marilyn-lands

Marilyn's Takes on Bipartisanship, Voting, and the Democratic Party

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 17:59:27 GMT

W e spoke with Marilyn Lands about the importance of bipartisanship, how to choose which candidate to vote for, and why she is running as a Democrat.

Q. Do you think it is possible to work with and be friends with people who belong to a different political party?

I absolutely think it is possible; in fact, I think most of us should be friends with people from different political parties. I have many close friends who are Republican. I do know that is not the norm, especially since we are currently so polarized and rarely interact with people who don’t think like us. But one thing I have learned from my experience as a mental health professional is that when your support groups, friends, and neighbors are diverse and think differently, you are absolutely healthier and happier.

When we only spend time with people who are just like us, we can easily fall into an echo chamber and never consider the motivations, belief systems, or experiences of others in the world. I find it so important to remember that people on both sides of the aisle often plant seeds that allow everyone to learn new things, connect with each other, and grow as individuals and as a community.

When I worked on Mike Ball’s campaign, we belonged to different parties, but what was more important was that he was my friend and neighbor. We worked well together, made good change, and had a ton of fun on his first campaign—and we are still great friends and neighbors today! I look forward to carrying that spirit with me into office, working across the aisle, and creating positive change together with my Republican colleagues.

Q. Do you have any advice for choosing which candidate to vote for?

I think it is incredibly important to look at both of the candidates carefully. Do thorough research, be mindful of the policies they espouse, and pick who you truly believe in. I do not advocate for mindless straight-party voting, as I believe we make better decisions as individuals and as a collective for our community when we are deeply informed and make free, conscious choices.

Q. Can you explain why you are running as a Democrat?

I am running as a Democrat because I truly believe we are the party of the people. We historically and currently prioritize working for the downtrodden and the oppressed.

I find this quote from Bryan Stevenson also helps answer this question: “The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.” The Democratic Party is a passionate advocate for these groups, and I believe the best way I can serve these people is by running as a Democrat and upholding the policies of the Democratic Party.

It is very important to me to care about those in the criminal justice system, as far too often they are either innocent or should not be punitively incarcerated. When it comes to petty crime and crimes committed by the mentally ill, we need to look a lot deeper at the primary causes of these issues and work to fix them from the root instead of just “putting a bandaid on a bullet hole.” I also am very passionate about economic justice. If someone is working three jobs and making meager wages, that likely does not offer them the fulfillment and joy that they deserve—especially since they are the hardworking Americans keeping our country afloat.

Unfortunately, I find that the Republican Party is increasingly the party of the elites; they might try to act like they prioritize the working class or the struggling American populace, but Democrats are the ones who actually do care (in both word and action) about fair wages, those with mental illnesses, and the many undue burdens on today’s families.

I truly believe we can restore America as a beacon of opportunity and hope. I believe we can revitalize the American Dream and the ideals of true, authentic equality that our country was founded upon. I believe the Democratic Party far better exemplifies and upholds the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and I am very proud to be running as an Alabama Democrat.

Marilyn's Love for Traveling

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:04:26 GMT

W e spoke with Marilyn about her and her family’s passion for traveling!

Q. Tell us a little bit about where you’ve traveled and what exploring the world means to you.

Growing up, I didn’t travel too much. I spent summers and holidays at my grandparents’ house in Michigan, and my family would often accompany my father on his work trips to Cape Canaveral. However, I grew up with a deep wanderlust and always looked forward to traveling the world as an adult. This was partly inspired by my parents, whose prized possession was a photo album with pictures of them at every state sign—I think they were only missing two or three!

When Rob and I were dating, we mostly traveled around the South. We loved the hospitality, hiking areas, beds and breakfasts, and different communities of this region. We adore traveling in the United States, and although we haven’t yet visited as many states as my parents, we’re getting pretty close! In fact, just a couple weeks ago Rob and I visited Wisconsin for the first time and absolutely loved it. One of our favorite activities during our domestic travels is eating in various American cities and trying out all of their specific famed or cultural foods. We also love to go on “foodie tours,” which consists of guided food-related travel all across a city, getting a chance to explore and eat at their top culinary sites. San Francisco and New Orleans were by far the best foodie tours we’ve ever been on, and exceeded my already high expectations!

