently serves as the and as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Duval Democratic Environmental Caucus and the Chief Relationship Officer for the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commercewhere she leads environmental education, financial transparency, and strategic partnerships to advance sustainability in our communities. As a Duval County Public Schools Parent Champion, former PTA president, and School Advisory Council Chair at John E. Ford Montessori, she fights tirelessly for educational equity, student access, and community-driven solutions.

From school board accountability to neighborhood revitalization and minority business empowerment, Michelle Buckley is a living example of service in action. Tune in to hear her powerful message about self-sustainability, economic justice, and planting seeds for generational change.

🎧 Premiering Thursday, May 22nd at 3 PM EST
📍 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and all major platforms.

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In this powerful episode of Voices of Florida House District 14: Love Thy Neighborhood, we sit down with passionate advocate and former Florida House District 16 candidate Rachel Grage, whose tireless work continues to amplify the voices of everyday Floridians. A Jacksonville resident, Rachel has built a trusted platform that educates and empowers her community on the issues that matter most—rising insurance premiums, housing instability, healthcare access, public education, and the preservation of Florida’s natural environment.

Rachel joins host Therese V. Wakefield-Gamble to talk about her first time running for office in 2024, and after not making the mark to secure the seat, what was next for Rachel after all the energy from running as a FL State House District 16 Candidate. Rachel for Florida is where Rachel break down the legislative noise in Tallahassee and offer insight into how citizens can stay informed and get engaged—especially when political gridlock overshadows people’s needs. With a rich background in science, the arts, and decades of family caregiving, Rachel brings a unique blend of intellect, empathy, and lived experience to Florida’s civic discourse.

Now serving as Legislative Liaison for the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Rachel remains an active voice through her Rachel for Florida pages on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube—where she continues to decode policy, connect with constituents, and speak truth to power. Her unwavering mission: show up, speak out, and keep fighting for a Florida that puts people over politics.

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#SundaySelfAwarenessSeries

Today, we’re getting real about why who represents you in Florida House District 14 ain’t just about fancy speeches or election year promises. It’s about your everyday life — your rent, your paycheck, your kid’s school, that clinic down the street, even the potholes on your block.

In FLHD14, we have an overwhelming majority of registered Democrats — mostly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color — but if we don’t show up strong for the August 18, 2026 Primary Election, we could end up with leaders who don’t move like we move, or fight for what we need.

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This is not just a podcast—it’s a platform. A megaphone. A movement.
Let’s build people power and love thy neighborhood, together. 💙

#VoicesOfDistrict14 #LoveThyNeighborhood #FLHD14 #VoteTherese #GrassrootsMedia #PeoplePoweredPolitics #PodcastLaunch #DailyKos #BlueFlorida #BlackWomenLead #CommunityStorytelling

In this powerful and inspiring episode, Therese V. Wakefield-Gamble, 2026 candidate for Florida House District 14, welcomes civil rights legends Dr. William Ferguson Sr. and Dr. William Ferguson Jr. to reflect on the hard-won battles for voting rights in the Capital of the Confederacy in the State of Virginia—and what those lessons mean for today’s political landscape.

From confronting poll taxes and dismantling voter suppression schemes in Virginia, to leading historic efforts like the Crusade for Voters and serving in the state legislature, the Fergusons share firsthand accounts of the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement. Dr. Ferguson Sr.'s extraordinary 100th birthday recognition underscores the living history that continues to shape America's democracy.

Therese also discusses her own campaign strategy for FLHD14, emphasizing precinct-by-precinct organizing, building a strong voter turnout operation, and the urgent need to educate new voters ahead of the 2026 primary election. Together, they explore innovative voter outreach models like the "90 for 90" initiative, and how to recruit diverse candidates—including Black, rural, and veteran voices—to ensure every community has a seat at the table.

This episode is a testament to honoring the legacy of those who conquered Jim Crow in Virginia and a call to action for a new generation to protect and expand the right to vote.

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Therese V. Wakefield-Gamble is a Jacksonville native, educator, entrepreneur, published author, and faith-based community advocate running to represent Florida House District 14 in 2026. A brain aneurysm survivor who overcame three surgeries without stroke or heart attack, Therese’s resilience and faith guide her bold leadership. She is the Founder and CAO of CRPCNOW (a JSEB-Certified Firm and KIVA Partner), Founder of Putting People and Community First PAC, and Chapter President of the Duval Democratic Environmental Caucus. A dual doctoral candidate at National University (Trauma-Informed Practices and SEL), she is an international speaker featured in H&R Block’s Global Campaign for Financial Literacy. Therese and her husband Earnest Sr., a licensed deacon, lead Motivational Marketplace Mobile Outreach Ministry and are studying to become Kingdom Chaplains. Therese’s campaign prioritizes education, healthcare, housing, economic justice, and voting rights — always with a people-first approach: “From the Neighborhood, For the Neighborhood.”
🔗 VoteThereseForFL.com