YEO Frontline News 2nd Quarter, 2016 | Page 12

COVER Front Line Leaders Academy: Where Are They Now? YEO Notes Congratulations to Florida state Senator Dwight Bullard who has been named the 2016 Legislator of the Year by the American Muslim Democratic Caucus. “Senator Bullard was chosen to receive the award for his outstanding leadership and service to his constituency,” said Ghazala Salam, the organization’s president. “His exemplary service to his constituency, mature judgement and enlightened conscience are lessons from which other legislators could learn.” POLICY NETWORKING Since our inaugural class of Front Line Leaders Academy Los Angeles, 33 young progressive leaders have learned what it takes to be a field, finance or communications director as well as a campaign manager and candidate. They have put the skills they have learned to the test and graduated from Detroit Councilwoman Mary Sheffield created an initiative the program. aimed at helping improve residents’ quality of life and combatting violence. It was the first of her “Occupy the Corner” events this So where are they now? summer, which are slated to run biweekly through August. Alumni have gone on to be appointed commissioners all Sheffield, who represents the city’s District 5 and chairs the over Los Angeles County, including the youngest youth Neighborhood and Community Services standing committee, commissioner in the history of Hawthorne, the planning launched the program in 2014 and has also issued a resolution declaring June Gun Violence Awareness Month in Detroit. commissioner in the city of Artesia, and the commissioner on the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Congratulations to Hawaii state Representative Kaniela Ing and family, who welcomed their first child in May 2016. Some alumni, like the new executive director at OCAGreat Los Angeles, have moved into leadership positions Congratulations to Tupelo, Mississippi Mayor Jason Shelton on recently tying the knot. at area nonprofits. Alumni have also continued their work in all areas of campaigns, from volunteer coordinators to Georgia state Representative Erica Thomas is in the process of opening a home for 10 foster children. We applaud Rep. campaign managers. Thomas’s commitment to public service. If you are interested in being a mentor or supporting these young leaders, please email Karen Schillinger at Congratulations to Colorado state Representatives Brittany Pettersen and Faith Winter who were recently named [email protected]. Legislators of the Year. Special congratulations to Neighborhood Board Member Wes Farrow on his recent engagement. Congratulations to Mayor Jose Gurrola on his recent graduation from California State University, Bakersfield. ME MB ERS HIP Congratulations to Connecticut state Representative Matthew Lesser on his marriage earlier this month. YEO F r o n t l i n e N e w s • S u m m e r 2016 • PG 12 w w w .YEON e t w o r k . o r g