For our honeymoon, we went on my first international trip to Italy, and it was truly fabulous. We visited Venice, Rome, and Florence, and also stayed in Santa Margarita right on the Italian Riviera. The view there was absolutely beautiful, and I cannot wait to get back there one day. I have also been fortunate enough to visit France, Spain (we even saw a bullfight!), Portugal, several Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Canada. Rob and my son Jordan have actually gone far more places than I have—Jordan has already visited five continents and is anxious to check the sixth and seventh (Australia and Antarctica) off his list!

Due to the international travel that comes with my husband’s job, we have been very lucky to avail ourselves of frequent flier miles and hotel points, allowing our travels to be much more affordable. Also due to my husband’s job, I’ve been able to tag along to Israel with him five times. It is one of my favorite places in the world and I truly love so much of the country. Not only do I love the Holy Sites—they are a must for any trip to Israel—but I am also enamored with all of the small, ancient cities and ports. One incredible Israeli spot is Jaffa, which is the world’s oldest continually-operating port and has been running for over 4,000 years! I also love Israel for how it puts America into context; we think a 200-year-old building here is so old, but compared to structures and towns in the Middle East it’s still quite shiny and new!

When we travel, we also make sure to visit museums, zoos, theater and entertainment, and local attractions—but again, our favorite activity is definitely trying out new and different cuisines! Traveling has been such a gift in my life, and I am truly grateful for the ability to explore so much of the world and learn about all different peoples, histories, and cultures. Once this campaign is over and before my first session in Congress begins, planning and going on a new adventure is first on my agenda!

Marilyn's Family and Home Life

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:52:31 GMT

We talked to Marilyn Lands about the importance and value of family in her home life.

Q. Can you talk a little bit about your family life?

I have been married to my husband Robin Cozby for thirty years. In fact, we just recently celebrated our thirtieth wedding anniversary! I met my husband when I bought a new car and traded my old car in—coincidentally, Robin bought my old car and then moved into my apartment complex the same week. When I saw my old car in the parking lot, I was very curious to see who bought my car and lived in my own apartment, and ended up meeting Robin that way. Long story short, I ended up riding in that same car I traded in for an additional five years!

My husband Robin went to Vanderbilt University and got a degree in Electrical Engineering, and then received his Masters’ degree in Engineering from UAH. Robin has worked for Delta Research for the duration of his career, and is now President of the company. Robin is a wonderful cook, very gourmet in that respect, and also enjoys hiking and reading.

We have one son, Jordan, who was educated in Madison City Schools, went to Bob Jones High School, played a number of sports, excelled in debate, and was President of the High School Democrats of America. Jordan graduated from Yale University in 2020 and now lives and works in Washington, D.C. Jordan enjoys traveling and reading, and is currently busy preparing for the LSAT.

Our family would also not be complete without our four-footed friend, Fenice, a rescue Siberian Husky. Her name means Phoenix in Italian and she has added so much fun and joy to our life—she is truly just our special girl.

Another important dynamic of our home life is our love for entertaining. We frequently have friends and family over for dinner, game nights, and rounds of croquet. We also love the holidays—before Covid we always held large, fun-filled gatherings for Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas. We also love to serve themed or cultural meals! For instance, we love to cook authentic Middle Eastern, Portuguese, and Mexican cuisines, as we both appreciate new and different meals and adore sharing them with our friends and families. Unfortunately, our entertaining has been somewhat interrupted by Covid, as well as by my current book-writing process—I am writing a book on Sabbath-keeping right now and it takes up a lot of my time! However, we hope to be back in full swing soon, as entertaining has always been one of the largest and most wonderful parts of our family and home life.

Robin and I, as well as Fenice, recently downsized and live in a beautiful neighborhood in District 10. We love walking in our neighborhood, watching birds in our backyard, and harvesting the goodies from our garden (I am partial to our flowers and herbs, while Rob is more interested in our veggies). Our home is filled with lots of meaningful art, including many pieces that Robin brings home from his travels in Israel. We truly love this community, especially our fabulous neighbors who hail from all across the world, and one of the best parts of campaigning is that I get to meet so many more beautiful people from District 10.

