Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka takes us on a remarkable journey from her childhood living above a family-owned Dairy Queen to her current role as Senate Democratic Leader in New Hampshire. With warmth and humor, she reveals how the practical lessons from her small business upbringing continue to shape her approach to both politics and parenthood.
"No one is coming to save you," she reflects, describing the self-reliance instilled by her early years decorating ice cream cakes and serving customers. This problem-solving mindset has proven invaluable throughout her career, from her time studying at Phillips Exeter Academy, Dartmouth College, and Cornell Law School to her transformative two-year Peace Corps service in Senegal, West Africa.
The conversation takes particularly fascinating turns when Senator Perkins Kwoka describes teaching business skills to women in her West African village and the profound perspective she gained on American opportunity. Now balancing life as a senator, renewable energy company lawyer, and mother to three daughters under six, she brings a refreshingly practical approach to public service.
Housing affordability emerges as her signature issue, stemming from her concern about New Hampshire's aging demographics and her desire to create communities where young families can thrive. From conducting zoning audits as a law student to championing comprehensive housing reforms on the Portsmouth City Council and now in the Senate, her commitment to practical problem-solving transcends partisan divides.
The senator's stories about involving her young daughters in politics—from bringing her infant to city council meetings to her five-year-old meeting Vice President Kamala Harris—highlight her belief in exposing children early to civic engagement. As she bridges professional ambition with motherhood, her perspective offers valuable insights for anyone navigating multiple roles while seeking to build stronger communities.
Have you encountered a leader who brings such diverse life experiences to their public service? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about how we can all contribute to building more connected, affordable communities.
Anything But Politics is a groundbreaking new podcast that is redefining how we view political figures by focusing on everything about them—except their political careers. Co-hosted by former journalist and media expert Tiffany Eddy and seasoned lobbyist and ex-politico Tom Prasol, this video podcast dives into the personal lives, passions, and pivotal experiences of notable figures, offering a refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.
