Courtney Leader is a parent advocate from the southwest Missouri region who discovered her passion for advocating during the inaugural Kids Win Cohort. Once she had a solid understanding of how bills are introduced and eventually become laws, she felt drawn to make systems-level change. There is so much power in lived experiences, and as the expert on her own life, she has used that to drive her mission. What started as a passion for protecting children and strengthening families has grown into so much more. Today, she is a full-time student, mom of five, Parent Café facilitator, and no stranger to advocacy. She will continue to help others find their voice and the courage to advocate. Learn more about Courtney here!
What did you learn from your experience as a fellow with KWM?
I gained confidence in my storytelling and advocacy skills as well as how to follow a piece of legislation through the process of becoming a bill. This was a great opportunity to learn.
What, if any, advocacy have you done since becoming a member of the Alumni Network? Or what do you plan to do?
I have continued to build relationships with lawmakers who represent me in the state. I applied for the Missouri Partners in Policymaking to learn how to effectively advocate for Missourians with disabilities. I have spoken to our United States legislators to discuss concerns about pending federal bills.
Share something exciting that has happened or you expect to happen during this last/next year!
My family’s story was featured by CNN and I also was asked to do an interview with NBC. I am so excited to give a voice to those who haven’t learned how to advocate yet. There is so much power in lived experience and being able to pull from that to advocate is a beautiful thing.
Was is your favorite memory of your time in the fellowship?
Building relationships and the way that those organically turn into more opportunities to advocate. My time in the fellowship led to the discovery of my passion! This discovery is a big part of the reason I am going back to school and continue to push for systems level change!
What is something you have gained from being part of the Alumni Network?
Confidence, and lifelong friends and connections.