Marilyn's Volunteer History

Wed, 25 May 2022 04:34:44 GMT

W e spoke with Marilyn Lands about her extensive volunteer experience within both her community and her church.

Q. How and where did you begin volunteering in Huntsville?

I was an activist from an early age—in sixth grade I started an organization called Pollution Solution to help bring awareness to and solve environmental concerns. I made posters to be displayed in local schools and community centers, and would also distribute newsletters to passers-by in Haysland Square.

As a young adult, I decided to get even more involved in the community and give my time and talent to worthwhile causes. My first venture was at Panoply of the Arts, volunteering at the popcorn concession area, and I then went on to chair the popcorn concessions for a couple years—all the free popcorn I could ever want! I then chaired a committee which encouraged locals to commit to financially supporting Huntsville's visual arts scene. And eventually, I had the honor of chairing the entire festival!

In those early years of my adulthood, a big motivation behind my volunteering was finding people I could connect to, especially since I did not go away to school. Some of the most meaningful volunteer experiences I’ve had include the Huntsville Botanical Garden, Partnership for a Drug Free Community, United Women of Color, Mental Health Association, National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)—Huntsville, Big Spring Jam, and the Huntsville Area Inclusive Community Initiative. I also taught mindfulness to students at the after-school program at the Huntsville Inner City Learning Center and often teach pro-bono classes on mental health and stress management for various churches and organizations.

I was also lucky enough to be a leader of many of these organizations, such as when I was the Board Chair of Leadership Greater Huntsville, the Board Chair of Arts Huntsville, and the Chairperson of Be The Change Alabama.

Although I am now focusing on my campaign and cannot volunteer as extensively, I still love to make time to support our community. Just a couple weekends ago, I was back volunteering at Big Spring Park for Panoply. My husband and I sponsored an art demonstration, my husband’s company sponsored events on Friday and Saturday night, and we both manned the gate, getting to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

Volunteering has been such a positive experience in my life, and I highly encourage everyone else in this community to partake any way they can! It’s a wonderful way to meet new friends, serve the people of your home, and make a difference!

Q. You’re also very involved in your church community. Could you tell us a little bit more about that?

My family and I attend church at Episcopal Church of the Nativity. I began teaching Vacation Bible School classes there when my son was young, and I then transitioned into teaching the Social Justice Sunday School class. I am a lector and lay Eucharistic Minister, and I administer Holy Communion to homebound members of the Church. I attended and graduated from Education for Ministry, a theological Scripture study program for lay members of the Episcopal Church, and am a member of Daughters of the King, a lay religious order. My husband Rob and I both serve as ushers, and my son Jordan was a long-time acolyte and lector.

I am very passionate about my Christian faith as well as my spiritual community, and am so grateful for the many Christian, community-based volunteer opportunities that Episcopal Church of the Nativity offers to me and my family.

Marilyn's Passion for Mental Health Advocacy

Wed, 11 May 2022 09:21:51 GMT

We spoke with Marilyn Lands to discuss her passion for mental health awareness and advocacy, as well as to learn some tips and tricks she’s gathered from her career as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Q. What inspired your passion for mental health?

At the time, I didn’t realize how many things in my life influenced my decision to go back to school and shift my career path towards counseling. My grandmother lived with bipolar disorder—she would be depressed for months at a time, unable to leave her chair, and then become manic, wearing bows and glitter in her hair. It made me very sad as a child, because I dearly loved my “happy” grandmother, but had a hard time when she was the “sad” grandmother. It was also very distressing for my family, because my grandfather really struggled with figuring out how to help and support her.

I feel like most families understand this struggle, especially in older families and communities, because many of us feel that we have an aunt who’s a bit “off,” or an uncle who is hard to understand or deal with. But we often don’t think that they could have a genuine diagnosis or might need professional help in order to feel better and live their best lives. As such, I definitely feel that my personal family history was a subconscious factor in my decision to work in counseling and therapy.

I’ve always been a helper and a listener, and was often told I might be a good therapist. This also influenced my decision to finally go back to school and get my Master’s degree in counseling.

