Today’s episode features our second candidate Alaina Reaves, who was kind enough to step away from the campaign trail to tell me about running for office and what inspires her. Alaina is a veteran community organizer who understands the need for responsive representation, and has demonstrated an ability to communicate effectively with constituents. She is passionate about building connections and engaging with her community–that is why she ran to be the next Commissioner for District 1 in Clayton County, Ga.

A longtime resident of Clayton County, Reaves has been interested in community and public service ever since her days as a Girl Scout. Alaina launched her career in policy in Washington, D.C. where she interned with the late Congressman John Lewis and at the White House under President and First Lady Obama.

She spent several years as a community organizer in Clayton County where she advocated for voting rights and civic engagement. She formerly served as the President of the Clayton County Young Democrats, Chair of the Black Caucus for the Young Democrats of Georgia, and Political Director for the Clayton County Democratic Party. In June of 2020, Reaves made history when she was elected as the youngest Democratic National Committee member to represent the state of Georgia. Her election was on October 19 and this conversation happened about 3 weeks from then.