During school, I interned with our community mental health center and served in the day treatment program with seriously mentally ill patients. I was admittedly scared at first, but quickly grew to love and care for them. Even though they struggled with mental health issues, they still had the same wants, needs, hopes, and dreams as everyone else.

I also became deeply concerned with the stigma surrounding people with mental illness, especially regarding the divide between physical and mental illness. Our brains are an organ like any other organ, and things that go awry should be treated as seriously and with as much sensitivity as something that goes wrong in the heart or the lungs.

One of the first clients I ever worked with was a young man who had just been admitted to law school when he had his first psychotic break and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He went on to become a therapist himself and successfully wrote and published a book that I have the honor of being included in. I’ve also worked with people with severe mental illnesses and substance abuse issues, as well as children and adolescents—a very wide array of diverse illnesses, situations, and circumstances.

Q. What are some simple lessons you can teach us regarding mental health?

I firmly believe that much of the rise of mental health issues today has to do with our modern way of living—think of our 24/7 lifestyle, wanting everything done immediately, and having instant access to almost anything. I often tell clients and audiences that there are three things that would resolve many mental health issues today, as well as general stress and anxiety: embrace silence, move your body, and utilize sunlight.

In our modern world, think of how much noise there is everywhere: the hum of the refrigerator, HVACs make sound, electronic notifications—some clients even tell me they turn on the TV when it’s quiet because they can’t deal with silence. But we need some quiet! It’s not bad to listen to music, but I highly encourage everyone to occasionally go into nature with no headphones and just be cognizant of your surroundings and relish in the moment.

I am also a proponent of moving more, engaging our bodies, and physically working harder. In previous generations, the average person would be working hands-on, active jobs like farming or building, not living and working sedentary lives in offices and at desks. Exercise, gardening, and hiking are some great and easy ways to get your body moving and keep yourself both physically and mentally healthy.

Finally, we need sunlight! My mother always touted the benefits of Vitamin D, and for many years she would make sure to sit outside and get her sunlight quota each and every day. A nice, quiet walk or run is a wonderful way to engage all three of these ideas at once—to multitask, which of course our modern society is so fond of doing!

If we want to heal our mental health issues as a society, I strongly encourage us all to work on those three simple things. 1 in 4 Americans has a diagnosable mental illness, so not just symptoms of a mental health issue, but an actual diagnosable condition. Since it is clearly so common, it is very important that we work on reducing stigma and shame regarding these very normal, very prevalent health concerns.

Marilyn's Career Path

Wed, 04 May 2022 06:23:39 GMT

We spoke with Marilyn Lands to learn more about her dynamic career path, as well as how her various professions have prepared her well to work as a Representative in Montgomery.

Q. Can you explain a bit more about your career history, as well as how your past professions will be useful as a Representative?

My first jobs were in high school, as a Baskin-Robbins and local grocery store employee. While attending UAH, I worked full-time at what was then Henderson National Bank and went to school in the evening—I feel that much of what I know about finance I learned from that work experience, rather than my collegiate coursework. After graduation, I was offered a job at Boeing, where I worked for the next seven years as a Market Analyst. Lots of my coworkers at Boeing were from different parts of the country, which was a very fun, exciting, and informative experience—I even ventured out of my comfort zone to join the company bowling team!

My next job was working as the Director of Marketing for the Madison County Airport Board Authority. I worked there for six years, and was lucky enough to be present during the development and construction of the new concourse and attend the Paris Air Show—all through my job. This job helped me to stretch my marketing muscles, taught me how to conceptualize and plan important events, and emphasized the importance of working with a good team. At some point, however, I began to long for something different.

If you know me, you know that I am very much a helper type by nature. As much as I loved my jobs up to this point, I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. I had always dreamed of being a counselor, but because I received a degree in Business, I felt that this dream was impossible to achieve—looking back, this was a powerful learning moment in terms of not saying no to myself. I was certain that I would need a PhD to become a therapist, but after learning more about the field, I realized this was not the case.

As the proverb says, a thousand mile journey starts with the very first step. My first step was researching programs and discovering that this dream was very possible, even at colleges within my own community. As soon as I entered school for my counseling degree, I felt a great sense of calm and knew that this was the right decision for me. In fact, I felt no anxiety or busyness for quite some time while getting my Masters—until I had my son and, of course, got quite busy again.

After graduating, I worked on Gallatin Street at Wellstone Mental Health (which, at that time, was Mental Health Center of Madison County), working in marketing half of the time and PR the other half of the time. I eventually shifted over to counseling full-time, and then became director of the Counseling Services Division. However, when my son was six years old he became unhappy in after-school care, and I decided to transition back to part-time work in order to pick him up after school—a great decision that I was fortunate to make.

After many wonderful years at Wellstone, I started my own part-time private practice, operating out of my home. I still work in private practice now, and also mentor people studying to receive their Professional Counseling Licensure from the state of Alabama.

My diverse career path has been a truly fun and fulfilling journey, as I have been able to learn so much from each job and am continuously able to bring old skills into new positions. I believe that all people can excel in this world, and that one way to encourage success is by allowing everyone to play to their strengths. I am very lucky that I have been able to do that, no matter what new interest I have or what path I choose to embark on. Because of this, I have also been fortunate enough to feel that I am always at the right place and right time in terms of my career choices.

Unfortunately, this is quite different from what I hear many of my clients say during their counseling sessions—instead, they often must work in jobs that do not fit them, or that were someone else’s plan or idea. As a counselor, I strongly encourage people to follow their own path and forge their own way, especially in terms of their career, as this mindset has served me well within my own professional life. I now hope to motivate and encourage individual success on a more systemic level in Montgomery, helping allow citizens of our great state to follow their passions and achieve professional excellence.

The Importance of Voting

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 19:02:30 GMT

W e spoke with Marilyn Lands about the importance of voting—especially in local elections.

Q. Does voting actually make a difference?

Yes, voting absolutely does make a difference! Voting allows people to have ownership in the electoral process so they have a real say and agency in decisions that will affect them, their families, and their communities.

An individual's choice to vote is also very important in smaller elections like mine, because a literal handful of votes can turn the tide in favor of one candidate or another. For instance, Rita Hart, a Democratic politician from Iowa, lost her race by only six votes! Had just a few more members of her community expressed their opinion at the polls, Hart likely would have won and been able to enact powerful, meaningful change in her home.

When voting information becomes available after elections, I often marvel at the data from two different perspectives. First of all, what a wonder it is that so many registered voters do make their voices heard at the polls! We are so lucky to live in a nation in which our opinions, hopes, and dreams matter, where we can change both the present and future with a simple ballot.

At the same time, however, I always wonder what the state of our country would be like if more people voted. As Vice President Kamala Harris said in November 2020, “When we vote, we win.” Historically and statistically, the more Americans vote, the more likely Democrats are to win. In order to enact sustainable, equitable legislation, as well as to create a more promising future for our children, it is imperative that we vote!

It is understandable to be frustrated with the electoral process in America, or to feel like one person cannot make a difference. But I highly encourage everyone to vote, no matter what their political leaning may be. If you are not currently a registered voter or are new to the area, websites like votesaveamerica.com are there to help explain and streamline the process—from learning how to get politically involved to understanding the importance of elections to getting registered, this website is an incredibly useful and accessible resource.

Voting is a right that we must cherish and protect, as well as one of the most effective ways to make our voices heard and pursue a more perfect union—and especially in local elections, your vote will truly make a difference.

Q. You are running as a Democrat, but are politically moderate. Can you elaborate on that?

North Alabama is an incredible place—we have put a man on the moon, developed innovative medical cures, and helped create the most technologically proficient military in the world. We did this not as Democrats or Republicans, but as people determined and motivated to work together and find solutions.

As I've been calling friends and neighbors to inform them about our campaign, they often say, “But Marilyn, I'm a Republican!” And I always respond, “I know, but you are also my friend. I want to work for you, and I’d love your support!”

This campaign can be for Republicans, Democrats, and everyone in between—at our core, we all want the same things in terms of education, innovation, healthcare, and more. There really was a time when we all got along, no matter how we voted or if we thought differently. We could discuss issues without fighting, we could agree to disagree, and we listened to each other. I intend to bring that same spirit back, in my campaign and eventually in Montgomery!

Marilyn's Leadership Inspirations

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 22:38:48 GMT

We spoke to Marilyn Lands about the community organizers and political leaders that have inspired and influenced her most.

Q. What contemporary politicians have been most inspiring to you, especially now as you run for office yourself?

One political leader who has been deeply inspirational for me is current Georgia gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams. She is a true role model for women who are invested in politics, especially as she worked alongside thousands of community volunteers to get out the vote in Georgia for the 2020 Presidential election and Senate run-off races. Ms. Abrams also established Fair Fight, an organization that promotes free, fair elections and empowers potential voters.

In doing so, Ms. Abrams both helped to support communities that have been historically voter-suppressed and allowed Democratic candidates to win major federal offices. The love Ms. Abrams has for her community, as well as the passion she has for increasing civic engagement and progressivism in the South, are very motivating to me as I seek office to support and improve my own Southern community.

Another political leader who has inspired me is former-President Jimmy Carter. Beyond just his presidency, Mr. Carter is a true humanitarian advocate and public servant—even now, at 97 years old, he is still dedicated to human rights activism and charity work. Mr. Carter has stayed true to his beliefs—both politically and religiously—during the entirety of his time in office as well as after, which is something that I find very meaningful. He is a genuinely good man, and I look to him as a role model in both politics and life itself.

Locally, I have always been influenced by the bipartisanship of Alabama House Representative Mike Ball. As one of the few moderate Republicans in Montgomery, his tenure has been one of reaching across the aisle to solve problems, implement new ideas, and improve life for all Alabamians. I aspire to bring this same unity and camaraderie to Montgomery as a State Representative, and am grateful to him for his example of bridging political gaps and working with both parties for the good of our community.

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the recently-departed U.S. Representative John Lewis. An icon in both Alabamian and American politics, Rep. Lewis worked to end segregation in the South, as well as to establish the right to vote for Black Americans. He is an American hero, and I will forever be inspired by his devotion to equality, peace, and justice—all of which were informed by the Christian faith that he and I share.

Q. What other community leaders have positively influenced you?

I was a member of Leadership Greater Huntsville Class 5 and was very interested in both the servant leadership of Robert Greenleaf and Quaker styles of leadership, especially those expressed by Parker Palmer. One of my favorite quotes from Parker Palmer is, “The best leaders are clear. They continually light the way, and in the process, let each person know that what they do makes a difference. The best test as a leader is: Do those served grow as persons; do they become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become leaders?” This sentiment is something that I am also very inspired by, in both leaders I look up to and in myself as a leader.

I also attended the National Leadership Council once and was inspired by people from Earlham College, who spoke about decision-making in the Quaker tradition. They described decision-making as a process similar to growing a plant: we all have something to contribute—gifts, talents, strength—so someone might be soil, someone might be light, someone might be fertilizer, but we’re all working together to grow the plant.

The NLC taught that Quakers make decisions by consensus and also utilize silence, stillness, and thought in their meetings, which as a counselor and contemplative person I think is very valuable, since it ensures that we are actually focusing on what people say— not just thinking of how we should respond.

As an Episcopalian, I am also very inspired by our current bishop, Michael Curry, due to his mission of love and wisdom. In the same vein, I am very thankful for all the small leaders on my spiritual path; as someone who did not grow up in church, they were so welcoming in terms of worship and spirituality and allowed me to become the very passionate Christian that I am today. As a student in the 2022 Cohort of the Living School, I also look up to Father Richard Rohr, Rev. Dr. Barbara Holmes, Rev. Dr. Brian McLaren, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault, and Dr. James Finley—all wonderful, wise Christian leaders.

And finally, I am so inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and Howard Thurman, who both stirred people's imagination about what change could be in a manner that still bears fruit today—they are truly prophetic voices.

Meet Marilyn Lands

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:49:52 GMT

W e spoke with Marilyn Lands to learn a bit more about her background, the motivations behind her campaign, and her life off the campaign t rail.

Q. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Huntsville, Alabama. My parents came to Huntsville when I was a toddler so that my father could work with Werner von Braun at NASA. I attended high school at Grissom and went to college at the University of Alabama at Huntsville and Alabama A&M University. I have lived in District 10, the district that I hope to represent, for over thirty years.

Q. Tell us about your life and family today.

I have been married for 30 years to my husband, Robin Cozby. We have one 24-year-old son, Jordan, who currently lives in Washington, D.C. and works on Capitol Hill. We also have a rescue dog, Fenice, a Siberian Husky. My family and I recently decided to move to a smaller house within our district in order to downsize, and we love our simpler life!

Q. Why are you invested in the success of this community?

I believe Madison County has an incredible amount of potential, but that we need to continue to grow and improve so we can become the true gem of Alabama. I am also deeply invested in the people of North Alabama—we are an unusual and dynamic community, composed of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. The people of this region have a lot to offer, ranging from engineering and manufacturing to entertainment, commerce, and the arts.

Additionally, as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am very passionate about healthcare—particularly mental health—and how it can be reformed to better serve this community.

Education is another area in which I am invested, as both myself and my family were educated by local public schools. I believe that everyone deserves an equitable, quality education that prepares them well for the future, and will thus fight for an end to any educational disparities in our state.

Our community also has wonderful economic prospects, especially Redstone Arsenal and Marshall Space Flight Center. We are a very pro-business county, and I am dedicated to expanding and refining our business capabilities.

Q. What led you to run for office?

Twenty years ago, I worked as Representative Mike Ball’s first campaign manager. My 24-year-old son is shocked that there was once a time when a Democrat could work for a Republican, when our community had a more bipartisan spirit, and when neighbors, friends, and family members could remain close and loving even with different political ideas. But there was such a time.

Several years ago I again partnered with Mike Ball, who has a heart for mental health reform, in order to pass legislation that protects children with mental health issues. Working to pass this bill planted a seed in my mind, and so I decided to run for AL HD-10 this year when Mike Ball decided to retire. Working with Mike Ball on this bill proved to me that a person really can make a difference when they get involved in what they are dedicated to, and I realized that it was time for me to get involved in politics in order to serve my community. I always admired Mike for his bipartisanship and his ability to work across party lines, and I hope to bring that same ethic and spirit to Montgomery as a State Representative.

Additionally, during the initial COVID-19 lockdowns, I spent a lot of time reflecting on many local issues and potential solutions. During this time I was also reminded of the beauty of our North Alabama home—I frequently picnicked by the Tennessee River, watched bald eagles soaring in the sky, and relished our temperate weather.

I realized that Alabama deserves leaders who will listen to the needs of the community and work to create and implement solutions. We have the potential to lead the way in the United States, and we can and will do so much better. Together, we can make a difference.

Q. What do you like to do for fun?

I am an avid reader, and love to visit and engage with our local libraries and bookstores. I also adore traveling, and have been fortunate enough to travel all across the world with the help of my husband’s frequent-flier miles. Notably, I have been to Israel five times, and it remains one of the most incredible places I have ever visited. It is a humbling and profound experience to visit somewhere so much older than my home in Alabama, to reflect on the lives that our ancestors lived, and to learn as many lessons from these ancient worlds and people as possible. Finally, I love to putter in my garden. I take such joy in watching the things I plant slowly grow and bloom, as well as watching the birds and the beautiful changes in nature as seasons pass by.

Q. What else are you involved in within our community?

I have enjoyed a long and varied professional career within Madison County. I have worked in banking, aerospace, the Madison County Airport Authority, community mental health, and currently I work in private practice. My career path has been very dynamic and exciting, especially as I have learned over the years that I carry skills from previous positions into my next jobs—particularly bringing older lessons and ideas into new leadership positions.

I was a member of Huntsville/Madison County Leadership Class 5 and continue to be involved in the alumni association. I chaired several committees of Panoply, a local arts festival, and in 1994 I was the chair of the festival as a whole. I then transitioned to become the Board President of both Leadership Huntsville/Madison County and Arts Huntsville. I am an active member of the Episcocal Church of the Nativity, where I have taught Sunday School and served in other ministries. I currently work as a leader within the Diocesan Commission on Spirituality. I practice Sabbath-Keeping and Centering Prayer, and am currently a member of the 2022 Cohort of The Living School (a program focused on contemplation and Christian study).